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Kathmandu Friday March 01, 2002 Falgun 17, 2058.
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Crisis in leadership
The country has witnessed a series of crises
since the restoration of democracy. I have not found a genuine leader who is interested in
serving the country for the welfare of our people. Instead our corrupt leaders have shown
no respect for equality. Political parties are embroiled in power struggles. Such
struggles are nauseating. Every leader amassed wealth at the cost to state treasury. The
early 1990s saw an undeclared war between Krishna Prasad Bhattarai and Nepali Congress
President Girija Prasad Koirala. The late Ganesh Man Singh even defected the NC party as a
result of rampant corruption and inactive leadership. Ganesh Man Singh, I believe, was a
true democrat who fought for the rights of general masses. He never showed his selfish
nature.
Girija Prasad Koirala chose to hold mid-term
polls instead of resigning from the post of prime minister. Other corruption cases,
involving him or his party cadres, have come to the fore time and again. Unfortunately,
not a single prime minister took any action against the corrupt leaders. They only know
how to preach.
Corruption and economic backwardness are the
main reasons why the Maoists have been waging war against the democratic establishment in
this country. Of course, this war has claimed over 2600 lives but we must also admit our
mistakes before we accuse the Maoists of their atrocities.
Army and police personnel alone cannot put an
end to Maoist terrorism. The government has to win the hearts of the poor by providing
them employment and allocating adequate budgets for health and education, among other
things. Killing people in the name of a war against Maoists can never restore peace in
this country.
Agni Mishra
Kathmandu |
