Meaningful Rapport

THE 31-point joint communiqué issued at the end of the high level bilateral talks between Nepal and India must be seen as convincing in the sense that determination on the part of both the countries in the bid to tackle terrorism has found the right focus besides cooperation in various other sectors and issues. The determination has once again been reiterated by both Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and India Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee. The commitment to fight terrorism, which has played havoc with the peace and stability in the region thereby impinging negatively on the socio-economic development, in close collaboration is praiseworthy. This is a natural outcome when the two neighbours share many commonalities besides having a model bilateral relationships. As countries belonging to the South Asian region, the problem of development is the core area and without the return of peace it cannot be resolved. Both the countries have assured that they would go ahead on the path of the common objective of combating terrorism and cross border crimes. The joint press statement is in itself a reflection of the fact that the governments of both the countries are serious in furthering cooperation in every possible sector that comes under purview. The agreement on prevention of the misuse of the open border by terrorists, criminals and other undesirable elements is another important element. Coming on its heels is the recognition of the fact to update the extradition treaty and for mutual legal assistance.

As economic cooperation is of vital importance in an age of globalisation and liberalization, India’s commitment to continue its association with the development efforts of Nepal has special significance. On the feasibility of the East-West railway link India has agreed to undertake it and for the operationalisation of the Birgunj-Raxaul broad gauge rail link and Inland Container Depot at Birgunj directions have been given to hold talks and negotiations to be concluded within two months. This is an important agreement in the sense that once this materialises the dry port constructed at so much expense would start delivering returns. The realisation for tapping Nepal’s vast hydropower potential finds a way in the joint statement. In this connection the two Prime Ministers have given directions to complete the detailed project report of the Pancheshwor project by June this year so that works could commence at the earliest.

The joint communiqué also mentions that the Prime Ministers have directed the joint working group on the joint technical level boundary committee to expedite its examination of the facts related to the Kalapani area and in other pockets where there were differences in perceptions of the two sides. The decisions are also to continue for the review of the 1950 treaty.

The official goodwill visit to India by Prime Minister Deuba must be looked upon with satisfaction. It is not only the short term gains that has to come into focus but the long term cooperation and implications too have to be taken into consideration. The joint communiqué has brought to the fore that Nepal and India wish each other well and want socio-economic development of both the countries with strong will to crack down on terrorism which has created obstacles of all sorts.

Fighting TB

AS reflected in this year’s World Tuberculosis Day slogan ‘Stop TB, Fight Poverty’ which was celebrated the other day, poverty is the root cause of the deadly disease. It is disheartening to know that about 45 per cent of the total population of Nepal, one of the world’s least developed countries, are suffering from the malady. What is more alarming is the fact that every hour one person dies of TB in Nepal. The glaringly gloomy situation of TB in Nepal calls for the necessity to address this issue with utmost priority. Once a killer disease, TB is now no longer incurable. A regular consumption of prescribed medicine will cure the patient within a period of 6-8 months. However, due largely to the lack of public awareness, the patients tend to stop taking the drugs once they start feeling better. Therefore, in order to ensure regular consumption of medicine, DOTS (directly observed treatment short course) has been introduced, which has proved to be the best method so far.

In a bid to make the anti-TB drive successful, various programmes have been carried out. A tuberculosis archive and website have been established to intensify the public awareness programme that is essential in fighting the epidemic. Similarly, an award called the "Rana-Samundra Bam Tuberclosis Control Award" has been set up recently to encourage individuals and organisations within or outside the country making significant contributions to TB control in Nepal. These are some of the commendable steps taken towards eliminating TB.