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Monarchy in Nepal is facing a very uncertain future. Whether King Gyanendra decides to move with the time and grant continuity to the institution could be a million dollar question. He could have totally avoided such a predicament after he was made to ascend the throne. But unbridled ambition to turn the clock back and disregarding saner counsels, he has hastened this misfortune and, as such, cannot put the blame on others but has to shoulder the responsibility of his ignominy himself. Since crying over split milk never produces fruitful solution, we have to look for a way out acceptable universally or to the overwhelming majority. A handful of disgruntled politicians have no authority to make this epoch changing decision of abolishing the monarchy. Whether monarchy has become redundant in Nepal is not for any political party or a few politicians or even interested and influential foreigners to decide. Since this is directly linked with the destiny of the Nepali people, it is for the Nepali people to give final verdict whether they would like to retain the monarchy. As such, there should have been a national referendum to gauge the public opinion. Since this could not be done and events have been galloping forward and cannot be retraced, the only way left for the people of Nepal to decide about the fate of monarchy is through the constituent assembly, elected in the most free and fair manner, whenever possible. As such, all political parties, civil societies and patriotic Nepalis must attach utmost importance to this single issue on which hinges not only the fate of the monarchy but peace and stability, even integrity of the country. But the lawlessness prevailing all over the country and the disinterestedness shown by the political parties to arrest such undesirable activities do not bode well for the election to the constituent assembly. In a situation where a discredited, weak, sick and unfit to rule politician, who cannot even exercise any control over his cabinet colleagues, has usurped the power and status of the King and not only the Nepali people perforce, but the external community, too, has accepted the bizarre situation. How does King Gyanendra stand legally and constitutionally? Isn’t it very strange that the learned political pundits around, who think they are the arbiter of the fate of weak and defenseless nation like Nepal and behave likewise, should stay unconcerned and let a handful of unscrupulous politicians whose loyalty to the nation can be challenged, play havoc with the destiny of the country? Where is gone their sense of justice and morality? King Gyanendra can still play a positive role, if he likes, to serve his country. Or will he decide to preside over the abolition of monarchy in Nepal? Since abolition of monarchy may push the poor nation into a dangerous and unpredictable situation, are not there enough patriotic Nepalis who should take the issue to the United Nations? After all, what is the United Nations for, if not to safeguard the interest and sovereignty of the smaller and weaker nations?
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