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That the uprising in the Terai, the Madhesi land in southern Nepal, will take a very ugly turn if not tackled with wisdom, is such a clear writing on the wall that no Nepali with a clear vision can fail to read. That these people have been very badly victimized and discriminated for decades by the rulers of Nepal needs no emphasis. That the Madhesi politicians who have taken up the issue at this most critical situation in the country must not be influenced by emotions and communal feelings is of prime importance to keep the integrity of the country intact. They must be aware that there is no dearth of fishermen who never shirk to fish in the troubled waters. Rather they keep on muddling the waters so that they can fish with impunity. As such, the Madhesis, who are agitating for their just rights, must stay alert that they are not used by such nefarious elements. The resignation of Hridayesh Tripathi, a Madhesi political leader and minister in the SPA government, from the cabinet in protest against the interim constitution is not only justified but even commendable. Because the interim constitution does not meet the urgent requirements of democracy, neither that of the community, except a few corrupt politicians. We had already suggested that it must be scrapped right away as the most autocratic document totally unsuited to guide democracy. All those Madhesi parliamentarians who are opposing the constitution must resign from the parliament and join hands in their protest against an unjust act. We even sincerely believe that the Madhesis must head the government by virtue of their being the largest community. But they must forbear violence and vandalism as these activities not only hurt their own cause but harm their community and their own country as well.
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The death of Nona Koirala, the constant companion, comrade-in-arms, advisor and dependable friend of prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala for a long six decades must have come as an irreparable loss to him. Girija Koirala, whether he deserved or not, has headed the government in Nepal for five times and has always been acclaimed as the most democratic leader by all the big powers of the world including our big neighbor in the south. How democratic, capable and patriotic he is his past records will show. Like the big powers and the big neighbor we have no axe to grind and do always call a spade a spade. As such, we do not agree with the big powers neither with the big neighbor. But, in the circumstances prevailing in the country, we do believe, Girija Koirala could play a very important role and save the country from going to destruction or disintegration. If he can rise above personal or partisan considerations, even for once, and work in the interest of the country only his past sins would be condoned to a great extent and history might still accept him as a great politician of poor Nepal. As the Hindi saying goes, “a man is not lost if he returns at the end of the day.” At the fag end of his long political career, we do trust he will use his ‘wisdom and experience to shun the sycophants that surround him and listen to the voice of his own conscience. Since he has recently seen what sycophants can do to a ruler, he will not grudge to accept our humble advice. We also trust his admirers, near and far, will refrain from leading him astray. At this sad time of his great loss, we would like to express our heart felt condolences for him.
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