EDITOR'S NOTE

The Maoist movement seems to be gathering momentum. The inability of the government to contain the spread of the movement  has emboldened the Maoists to come to the periphery of the capital itself. Sometime back we had warned that the Maoists might start targeting the leaders themselves in and around the Capital. But no body seems to have become wiser. Without delving into the main reasons why this movement got started, or rather to keep the man on the streets unaware of the reality, the corrupt rulers are branding them as terrorists. They have totally forgotten that these very terrorists had fought with them hand in hand to restore democracy. What made them frustrated and disillusioned that they decided to take up arms against the establishment which they had supported earlier has to be explored and their complaints redressed if they are to be brought back to the mainstream. The reports we have received reveal that rampant corruption, self-oriented politics and non development of the remote areas are the main causes that have impelled them to teach the rulers a lesson as well as cleanse the establishment of these undesirables. It is, indeed, very unfortunate that they are resorting to arms which result in loss of innocent precious lives. Since it is not advisable to use force to resolve the problem, the Maoists must be drawn to the negotiating table. And this can be possible only when some one they trust and respect agrees to start the negotiations. The decision of the government to institute a commission under a tainted person cannot be said to be a sound one. We had already termed it as an exercise in futility earlier. The government must have the courage and wisdom to go across party line and choose some body who commands respect from the people and the Maoists. Such a step only might be conducive to impressing the Maoists to come to dialogues.

The Nepali Congress leaders do not tire abusing other political parties for endangering the multi-party democracy. Even the prime minister said the other day that ultra-rightists and ultra leftists are posing great threats to democracy. When a person loses all sense of discrimination and proportion, he loses the faculty of correct judgment. The Nepali Congress leaders who pride themselves branding as ultra centrists have always failed to see their own blemishes. It is because of their self-oriented, corrupt and immoral behavior that even as a majority party they are miserably   failing to give any direction to their government. If they had even an iota of the nation's or the people's interest in their hearts, they would not fight for the chair like the dogs fight for a piece of bone. Their insatiable love for illgotten money and power has totally exposed them not only to their own people but to the whole world. Consequently, all those who have any love or sympathy for the poor people of Nepal, must try to extricate the country from their corrupt clutches. The sooner it is done the better for the millions of poor Nepalese who are living below the poverty line and grinding under untold miseries. We do hope Nepal's friends and donors will stop shutling their eyes to the degrading reality and try to be friends to the poor and not to the thugs.

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