Honour The Martyrs

FIFTY-ONE years have passed since the popular revolution of 2007 BS. Other minor and major revolutions followed and more people died, adding more names to the martyrs list. Many died during the struggle for democracy—and many are still dying for the nation fighting terrorism even today for the people and for the sake of the happiness of the people. Freedom fighters are hailed and their contributions to the nation praised. But have we really honoured them for the cause for which they made the supreme sacrifice so that their brethren will be ensured a better life? Not to accord the freedom fighters and the martyrs due recognition is not fair to them. More so to the latter as they gave their precious lives so that the nation and the people could march along the path of all-round development and prosperity. The real appreciation would be if we cherished what they gave us. If it were not for the sacrifice of the martyrs, we would not be enjoying the fruits of democracy.

There have been martyrs in all eras. To talk of more recent sacrifices, we would not be living in peace and security of our homes in cities if there were not policemen even today risking their lives in the Maoist areas. A nation, which does not respect and treat its martyrs with due honour could soon outlive their sacrifice. If we are ungrateful to the martyrs, our national conscience as a whole will be the casualty and we will not anymore, deserve the fruits of their sacrifice. The real tribute to the martyrs would be if we took their task forward by nurturing the cause they so unhesitatingly died for. Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, who was also a member of the Jan Mukti Sena, inaugurating the 51st anniversary of the popular revolution of 2007 BS organised by the Janamukti Sena Kalyan Sangh has echoed similar sentiments. The popular revolution of 2007 B.S and its success was a result of the joint efforts of all democrats, Nepali Congress and Nepal Communist Party alike. Even today we need to join our hands to combat terrorism and unrest in our country and strengthen democratic practices in our nation. It is time we forgot the petty differences and work together for a greater cause of peace and stability. We have to cherish the dreams our martyrs who gave up their precious lives so that those dreams can become a reality. Only this will give the souls of our martyrs peace and prove us to be worthy heirs to their martyrdom.

Crisis Averted

ALMOST half a million tourists from all over the world come to Nepal annually. These tourists come to savour the natural and cultural beauty of this Himalayan country. The mountains, the monuments, the hills and the rivers, the visitors are enchanted by it all. Meanwhile, Nepal also benefits in several ways from the arrival of so many tourists. The country earns valuable foreign currency and thousands of Nepalese also get employment opportunities because of a thriving tourism industry. One of the biggest service sectors in the tourism industry is the hotel industry. There are hundreds of hotels of varying standards catering to the thousands of tourists flocking to Nepal. From the cheap and economic hotels to luxurious five star resorts, they are all there for the visitors to pick from while staying in Nepal. In fact, as anywhere else in the world, the tourism industry would be unimaginable without the facility of hotels. However, the hotel industry in the country is at present facing a huge crisis due to the threat of a strike by hotel employees. The hotel workers, under the banners of Nepal Free Hotel Workers’ Union and Nepal Tourism and Hotel Workers’ Association, are demanding a ten per cent service charge from hotel clients as tips. The hotel owners flatly refused this demand and instead, have threatened to shut down their hotels indefinitely unless the hotel employees back down from their demand.

The closure of hotels, if it every takes place, would be a huge blow for the entire tourism industry, as the country is now enjoying the peak tourist season. Visitors would have been forced to go back and not only would there have been tremendous financial losses, but the country’s tourism image would also have been badly affected. Fortunately, the government stepped in and requested the strikers to postpone the shut down. This has averted the crisis for the moment. However, the strikers warn that if nothing is done in the one month time that they have given, they will be forced to take the drastic step. The hotel owners meanwhile say that forcing an additional 10 per cent tax on clients, would adversely affect Nepalese tourism and in a notice they have warned they would rather close down their hotels. Now that some time has been gained, both the sides should consider how best the crisis can be defused and the tourism industry is not harmed otherwise all sides, including the country could end up as losers.