State Of Emergency
Against Terrorism

By Prem N. Kakkar

HIS Majesty the King, in a message on the occasion of the National Democracy Day, has said that the commitment to democracy must be shared by all. This is an important message in the sense that the country is passing through difficult times and it is the duty of all to work for consolidating democracy. It behoves on all to respect the Constitution and act accordingly.

The Democracy Day is a time to reflect on the achievement made and to identify the shortcoming and rectify them in the most suitable manner. His Majesty also stressed on the need for maintaining peace and security, good governance and political stability as well as curb anomalies and corruption.

The country got its new constitution in 1990. It is, in fact, not the Constitution but we who must keep up the spirit. To come into the mainstream of national politics is the need of the hour though some misguided elements have taken recourse to violent tactics. It is the responsibility to see that peace and security prevails in the country. This alone is the way that the lot of the people can be improved.

The heinous act of killing over 100 security personnel in Achham must be condemned in the harshest of terms. It is a tragedy that so many people fighting terrorism were killed in one single night. Violence after all cannot pave the way for bringing about peace which is so vital at this juncture of time when all efforts ought to be directed for the development of the country.

The loss in terms of life and property is unbelievable. Such acts not only destroy the existing infrastructure in the country but also take the country back in terms of development. So much effort, time and money have been spent on creating the infrastructure but all that collapses just because of the Maoists. They must realise that it is their country and all have to live together. Turning the country into shambles can never be tolerated and this is the basic reason why the State of Emergency was declared in the first place.

The objective of emergency is bringing back a semblance of law and order in the country. The daily news that filter in through the media points that the task is not easy as the Maoists do no seem to realise that violence is not the fit medium in the country’s overall interest.

The mobilisation of all the security personnel is a strain on the economy and all this has arisen from the effects of terrorism. When all the world over terrorism is being targetted, it is fit that the government too has taken a tough stance. However, this does not mean that innocent people have to suffer. It is only a few in the garb of terrorists who are in focus.

Life in the Maoist affected areas is not easy. And with the violence not coming to an end the people are suffering. The daily activities are not running smoothly. The country is poor and the violence unleashed by the terrorists can never do any good. Despite the losses suffered by the security forces in the past, the people in rural areas have a little more sense of security than prior to the declaration of the State of Emergency.

It is not only violence that has to be tackled, corruption too has led to devastating consequences. The government at present has many responsibilities to fulfil. On the one hand it is the Maoist violence that has to be curbed and on the other hand corruption and other anomalies that are rearing their heads must be effectively tackled. The socio-economic development must also receive adequate attention. Prosperity of the nation is a way for the maintenance of peace in the country. Towards this end it is not only force against the Maoist terrorists but economic packages too have to be floated in the sensitive areas.

Adherence to the Constitution is a must as it is framed keeping the Nepalese in mind. Just voicing one’s opinion for amendment in the constitution does not hold much ground unless there is a genuine need for it. The political leaders and parties ought to understand that they must all arrive at a consensus to overcome the hurdles created in the consolidation of democracy in the country. It is an action plan that is necessary to resolve the various problems confronting the country.

The task is not easy but the ability to see eye to eye is a requirement that all must realise. Even in such a grave situation that we are in, if everyone tries to grind his/her own axe then who is going to work for the country? It is time for retrospection as to how badly the country and people have been hurt and find means and ways to chart a course that leads to peace. Peace is essential for the country to come out of the quagmire of poverty, hunger, illiteracy and a host of other anomalies.

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