EDITOR'S NOTE
Prime Minister
Girija Prasad Koirala's oft repeated protestations to root out corruption, to establish
law and order and to spruce up the administration cannot even cheer the frustrated spirit
of the Nepalese, not to say anything about believing in them. All the politicians that
have come to hold the reins of government have given nothing to the people but vacant
promises in the ten years of misrule, while they have built palatial buildings for
themselves, ride in luxurious Pajeroes and Pradoes and amassed millions in foreign banks.
Opposition politicians have started a new melodramatic expositions of corruption while
branding themselves as Harishchandras. They seem even totally oblivious of the stink
emanating from the very houses they are living in. All these politicians, whether in the
government or the opposition, have lost all credibility. They can make a big show of their
authority or ill-gotten wealth. But they will miserably fail to make even a fraction of
impression. So, the best thing for them to do now is to keep their loud mouth shut and try
to salvage their lost honor by honest behavior. And this is equally true for the prime
minister also. Since his responsibility is greater he has to have some extra virtues. He
must put complete stop to nepotism and cronysm. He must develop some kind of tolerance
towards his critics and opponents. And if he rally wants to do even a small lit for the
country, he must cut across party lines, dig for talents and integrity and put his
shoulder to the wheels in right earnest. We do not want to hear his empty promises any
more. If he is thinking of reshuffling his cabinet, he would do well to drop all corrupt
faces and induct totally new men with clean slates. This reshuffle, if it takes place,
will provide him a golden opportunity to rectify his mistake he had made while forming his
cabinet. Since this could be his last chance, we do trust the Prime Minister will rise to
the occasion and prove his critics false for a change. Or will he again prove the old
Nepali Proverb true "a leopard will not change his spots by listening to
sermon."
The Maoist
problem that is proving to be a big headache to the government has got to be resolved, by
dialogues not by bullets. The problem was created by these very corrupt politicians who
now want to put it down by force. It is rumored the government wants to deploy the army.
Whether that would be the right decision, under the present circumstances, is a highly
debatable issue. Indeed, the elected Prime Minister in a democratic regime must have the
authority to use the nation's armed forces in the interest of the country. But, in a
situation where the governments have totally failed in carrying out their obligations,
where administration has been politicised in a manner to make it out and out defunct and
demoralised, where the police force has been divided in two political camps, the nation
cannot afford to gamble with its last resort. Moreover, the armed forces should not be
used to kill one's brothers and sisters. This may only exacerbate the grave situation and
embroil the whole country into a civil war. Since no one need have any doubts on the
army's loyalty to the King and the country and its ability to safeguard its own integrity,
it will keep itself aloof from the corrupt politicians' machinations. A politician who has
not been able to establish his credibility, whose loyalty to the country even could be
suspect should not be permitted to mobilise the army even though empowered by the
constitution. We do trust the King and the army chief both are alive to the exigency.
Unlike the present day politicians, their dedication and commitment to the integrity of
the country is above reproach and they will not hesitate to take any steps to preserve it.
The politicians are advised not to minimise or overlook this very important aspect.
| Chief-Editor & Publisher |
: Madhav Kumar Rimal |
| Editor |
: Sarita Rimal |
| Consulting Editor |
: Keshab Poudel |
| Senior Correspondent |
: Bhagirath Yogi |
| Senior Reporter |
: Navin Singh Khadka |
| Reporter |
: Sanjaya Dhakal / Sunil Kumar
Gupta(Nepalgunj) |
| Photographer |
: Shyam Chitrakar |
| Editorial Office |
: GPO Box 7256,Baluwatar,Kathmandu, Nepal. |
| Telephone |
: 977 1 423 127 |
| Fax |
: 977 1 417 845 |
| email |
: spotligh@mos.com.np |
|
