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Welcome Deal
After one long decade, the Nepalis can now expect to breathe a little easier (“Midnight Achievement: SPOTLIGHT November 10). Thanks to the agreement between the seven parties and the Maoists, there is now a real possibility of peace returning to this nation. But the Maoists would need to implement the agreement and stop all their violent activities and cease intimidating tactics that have terrorized naïve people across the country. Lets hope this deal will indeed usher in a new era and a new Nepal can born out of it.
Jeevan Bista
Sanepa
Be Vigilant
Amid the euphoria, Nepalis people need to remain vigilant lest this new found opportunity be squandered by foolish acts by our leaders (“Midnight Achievement, SPOTLIGHT November 10). The agreements, by themselves, cannot bring in peace or normalcy. It depends on how they are implemented. The sincerity of leaders, parties and particularly the Maoists would determine how this agreement will be implemented. For the time being, the Maoists have agreed to send their combatants into cantonments. But there are thousands of unarmed Maoist militia roaming around the villages terrorizing the people. These militia can browbeat a common person into casting votes for particular party or candidate during the Constituent Assembly elections. It is too early to say how the Maoists will rein in their militia. If they do not work to create a totally free atmosphere, the CA will be a useless exercise. It will lack credibility in the eyes of general public as well as the international community. Therefore, the Maoist leadership has the biggest responsibility of successfully landing their rebel movement into the runway of free and fair multiparty competitive politics. But are they prepared to jettison their excess baggage when they prepare to land? The baggage of history and anachronistic ideologies would make it difficult for them to have a successful landing. They will have to throw all kinds of baggage like their outdated economic principles. This is the 21 st century and the age of economic liberalization. Concepts like collectivization of agriculture, ceiling on private property, excessive interference on individual liberty, backtracking from the reform measures would hurt the country. The Maoist may have their own idea of how they want to develop Nepal . But the experiences and examples of past century tell us that any attempt to thrust communism and its outdated concepts would result in a major disaster for the country and the people. The Maoist leadership must have learned lessons from the collapse of Soviet Union – a one-time most powerful nation in this earth – and China . The Chinese leaders were wise enough to replace Mao’s policies by liberal economics and now they are witnessing the greatest economic revolution seen by mankind. There are many other examples for the Maoists. Now that they have signed a peace deal with the seven parties, they need to demonstrate their sincerity in joining the mainstream politics – the mainstream politics does not mean their one-party rule. It means accommodating with the plural character of this nation and achieving the goals of economic prosperity of this poor nation. Maoist chairman Prachanda likes to say that Nepal can become the most developed nation in the South Asian region within next ten years. It is still unclear how he wants to achieve that vision. Is it through his party’s ideology or is it through the tried-and-tested concepts of modern economics? We are all watching very closely.
Kiran Gautam
Manbhawan
On Arms Issue
The peace deal of November 8 is historic (“Midnight Achievement: SPOTLIGHT November 10). But I think all should be alert about the successful management of arms of the Maoists. When the leaders talk about the need to restructure the army of the country and merge Maoist combatants into the state army, they must not lose focus. Look at the example of East Timor and other countries around the world. If the restructuring of the army is not done carefully, then the country will have to face another conflict soon. When merging the Maoist combatants into the state army, care must be taken to identify only those who can fit with the norms and practices of professional army of a state. Politically indoctrinated, ill-trained and wayward combatants would only do harm to the army organization. In fact, since the UN is involved in helping in the management of arms here, I presume they will be expert enough to advise the government and convince the rebels about the pitfalls that they must avoid. In fact, Ian Martin who leads the UN team here was posted in East Timor before. So he will definitely have the firsthand experience of how not to go about the arms management.
Bikas Lamsal
Gaushala
Eyes On Power
In a matter of few months, two major Power Summits were held in Kathmandu (Power Summit SPOTLIGHT November 10). One was held at the initiative of Indians and another at the initiative of Americans. It is positive development. Now the time has come for Nepalese planners and policy makers to identify proper projects for foreign investment. They must keep the interest of Nepal uppermost in their mind when reaching any deal with interested foreign investor. It is true that without foreign investment, the huge water resources of Nepal cannot be tapped. Therefore, the job for Nepalese is clearly cut out – try and negotiate best bargain with the investors.
Sitaram Adhikary
Kopundole
Adieu To 1990 Constitution
The 1990 Constitution is going to be replaced soon (People and Constitution, SPOTLIGHT November 10). Now that it is going to be replaced, some people are debating about its salient features and positive aspects. I find it ludicrous that these lawyers and experts are now hailing the constitution when it is certain to die. Where were they and what were they doing when the constitution needed its defendants? The country and people cannot remain assured when its intellectual class does not call a spade a spade.
Janak Shrestha
Maharajgunj
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