Freeing Maoists In Custody
Action With Clear Mind

By Prem N. Kakkar

THE hope that has been raised for dialogue with the Maoists has not faded but is, in fact, seeing more aggressive initiatives on the part of the government. Seeing the present condition of the country, a return of peace in the Maoist affected areas is very necessary if the country is to maintain its pace of development. It is well-known that the areas which are the least developed are by far the most affected by the law and order problem.

First Step

The first step taken by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba after being appointed was the instruction given to the security organs to stop all actions against the Maoist. The Maoists, too, it seems saw this an opportune time to halt all its ‘scheduled’ activities in order for a calm to return to the concerned districts.

The positive gestures on the part of the government and the reciprocal gestures from the Maoists gave the people much needed respite. The sigh of relief came for the most part from the police personnel who had been bearing much of the brunt of the Maoist attacks. The families of the security personnel had all the more to be relieved with the violence coming to a stop.

Coming in the heels of the release of a number of Maoists in custody, the release of a significant number of policemen abducted in Rolpa and other districts has added to brightening the picture for a peaceful solution of the problem that has taken a heavy toll of life and the destruction of millions of rupees worth of property. The loss of life and property can never be termed as good from any angle. After all, our own citizens fighting against each other and killing themselves cannot be justified. Hence, the violence has to come to a stop in the overall interest of the nation.

This fact must be realised by all the concerned whether they are in the government or follow the Maoists path or even the general people. What had been a simmering problem for the past six years, it is still there, hopes have been raised that if tackled carefully with a result-oriented approach, there is no reason why a lasting and peaceful solution cannot emerge.

Just because there is a greater probability of talks between the government and the Maoists, there is no reason to be euphoric. The ground reality has to be ascertained instead of jumping into conclusions even before the horse has been harnessed. One the one hand, the government has made it very clear that it is creating the congenial atmosphere for the talks to be held. But, on this score, hardly any comment has come forth from the Maoists’ side. Are the Maoists not keen on talks to sort out the difference? As far as it seems, they too are interested to giving an outlet to the stalemate that has remained over the years.

The enthusiasm on the part of Prime Minister Deuba is understandable given the fact that an opportunity is in front of him and the Nepali Congress party to straighten matters that has troubled the psyche of the nation for most part of the past five years. Hence, it is evident that they want a reciprocal gesture from the Maoists. To the government’s call to cease action the Maoist response was very positive in nature. This points to the fact that they also want the matter to be resolved.

Saying is easier than getting into action. So far only the terms "talks", "dialogue" has hit the scene, but there is no inkling as to what the agenda will be when the two sides sit at the table. The party meetings, all-party meetings and so on must make the decision as to what will be the basis for the talks if and when they take place. The same feeder too must come for the Maoists. If the government is ready to sit down for talks with the Maoists, it must know what the issues are the Maoists willing to discuss. Unless this is made clear, coming together for talks will not materialise. Without any disclosure, the government may have prepared its agenda so might the Maoists. Whatever that may be, transparency is essential on dealing with a problem of such magnitude.

Nothing can be taken for granted. This is what the government has provided a proof of with Home Minister Khum Bahadur Khadka, to facilitate the government-Maoist talks, has given instruction for the release of all Maoists in custody in different parts of the country. This shows how much priority the government is giving to create the right environment so that the proposed talks will be held without any hindrance. The Maoist too have responded in their own way i.e. the release of many of those who had been abducted including policemen in Rolpa and other places.

Right Tone

The right tone is being set. Once both sides come to feel that the stage is set to the satisfaction of both the parties, then one can feel that the talks will take place after all. For the moment it is fit to keep one’s fingers crossed waiting for what the future has in store. With conviction, commitment and sincerity, optimism does prevail unless someone bungles it up.

The Dire Consequences

By Bishnu Mani Bhattarai

THE population growth is a serious problem in the world. Almost all nations are affected by it. But this problem is more critical to developing and underdeveloped countries. According to the census of 2058, the preliminary data projects the population of our country as over 23.34 million and the growth rate of population 2.1%. This figure shows that population is growing at a fast rate. In fact, it is increasing day by day. Death rate in our country has been falling. Because of this fact, population growth rate is increasing.

Population growth leads to the destruction of natural resources. Forests are being cleared up, for the settlement of the increased population. Arable lands are being used to make settlements for the increased population. Natural jungles are being changed to concrete jungles. As a result densily of certain place will be higher than other places. This will lead to the imbalance in nature. Population growth will lead to unplanned urbanisation. New settlements will be constructed without proper housing plan. There will be the problem of sanitation, water supply, communication, trans-portation and electrification which will destroy the natural surrounding.

Population growth will lead to the deterioration of cultural heritage as increased population will search for the place of settlement. They will encroach the area of cultural heritage and public land. They will start living in patis and sattals. This will not only decrease the beauty of such heritage sites but also reduce the historical and cultural importance of such places. These activities will also reduce the space covered by such heritages. Recently UNESCO had warned the government to delist the places of cultural heritage from the World Heritage list. Cultural heritage are the gift given to us by our forefathers. We have to save and conserve them. These heritage are of great attraction to the
foreigners. Our tourism industry is progressing day by day due to these heritage. If we don’t conserve them, the flow of tourists in our country will be decreased. This decrease will affect our tourism industry which is the backbone of national economy.

Population growth will lead to the degradation in the life style of people. They will have to invest their income just to feed themselves. Parents will not be able to give nutritious food to their children and the children will suffer from malnutrition. Their creativity will be reduced. People will not be able to make progress in their life. Population growth will lead to the pollution. Increment in people of certain place means increment in demand of certain goods as well as increment of garbage. They will throw garbage haphazardly. Population growth will also lead to unemployment. The number of people is increasing whereas opportunities are constant. This will certainly create the problem of unemployment. Unemploy-ment will lead to the decrease in the per capita income of the citizens. This will affect the development of the nation.

There will be the chances of epidemics occuring if the population of certain place is high. There will be lack of proper sanitation and drinking water. Various researches have already proved that most of the diseases are caused by the contaminated water. Chances of epidemics occuring in highly populated area are higher. New diseases may erupt because of dirty surroundings and carefree environment.

Population growth has many adverse affects in our society. Illiteracy of the people is the chief reason for population growth. So, people should be educated properly. If people are educated, they will know the drawbacks of population growth. The concept of "Small Family, Happy Family" should be spread far and wide. The role of media is vital in this issue. Mass media should transmit information relating the drawbacks of population growth. People should be encouraged for family planning. Abortion should be legalised so that parents could abort the embryo of babies if they don’t need any more. This will also help reduce the mother as well as infant mortality rate. These efforts can help check the population growth.