It seems the latest eight-point agreement reached between the Seven Party Alliance government and the CPN (Maoists) leadership has not totally succeeded to instill faith and confidence in either signatory. As apprehended, the undercurrent that has become much stronger in recent weeks has started influencing the course of events more than the participants directly responsible fore restoring peace and normalcy in the ravaged country. As it is, Nepal has never been able to stand up to any serious challenge on her own. No wonder, in the aftermath of the revolutionary changes brought about by the oppressed and exploited masses as a result of their unprecedented historic demonstrations and sacrifices, invisible forces have started muddling in the already troubled waters of the small poor country. In a situation where the autocracy of the monarchy has been substituted by the autocracy of the defunct House of Representatives, whose validity is too fragile as it rests not on the constitution of the country but on the imaginary mandate of the agitating crowd and could be invalidated by a strong and impartial judiciary befitting a sovereign and independent nation, even the legality of the Seven Party Alliance government could become untenable. As such, it has become most imperative that the country framed an interim constitution at the shortest possible time and formed the interim government at the earliest so that the government of the day could be accorded the indispensable constitutional validity. And this cannot materialize unless the CPN (Maoists) become partners in the government, for which the SPA government, its supporters and allies demand that they lay down the arms. And according to Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, the Maoists “won’t” lay down the arms until after the elections to the constituent assembly (see interview). And this is a stalemate that needs urgent intervention by a party agreeable to both. Since it is already almost three months, the country is being run by a government without legality, this emergency situation must not be prolonged under any pretense. But this is exactly what is happening. All those who are enjoying the perks, at the moment, want the House of Representatives as well as the SPA government to continue sine die. But the greater paradox the nation is facing is non-functioning of the government when it should have been exemplary. The head of the government has become incapacitated and unbridgeable differences amongst the constituents are making the government more ineffective. How long such precarious situation should be permitted to linger on? And who is there to take any new initiative? When the monarchy has been bereft of all authority and the Nepal Army, at the moment, demoralized, and when the government in power looks paralyzed, every constituent going its own way without any coordination, wherein lies the authority and where is country heading to? How long will the CPN (Maoists) keep up their patience? They sure have something up their sleeves. They have assured the Nepali people that they will maintain peace and will not go back to the jungle. But they have not said that they will stay silent spectators if the country moves towards disaster. Even Nepal’s good friends should no more stay unconcerned. If they really want that Nepal should no more slide towards greater destruction, they must change their preconceived mindset and sincerely help the poor people to arrest the rot. But the biggest responsibility is, indeed, that of the people of Nepal. Are they alive to the most uncertain situation they are facing? Will they rise up and come to the rescue of their own country?