EDITOR'S NOTE
Dashain 2057 has come and gone. Nothing
unusual has happened except few minor incidents, which, if perceived through watchful
eyes, could reveal the premonition of coming events. It was, however, very gratifying to
note that even the Maoists refrained from their violent activities. This indeed proves
beyond a ray of doubt that the Maoists are not anti-people. They are anti-establishments
which have taken the country to the brink of the precipice. Even though a thick veil of
sham exuberance on the faces of the poor people was trying hard to shield their unending
miseries, hardships and frustrations, one could easily feel the smoldering wrath and
resentment in their sarcastic greetings. If the country continues to glide towards
disaster, what kind of Dashain would be celebrated next year no body can say for sure.
Even some of the disgruntled leaders of the ruling Nepali Congress party did not hesitate
to express their unhappiness and disappointment with their senior leaders. Their
continuous infighting was sure to cut short the life of their majority government. The
disenchantment of the people with the working of the government was clearly reflected in,
perhaps the longest line of peoples from far and near, ever gathered to take the Royal
Tika on Vijaya Dashami Day. The patience of the thousands of people who waited in the line
for hours braving the heat and dust could also be interpreted as renewal of their faith in
the monarchy as the only succor to their miseries. The unabated loot of their motherland
perpetrated by the so called democratic leaders had left no alternative to the people
except to look up to their King to come to their rescue. Unless he acted precipitously
even the hard earned democracy would be imperiled. A very high personage close to the
Palace confided to this scribe that "That were closely watching the situation. If
necessary they would not hesitate to take any action in the interest of the people and the
country. So, there was no reason to become despondent now." We do hope the King will
not think twice to rise up to the occasion and act to save democracy and his
constitutional monarchy which is so dear to him. Since the proof of the pudding lies in
eating, we are waiting to se the Palace act.
* * *
The garbage problem in and around Kathmandu
has indeed been posing great health hazards to the thousands of inhabitants. For some
recent past it has become a very serious risk for aviation. The foolish decision of the
concerned authorities to dump garbage near the airport has already caused many minor
mishaps when planes have been hit by big birds in search for good in the garbage.
Fortunately, no major accident has happened so far. It would be wise to take precautionary
steps before tragedy strikes. Commission mongering politicians have very little respect
for human lives. But the airlines should not stay complacent. They must refuse to operate
their flights unless satisfactory improvements are made immediately. It is not a matter
that can afford to be postponed. Since no body can predict an accident, no time should be
lost in making the airport area free from the birds who haunt these areas for their food
in the garbage. The plan of the government to shoot out the birds by hunters is not only
ludicrous but childish. Since the concerned authorities have turned Kathmandu into a
garbage city, the only alternative to avoid a major air accident (you don't know when it
might happen) is no shift the airport to a safe area. In The meantime extraordinary
measures must be taken to keep the airport sky safe.
| 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 |
|
