EDITOR'S NOTE
The churlish and acrimonious rivalry between
the two selfish septuagenarians of the Nepali Congress has done irreparable harm to the
country. Some even think that this kind of competition is a part of democratic exercises
of a democratic political party. Indeed. Healthy rivalry for leadership between honest,
dedicated and patriotic leaders can always be condoned and even adulated. But, when
self-oriented, immoral, corrupt and anti-national leaders stoop to all kinds of degenerate
and depraved behavior, it can neither be termed political nor democratic. Nor can it be in
the interest of the country. In the name of democracy all the political parties that have
assumed authority in more than a decade have done nothing but looting the poor country.
The Nepali Congress which has the lion's share of the misrule, corruption and political
instability has pushed the country to the brink of civil war. Most knowledgeable people
have started putting a big question mark on the very loyalty of the senior leadership of
the Nepali Congress towards the nation. That the younger leadership of Nepali Congress
which is better educated, more dedicated and with dynamic imagination has not been able to
assert itself in the party speaks volumes of the muscle, money and machination that the
corrupt leadership is using to keep themselves at the top. It is really very surprising to
see that the younger leaders in the Nepali Congress seem to be so spineless that they keep
on tolerating the imbecility of their seniors. Why can't they take lessons from the
happenings in other parts of the world where corrupt leaders are made to lick the dust.
Nearer home an ex-prime minister has been punished with jail sentence for his corrupt
behavior. Why are not our corrupt politicians being meted out similar fate? Why are we
taking such a long time to send them behind the bars which is their rightful place? As
long the younger leaders in the ruling parties don't assert themselves, as long the
bureaucrats don't refuse to obey unjust and unlawful orders of the corrupt ministers and
as long the power that be doesn't realize its ultimate responsibility and starts acting,
progress and development in our country would always stay as dreams unrealized. The
overwhelming poor will continue suffering from grinding poverty and a handful of goons
will keep on exploiting the country. Tolerance and patience are good virtues as long they
are practised within limit and reason. Extremism always breeds ruin and disaster. Wisdom
lies in being able to select the right time to act. Since mother and motherland are
greater than heaven (runs a Sanskrit proverb), all dutiful sons and daughters of Nepal
must carryout their obligation towards them without the least grudge or hesitation.
* * *
Speedy solution of the Maoist problem has
become the topmost imperative of the nation. We have always advocated that this
distressing problem can and must be solved through peaceful dialogue. Killings of Nepalese
by Nepalese should neither be permitted nor condoned. That the Maoists have met the Deputy
Prime Minister Ram Chandra Poudel and held talks to explore the ways and means to arrive
at a satisfactory solution of the nagging problem has come as a good and heartening news
during the Tihar holidays. Of course, it would not be easy to reach a quick decision. That
both sides have shown resilience and eagerness for dialogue is a good augury. If Deuba
Committee failed to strike a deal and Poudel and company has succeeded, it should in no
manner be taken as a reflection on either's personality. Because, it is neither Deuba nor
Poudel who has brought about this encouraging change. If is the Maoists who are trying to
test Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala's bona fide. Koirala's notoriety as hardened
anti-communist may again pose serious setback in the process of peaceful dialogue. His
determination to decimate the Maoists will not, we sincerely hope, deter the Maoists to
continue with the hard found opening. It will be not only in their own interest but in the
interest of the whole country to give up violence and come to the negotiating table.
| 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 |
|
