Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Madhesi issue has to be given top priority

Dambar Bahadur K.C, Dhanusha, Shop Owner

The interim constitution has been approved by the parliament. There are many commitments and assurances made by the leaders during Janaandolan-II that are reflected in the interim constitution. Making commitments are comparatively easier than the process of implementation them. The leadership now should focus on implementing those assurances than making further commitments.

Unfortunately, there are still some groups displeased over the current positive developments. Unexpectedly the Madeshi-Pahadi issue is now taking a high toll in the country. This issue has to be given the top most priority by the concerned authority. On the part of the Madhesi groups that are on a rampage at the moment should first think that even the Pahade communities making their home in Madesh are Nepalese and the Madhsi communities making their home in Pahad are also Nepalese. I hope that there would be no discrimination in the country on the basis of people’s origin.

Lessons are to be learnt from the Maoists’ who chose peaceful means over violence to enter into the main stream politics. Anyway the future Maoists’ democratic credentials are to be watched carefully. I hear that the Maoist cadres are still violating the peace agreement signed with the government and they are still involved in pressuring men voicing opposing views. This should not be done. Rather all Nepalese should unite to make a New Nepal.

Maoists must be given a chance

Hem Karna Rai, Solukhumbu, Student

I have taken the ratification of the interim constitution very positively. Still the major concern among the mass seems to be the durability of the current peace that has come into existence after a decade old Maoists rebellion with so much of sacrifice.

The current flexibility exhibited by the Maoists is positive and it seems that they have finally understood that non-violence is the only way to achieve lasting peace. Thus the Maoists have to be given a chance.

The current worrying incidents coming from the Nepali Terai is frightening but the job should be correctly and immediately addressing the problems. Mistakes were made in the past taking the Maoist issues very lightly, thus the Madhesi grievances should not be taken in such way.

Contrary to a few people in the country who claim that the new constitution has not been an inclusive one, I think that the present constitution can not be more inclusive than it is now. There might be tiny errors committed while making them but not very huge. But errors are to be corrected gradually.

Madhesi demands are illogical and are a ploy to divide the country

Madan Thapa, Tanahu, Student

I too take the passing of the Interim Constitution by the parliament positively. The future steps of the newly appointed law makers should be to provide a peaceful outlet to the present crisis. Implantation issue bears additional importance.

The Maoists’ too have joined the parliament, they are making commitments after commitments but implementing them has been difficult. Thus the Maoists democratic credibility is still very suspicious. Adding to this suspicion, the absence of the majority of the politburo members in the Interim Parliament is also doubtful. I think the Maoists leadership fearing their ability to work upon their commitments, might have opted to stay out of the parliament. In addition this may also be their tactic to get cheap popularity among the people that is also a part of the frequently occurring Maoist stunts.

I recently heard the interview of Jwala Singh, the chief of the JTMM (Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha) in a local radio station. I think that his demands are not logical and it is just a ploy to divide the country. Presently, the questions that are raised on the making of an inclusive constitution are also irrational. We have to understand that this is an interim constitution promulgated for merely four months. This constitution has come into existence for the purpose of conducting Constituent Assembly elections and nothing else.

Abolition of monarchy is the popular demand

Dilli Ojha, Biratnagar, Pharmacist

There are sill issues such as total democratization, inclusiveness and proportionality to be added in the interim constitution that has been passed by the Interim Parliament with a majority vote. The positive development is the agreement among the stake holders to bring an end to the 237 years old monarchy but unless it is totally abolished the chances of yet another revolution can not be negated. The popular demand at the moment is the abolition of monarchy and this has to be addressed properly.

In my opinion raising questions on the Maoist democratic credentials is ridiculous. As they have been inducted into the parliament voluntarily there is no space left to pose such questions. I can assure that the communist ideology does not pose threat to a democratic system.

On the issue of the major Maoist leaders residing out side the parliament, the confusion on the position of monarchy and army in the interim statute is the main reason. As the CA elections are conducted there is no reason Prachada and Baburam not participating in the parliament. Further, the people should look for the reactionaries and the supporters of monarchy who could create problem in the future and try to nullify their threat.

If the Maoists were democratic they could have participated in previous democratic elections

Janak Timilsena, Kathmandu , Leader Nepal Students’ Union

The interim constitution is promulgated at a right time. There are ample spaces to be hopeful. Still the implementation process is important. I personally feel the constitution is an inclusive one and the inclusion of parliamentarians representing different indigenous groups proves that it is a complete one. The leaders from various communities should work for uplifting their community and for the development of the nation as well. There have been assurances made by leaders representing various political parties to build a new Nepal . But to me this “New Nepal” still remains to be undefined by our leaders.

There is no other way than to be hopeful for the Maoists’ grand departure from their traditional non-democratic credentials but suspicion still remains on their democratic credentials. If the Maoists were democratic they could have participated in the previous democratic elections.

The demands put forwarded by the Madhesi community are genuine but I still feel there was no need for adopting the method of violence. There were already examples set by the Maoists in this regard; the JTMM could have learnt lessons from them.Letter to the editor