Declaration Of State Of Emergency Time’s Demand

By Prem N. Kakkar

THE State of Emergency declared by His Majesty the King, on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, on November 26, 2001, has been instrumental in stopping to a great extent the spree of terrorist activities of the Maoists. What had looked in the past a difficult task, the mobilisation of the Royal Nepal Army (RNA) has proved that stern measures can alone bring about the desired results for maintaining peace and security in the country.

It had been almost six years since the Maoist insurgency had raised its head to disturb the peace that had been prevailing in the Kingdom. Instead of coming to the table to sort out the difference based on national consensus, the Maoists had violated all the tenets of the law of the land. The attacks on public installation and the loss of life and property did not fit into the scheme of things that the establishment of democracy in the country in 1990 had foreseen.

Yes, it is a fact that differences do exist among the people adhering to different ideologies. This is what democracy is made up of. People are free to follow what they prefer as long as the constitution in existence is not violated either in letter or spirit. But, disregarding everything the Maoists moved along the path of violence that is never acceptable.

The killings of almost 2000 people including civilians and security personnel took place before the Maoists accepted the government’s offer of sitting at the table for peaceful solution to the long standing problem. But this also took place only after the government had met many of their demands. The government’s liberal attitude was interpreted by the Maoists as weakness and it went back on the path of insurgency once more. This event once again endangered the law and order situation so the government had to take the decision for clamping a state of emergency.

The State of Emergency, which is in force at present, as has been clarified by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is to maintain peace and security in the country and protect the people’s life and property. The heavy loss of life in Maoist attacks in Dang and Syangja was the turning point in the tide against them. The Maoists had gone too far unpunished. As if this was not enough the Maoists tried to attack Salleri, headquarters of Solukhumbhu district, but they were dealt a heavy blow by the security personnel. It has already been confirmed that at least 200 Maoists were killed there. This must serve as a lesson to the Maoists, who have been declared terrorists by the government, that the tactics of violence cannot work.

Under the present conditions, the people in all parts of the country have been assured that the government with the assistance of RNA can handle the situation perfectly well. It goes to the credit of the army that a sense of security has been seen among the general people. There is a growing feeling of return to normalcy in what were once most affected areas. This is borne by the fact that more and more Maoists are surrendering themselves in front of the district administration.

Though the State of Emergency is in force, the government has assured that it would work to ensure that the general people did not suffer but only the Maoists and their sympathisers. This is valid piece of assurance on the part of the government amidst rumours spread by some on the contrary.

At a juncture when the security apparatus is doing all that is needed to bring the situation under control, it is necessary that homework be done right at the moment as for the future plans and policies once the terrorism that prevailed comes to an end. This is necessary because the people in the most affected areas have suffered the most. The economy in places like Rolpa, Rukum among others are in ruins. They might immediately need relief packages so that the local people can start anew.

Sporadic incidents of Maoist terrorist activities are being reported but they are negligible and the people also have geared themselves to thwart them. This is a good beginning compared to the past when the people did not retaliate but suffered in silence.

When all this development has taken place, it is not fit for anyone to say that the emergency be lifted today or tomorrow. Everything depends on how long it takes to quell the Maoists. This cannot be prophesied. Of course, there are problems but they must be borne in the greater interest of the nation. The rays of hope have already emerged.

Nepalese people, known for their tolerance and patience, can understand the necessity of the State of Emergency being declared. For them peace and security is more important than anything else as only then can the country see economic prosperity.

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