The Rolpa Incident
High Time For Introspection

By Prem N. Kakkar

IN THE past month and a half the country has undergone a traumatic experience. The incident of June 1 will remain in the memory of the Nepalese people for a long time to come. But the tragedy must be borne with a patient mind and it is time for the people to get back to business.

Loss

The loss is irreparable but there are elements that still try to cash in on the situation. The confusion that prevailed in the aftermath of the Royal Palace incident is now no more. Now it is the Maoist problem that has been hitting the headlines together with the CPN-UML once again clamouring for Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala’s resignation.

All talks of national consensus on tackling the Maoist problem seem to have vanished into thin air. What was a minor issue some six years back has now assumed gargantuan proportion. The Maoists are responsible for killing many policemen and the destruction of numerous police posts. Even in these circumstances the political leaders do not seem to come into terms with the reality. This is rather unfortunate as the country is into its twelfth year after the restoration of democracy.

The same parties that had spearheaded the movement to dismantle the then Panchayat dispensation are now at loggerheads with each other. It is not the broader interest focusing on the country but the petty motives that are uppermost in their minds.

Though the bright lining has been that the discussions on the budget have been quite positive with the start of the 20th session of the Parliament. It was believed by many that like the stalemate in the 19th session the same would happen now. Fortunately, reason has prevailed but the same cannot be said about the days to come. This is because the main opposition party is still sticking to its one point demand for the Prime minister’s resignation. But what they must realise is that the Maoist activities must receive more attention. The spate of violence and terror that has been unleashed must come to an end in the interest of the whole nation.

The killings of so many police personnel should have to shaken the leaders of their isolation. It is not ideology that must come into play but the need is for peace to return to the Maoist affected districts. The kidnapping of the policemen in Rolpa is a severe blow and there has been no solution till date. The Royal Nepal Army has taken up its position to cordon the area around Nuwagaon where the Maoists are holed up together with the hostages.

Meanwhile, as irresponsible journalism would have it, multi-hued news reports are making the rounds. This, instead of giving the facts, is creating conflicting pictures of what is happening in Nuwagaon of Rolpa district. The government on its part is trying to provide the latest update but the private sector media is providing sensation which is far from the reality.

The failure to realise the gravity of the situation can be quite dangerous. False news in the name of disseminating information can prove too costly. For this the need is to provide the news based on facts rather than on fiction.

As for the problem created by the Maoists in Nuwagaon, the solution is not easy to arrive at. The army has been mobilised but considering the complicated situation they have only cordoned the area and hoping for the right response instead of using the fire power. This is in the circumstance the right move.

The safe release of the hostages is the most important thing in the mind of everyone including the government, political parties, the people in general and the families of those who have been abducted. In fact, this is the first time that so many have been abducted while on duty. This also shows that the security system needs overhauling.

The country is passing through tough times and there is urgent need to analyse the situation carefully. The economic health of the country is suffering not only because of the law and order situation but also because no one comes forward with creative suggestions. Blaming the government alone is not enough. Every political party, whether the ruling or in the opposition, have equal duty to defuse the scenario that has emerged.

The apathy of the political leaders can hardly be understood. The crisis that is in front of us needs the constructive efforts of all for bringing the country on the right track. Every sector of the economy is traversing rough terrain.

Tourism which is supposed to be a major foreign exchange earner is in doldrums. The incoming tourists are a trickle and nothing can be hoped for at the present as many governments have advised their citizens not to travel to Nepal. This calls for efforts to strengthen the law and order situation so that visitors will be attracted to come to the country. This will, of course, take time. But the drive has to be made urgently. Being complacent that tomorrow will be a better day cannot work.

Industries too are suffering. The attacks on the industries in the past has been responsible for many a industries either shutting down their shutters or scaled down production. This does not augur well for a country which has so many challenges in front of it for achieving economic prosperity.

Hope

It can be hoped that if and when the hostage taking drama ends on a positive note, things may change for the better. The government on its part must act out its role and take firm steps so that a similar type of situation does not come about in the future. This not only needs vigilance but policies and programmes based on analysis and not on an ad hoc basis.

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