Security threats

What has just happened to a businessman in the heart of the capital in broad daylight is a highly regrettable incident that brings to the fore the crumbling law and order situation in Kathmandu Valley. A group of armed robbers stormed into the office of Sanjay Agarwal and whisked away cash and goods worth millions. The incident is the latest in a series. Increasingly, businessmen and traders are becoming the target of crime. Only, numerous incidents, no matter how heinous, either go unreported or just die down mysteriously at the police stations. Without the guarantee of law and order, and only carefully chosen words of assurance from ministers, the citizens are living under the shadow of chilling insecurity and uncertainty. If this is the situation in the capital, is it any wonder that insurgents are heightening their warfare in remote parts of the country? With the escalation of Maoist activities, especially after the Dunai and Rukumkot massacres, the morale of the police force has been on the wane. Of late, reports of policemen fleeing their duty stations have become common, bringing into question the very role and responsibility of the police force, now informally divided into two groups. On one side, we have policemen of low stature who live at subsistence level. Without political clout and bargaining power, they end up in Maoist-infested districts, where every day is a toss up between life and death. On the other side of the divide, are a privileged posse who are safe from the guns and bombs of the rebels. Surprisingly, these are the trigger-happy and passive bystanders during crime, petty or horrendous. Incidents where officers of the law turn up too late or observe strict passivity are not rare or out of the way. The nexus between police and culprits continues. As such, people are fast losing their faith in the law enforcing agencies. So much so, a sense of lawlessness prevails.

When Girija Prasad Koirala donned the mantle of premiership last year, he came not only accompanied by his loyal lieutenants, but also with pledges of imminent change on the law and order front. One whole year has since elapsed, and he is still finding it difficult to restore law and order in the country. It can be said in all fairness then that the Koirala government has failed more miserably than the Bhattarai-led government, at least on this front. Despite waning popularity and credibility, the government seems to be more than determined to tolerate anarchy while political leaders play out their vested interests. Whenever a serious misdeed occurs, more so under intensive media coverage, the police appear to handle it with seemingly seasoned efficiency and promptness. Investigations are set up only to be dumped after the public pressure dies down. Little wonder, criminals remain at large even after years of manhunt. Under other circumstances, they manage to go scot-free or are made to pay a measly amount as fine. Due to such practices, immoral elements like thugs, robbers and criminals have a field day. The government talks endlessly of the need to deploy not just the armed police force but also the army to restore peace in the Maoist-affected districts. Which means that the police need to be escorted by armymen. If this is the case, can ordinary citizens fall back on the police for protection? Or do they have to call upon the military for maintaining law and order within the country? If the government finds the task of infusing a sense of security in the public too taxing, it should hand over to those who have a greater knack. That would serve to undo some damage done to the reputation of the Koirala government.

Sexist clip

Mero Nepal (My Nepal), that’s a catchy phrase these days, especially at a time when the whole country is in chaos, when the question of national sovereignty and external interference are propping up. As I was watching a TV clip, I felt a surge of patriotism flowing through me. An old man in a dhaka topi (Nepali cap), a younger one, then a Limbu man... And so it went. Throughout the clip, Mero Nepal was represented by men- oldies, youngsters, Chhetris, men from the Terai. I sat there, refusing to believe that such a sexist clip could be shown on the national TV. And then, an idea occurred to me. Of course, this was a commercial show to promote the famous Nepali dhaka material! But hang on, it’s not just caps that are made of dhaka, I have a blouse made of that too! I stopped looking for a justification for the clip. Whatever the purpose of the advertisement, more than 10 million Nepalese women, including me (and hopefully some men), this clip served only to reiterate the presence of the patriarchal society that we live in, one which refuses to change. If the media, one of the most influential organs in any society, is not willing to fulfil its responsibility for promoting the idea of equality between men and women, what can we expect of our (presently non-existent) government and other institutions?

Rama
On e-mail

Nepal and its neighbours

By Kirti Nidhi Bista

China has been assisting Nepal in her efforts to build the necessary infrastructure such as roads, power, public transport and various others. In addition, essential industrial units such as leather and shoes factory, paper factory and brick and tile factory have been established on grant-in-aid basis. A sports facility was created with Chinese grant recently adding another chapter in Sino-Nepali cooperation. The newer agreements on: technology-transfer in agriculture, cooperation in economic and technical fields, speak of China’s newly acquired strength in science, technology and investment. By making Nepal as one of the selected tourist destinations for Chinese travellers, China’s unquestioned cooperation and support to the well being of Nepal and the Nepalese is quite gratifying.

Nepal, too, must not take any action that might hurt the sentiments of the Chinese people. Matters related to Chinese sovereignty such as the sensitive issues related to Tibet Autonomous Region of China or Taiwan must be handled with utmost care, and support. Nepal should not be seen wanting to fulfil its duty as a good neighbour. Further, Nepal should not be seen to be conniving and facilitating directly or indirectly, any covert or overt activities on its soil engineered and managed by outside forces against Chinese national interest. Close and collaborative bilateral relations with China should guide Nepal’s policies and subsequent actions in its international relations.

It is now beyond any question that the strong bond of friendship and cooperation between China and Nepal should be further cemented by following the well-tested doctrine of Panchsheel -- the five principles of peaceful co-existence. Modern China’s continuous help and support in Nepal’s development efforts is not only desirable, it has now become a preferred option.

Nepal is also fortunate to have India as its southern neighbour. Nepal’s ties with India go beyond modern history. Apart from common culture and traditions, the majority of the two countries follow Hinduism as their way of life. The relationship is so close and intense that the two countries did neither consider it necessary to erect a wall in their border nor regulate it. There has been a continuous and free movement of scholars, traders, businessmen, labourers of all types and workmen of various other professions between the two countries. The natural law of demand and supply has so far balanced the flow of people in these two countries, but Nepal, a small country having almost 1/50th of India’s population, is already feeling the migratory pressure at its core.

India was the first nation to help Nepal in the construction of the major link road between the two countries, which provided access to sea to Nepal’s exports. India’s assistance in building Nepal’s infrastructure, including hydroelectric power generation projects, creation of industrial estates for industrialization of the country and host of other significant projects cannot be overemphasized. Rich Indian culture and its traditions has not only influenced but has also helped develop Nepal’s own culture. Close and cordial relations between the leaders and the peoples of the two countries have played a vital role in the strengthening of Nepal-India relations. Many Nepalese fought alongside the Indians during India’s freedom struggle. It was a natural act of the Nepalese who have ever remained independent and free. President of India, K R Narayanan, during his official visit to Nepal in 1998, had remarked: "We used to look up to Nepal as a mystic kingdom and an oasis of independence in the sub-continent."

In modern times, both India and Nepal were instrumental in the establishment of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Nepal has been an extremely dependent ally of India. In the international arena, Nepal and India are found to be closely cooperating in most economic, trade and human rights matters. In fact, they hold similar views on environment, development, population and host of other areas. The bond of friendship is strong and growing. Nepal’s geography puts her at a distinct disadvantage at a time when no nation can survive, much less develop, without trade. The international community has made it clear many a time that the only way out from the present state of poverty and destitution of the people of the least developed countries, is to go for diversification of trade in products as well as countries. This is at a minimum. Nepal highly appreciates President K R Narayanan’s understanding and gesture of friendship to Nepal, expressed in the following manner: "We in India recognize Nepal’s concerns arising from its landlocked status. It will be our endeavour to continue to do what is possible as a responsive neighbour to address those concerns in a positive and sympathetic way."

On its part Nepal, too, should be ready to cooperate and support India’s legitimate aspirations, India’s bid to the United Nations Security Council being one. Nepal, as India’s closest neighbour, must act in a responsible manner to the security concerns of India. An independent, stable and prosperous Nepal would be the best safeguard against any and all of India’s concerns.

The peace and stability of the Asian region is now directly linked with Nepal’s stability and progress. Nepal’s contiguous neighbours are so disproportionately strong, both in terms of population and economy, that the best course of action for all of their present concerns would be to help assist Nepal into a stable and prosperous country. Nepal has been trying hard to sustain the democratic polity amidst serious problems of poverty, illiteracy and stagnant economic growth. Nepal’s resources at her disposal are not adequate to pursue economic development policies and programmes fully and effectively. Poverty is rising and it has been the main cause of discord and disturbances that are emerging at the edges. Neither Nepal nor its neighbours can afford to be complacent.

While Nepal should put its best efforts to maintain political stability and national security in order, the neighbours could do well by assisting Nepal accelerate its pace of economic growth and development. This action, and this action alone can produce the desired results for Nepal and her neighbours. Nepalese will not accept infringement of any sort, such as security umbrella, or monopolizing Nepal’s resources, by one neighbour or the other. Nepal, as all other independent and sovereign nations, cannot be prevented from exercising the inherent rights of a sovereign nation. While Nepalese are prepared to accommodate the legitimate concerns of both its neighbours to the best of their ability and capacity, Nepali people are also prepared to make utmost sacrifices to protect and preserve their national interest.

(The author is former Prime Minister)

(Concluded)

This Day, that Day

By Perina Pathak

Every day is named as something day. It varies from people to people or from generation to generation. For the teenagers days like Valentine, friendship, Christmas, New Year and such others have much priority, which they celebrate enthusiastically. Whereas for the bureaucrats days like polio, democracy, world health are nice if they come frequently because they get holidays. Whereas for the students Nepal bands, chakka jam and holidays are always welcome.

In the whole 365 days of a year, people here are celebrating each day as something day or the other. These days like - Water Day, AIDS Day, World Book Day, May Day, Democracy Day, World Health Day etc etc are celebrated, with or without aim.

Not every such day is exciting or involves whole citizenry but only those who are of that particular field. There are so many celebration days that become a gathering venue and some thing like a little party.

Yes, of course the participants of these functions talk and make future plans and policies targeted toward the benefit of the people. But, has all the declaration been regulated? And have they reviewed the declaration that they made at some function? But we must have to forgive them because it is not their fault as it is impossible to remember any particular one day, when they attend so many days.

Because of the frequency of such days people less heed the function and its declaration. And it has also lead toward the negligence of the name and topic given to it. About a month time after the celebration of water day there still exists a water problem. Nepal celebrated Water Day because the whole world is celebrating it. Though Nepal is considered as the Himalayan Kingdom with the second largest water resource, people are suffering from scarcity of water.

This is only an example from Nepal. Let’s take an example from the whole world. Experts and doctors every year celebrate AIDS Day - the reason is that every second an aids patient dies. There is no solution but one benefit is that news coverage of the day makes people aware about it.

Whenever we attend these functions we can feel it as a mini party just to waste money. Though the money is wasted there is no return and achievement. People have developed the habit of attending the function but without any view and aim.

The function is held with large investment by government itself or may be some foreign entity. They celebrating and arranging functions, to get some returns and for development. But as we look at the way the functions are held there is no outcome and development. Because, Nepali Lawmakers are interested keeping the country an underdeveloped country.

The same case is with teenagers who have so many days to celebrate to waste money and time, buying useless cards and gifts, wasting time at restaurants to eat junk, stale food and make themselves ill.

The 365 days have come up with some other names than Sunday, Monday etc that come every week. In fact the days come up with new names which are repeated only after a year and that too with a declaration, and party and this and that worth remembering and attending.

Why PM refuses to resign over Lauda ?

The Kathmandu Post and Mercantile Communications conducted a survey on : "Is Prime Minister Koirala correct in refusing to resign over the Lauda Air controversy?" The survey was done on
the Net last week. Of the total 1159 respondents, 73.8 percent said "No", 25.3 percent said "Yes" and 1.9 percent said "Don’t know".

We regret the inconvenience, if any, due to original names being kept by some respondents.

The other day, Kantipur wrote: "If Girija Prasad Koirala resigns, then, he follows the BP Koirala’s path, or becomes BP’s real follower. Otherwise, Koirala is equal to Govinda Raj Joshi". That was an excellent way of saying, and I agree with that. Koirala has no other choice but to resign, so he is trying to hold onto power as strongly as he could. The history book of Nepal written even after 50-years will have a section called Girija ko patan kina? The main cause will be his daughter. Sujata has put her father in hell, and Koirala deserves that. Nothing can be justified at this moment. Koirala says he went through sapath grahan (pledge) to keep the secrecy, and he is bound to keep the decisions secret. I think he is wrong. His excuse for secrecy or confidentiality cannot be justified if his deeds are really not in accordance with rules and regulations. But he has not followed the rule of law. So, he did not do his work according to his pledge. And since failed to deliver, he should be brought to trial and punished. All his works should be made transparent. Finally, he says he is not resigning because democracy and the country is in a crisis. What is true is that Koirala family is in a crisis.

- Dr G Pokhrel

Had resigned "on the moral ground" immediately after the Lauda scam, PM Koirala would have proved that he does have some traces of ethics. He managed to cling onto his chair during the Tanakpur episode and on several other scandals. Does Koirala think that he is still "representing" the common people when every ethical Nepali wants him to quit?

- Rajesh

If the Shresthas of the RNAC have guts and love for their country, they should disclose the truth to all the people and establish a precedence in Nepal, and push Girija Prasad Koirala out. Shresthas can help expose Koirala's misdeeds. Only Shresthas know who all were involved in the Lauda air scam. But I believe that Koirala can never be punished. He could put something clean on his papers. If the duo claim innocence, then, there will be no other way to prove that Koirala is dirty enough to be punished. We all know that he was involved, but legally speaking, we need some proof. And the proof is only with the Shresthas. They should open their mouth and save the nation.

- GP Singh

Prime Minister Koirala has done a great mistake by refusing to resign after receiving the letter of the CIAA. On various occasions, he has expressed his intention to resign, if he is asked to give clarification on the Lauda air deal. It is really a pity that we have a prime minister who lies in public so many times.

- Kumar Krishna Joshi

Although I appreciate Koirala’s bold leadership, it is a right time for him to resign on the ethical ground to give us a change and to let us review the country’s situation. If he is really innocent in the Lauda Air deal, he should be respected for his bold leadership. If he is not, then his political career should end there. To save the political ethics and plot the benchmarks in political principles, it is imperative he quit from the post as soon as possible.

- B Subedi

As a layman, I can understand that GP Koirala took the decision to lease the Lauda Air. Because of his decision, the country has been losing 75,000,000 rupees a month. Can we afford a prime minister who takes decisions not in the interest of the country, but in the interest of a foreign airline? Had the RNAC been making profit out of the lease deal, every one would have supported him. Unfortunately, that did not happen. What has been happening is that Koirala is sticking to his chair even after committing a blunder. The history will never forgive him even if he thinks what he is doing is right.

- J P Datta

Like every citizen, Girija Prasad Koirala has a right to approach the court. So he need not resign. The UML leaders has told many a time that they are working together for strengthening democracy. But they can never do so. Because their hang over of communism has still not gone. The UML is tired of one-sided demonstrations because the people did not join in their rallies against the Prime Minister.

- Man Bahadur Gurung

Does GP Koirala want the whole country to burn down to ashes before he leaves the power? I can now rank him as one of the most power crazy leaders in the world. He is clinging on to power even though no one, except for his "cronies and blind supporters", wants him anymore. To challenge the authority of the CIAA is totally unbecoming of a person who had fought for most of his 50 years of political career for democratic movement in Nepal.

- A nationalist

The main responsibility of a prime minister is to run the country successfully without any controversy in any cases. In the case of Lauda air controversy, it has been proved that there was bribery and corruption involved. Which means that the Prime Minister was involved in the deal because he took the decision himself. So, he should resign immediately. If he does not do so, then it indicates that he wants to cheat the country and the people. We must know that he has been cheating us all the time.

- MK Nepal

Prime Minister Koirala has not been personally convicted of doing anything wrong in the Lauda air deal. But he, as the prime minister and as the head of the cabinet, was not able to prevent what happened. Therefore, he is also partly responsible for what happened. He is not bound to resign because of the pressure from the opposition parties, but he could separate from the other immoral leaders, if he resigns from his post citing the reason that he was unable to stop the deal.

- Sudhir Ghimire

It is true that Prime Minister Koirala was involved. But the law of the land presumes that a person is innocent until proven guilty. This has not been done as yet. Just because the CIAA sends a questionnaire to the PM does not mean that he is guilty. Let the CIAA formally indict the PM, then there is a case for him resigning.

- Prem