Peace And Development Close Relation

By Prem N. Kakkar

THE sense of security that is prevalent in the country at the moment is quite encouraging. Though full peace is yet to materialise but hopes are pinned on the peace talks which is in the offing between the government and the Maoists. Once that takes place the people can once again revert to their daily livelihood as a part of normalcy.

Efforts

The government on its part has made all the efforts to create the conducive environment for the peace talks to be held in the larger interest of the country and its people. This fact cannot be denied.
Since the formation of the present government there has been a gradual improvement in the security and peace situation in the country. This is evident by the toning down of incidences of violence. The call to the Maoists to sit down for talks has had a positive response. But there is still more to be done as the basics have to be worked out.

The Maoists have seen that the majority of their demands to sit for talks have been met. The declaration of the cease-fire between the government and the Maoists was the paving stone for the calm that is being evidenced at present. It was that particular decision that gave some relief to the people in general. As a result many people have returned to their villages, but not all.

As a follow up of the cease-fire, the code of conduct was formulated and implemented. Though there are some cases of violation, the code of conduct holds good. As a result of that particular decision, the Maoists were freed of the many labels and notices of the past. The Maoist leaders who were underground for the past several years surfaced.

The peace talks that are to take place must take many things into consideration. Show of force alone will not solve problems. There has to be a tacit understanding among all that to work for the welfare of the people, to sit at the table and sort out differences, is the best means. The Maoists too have reiterated that they are for peace talks. This they have spoken about at several places. Seriousness is there but they have to bear in mind that their demands must be in tune with the aspirations of the people.

The government on its part is serious that the peace talks be held as soon as possible. This is in consonance with the belief that the welfare of the people must be held uppermost. In this endeavour, the role of the political parties, big or small, is equally important.

When it concerns the general people itself, no party can remain aloof. Trying to cash in on the situation for petty interest is not advisable. Especially the major political parties, whose duty is paramount, must come to the fore with their own views and suggestions.

The government all along has been calling for the participation of the political parties in seeing that lasting peace is installed in the country. Though the response has not been encouraging in the past, positive indications are being seen at the moment.

As the present constitution is still active and the provisions therein are relevant, there should be no talk of elections to the constituent assembly. The need for constituent assembly for the framing of a new constitution has no meaning in the present situation. The constitution has enough provisions to meet the requirements.

In a democratic society, differences remain as to which ideology one follows but that must not be allowed to interfere with the larger interests of the nation. Everyone must be aware of this, especially the mature and wise leaders. Their petty interests must not be allowed to interfere with the overall good of the people and the nation.

Now that the pace of reconstruction and rehabilitation programmes is picking up, every effort must be made to see their passage. It is everyone’s interest to see the welfare of the people. Whether it is the government, the major political parties or even the Maoists, all talk of working for the people. So lasting peace has to come about. For this sincere efforts from all quarters has to be forthcoming.

Realisation

The time is opportune for both the government and the Maoists to sit down seriously for peace talks so that the people will be benefitted.

The people want lasting peace as only through it the development of the country is possible. The realisation is already there but there is a growing need for everyone to work in the direction. Criticism for criticism’s sake will not help. It’s sitting down at the table to sort out the differences that is necessary at this juncture and that too in a democratic society like ours.

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