Thursday, January 25, 2007

Niraj Aryal

The never-ending traumatic events that have followed the Nepalese society since the start of the Maoists rebellion have both positive and negative impacts in the society.

Failure of ultra left in achieving recognition through democratic procedures with the reinstatement of democracy might have triggered the revolt, call it shrewdness or a horrific tactic in the part of the Maoists, but it has brought them recognition after twelve years of non-stop fighting. The cost that the country has paid during these years is of course very high for the Maoists to pay back. But are the Maoists solely responsible?

The fact one has to understand at this juncture is that the Maoists success is solely based upon the loopholes such as ethic, regional, caste and economic inequality, which presented for an easy cashing. The argument that the conflict has brought positives takes into account an assumption that if the flaws that are exposed are to be corrected then we can think of making a perfect society.

The political wrangling that followed with the reinstatement of democracy has some positives as well. This has facilitated to expose the people’s representatives, who had absolutely no qualification to run the nation. This added fuel to the fire- thanks that was timely lit by the Maoists. Though haphazardly managed, the democracy- helped to create awareness among the mass. Considering that mouths were shut forcefully during the suppressive panchayati regime, since the dawn of democracy in 90’s people had started expressing their views on issues concerning national politics. This was some achievement say a few political analysts. If the leaders who are the culprits for the fall of democracy in the Kingdom correct their mistakes and ask for excuse in public for their mischief, there is no point in continuing this deadlock. Do we have plenty of choices? No!

There are people in the Kingdom who out rightly negate the King’s rule under the prime-ministership of Deuba or without him. This is also a totally biased perception. The King since the beginning of his rule has been reiterating his commitments to a system based solely upon democratic values and people’s participation in the kingdom. The gravity of the situation was such that even the King’s commitments made to the public could not restore normalcy in the country. But this has also some positives. The people by now know that as a nation becomes weak and the leaders become unable to act upon their avowals, play initiated by few neighbors start bearing fruits. People by now are clear that there are those who benefit from a discord in a country present within and outside the country. The rule under the King has also helped the triangular conflict that was observed among the monarch, the political parties and the Maoists has transformed into a bi-directional one. By definition this is seen as a step forward in achieving a long-term solution to the on going crisis, indicate some pundits of international standing in the country.

For the conclusion I would like to add few lines by Rhoderick Chalmers in his recent write-up in the Indian Express who says that , there is still space and time to accommodate the Maoists, political parties and monarchy in a workable solution.

Time to act! I hope so!