EDITOR'S NOTE
Prime minister Grija Prasad Koirala is off to
New York leading the Nepalese delegation to the millenium United Nations meet. It is not
at all unusual for the Prime Minister to go to the UN meet at the head of his country's
delegation. Many Chief Executives all over the world do that. But few give in to personal
considerations while choosing the delegation. Moreover when a poor country like Nepal
squanders away millions of rupees when thousands of its poor people are starving naturally
such trips generate bitter criticisms. We have, time and again, expressed our humble
opinion that the Prime minister must take other political parties and patriotic
intellectuals into confidence when embarking upon any official foreign tours where
national issues are discussed. Unfortunately our humble advice has never found favor with
the Nepali Congress governments. Koirala's conceited arrogance never permits him to listen
to any advice unless it is from quarters where he becomes totally dumb. And it is the main
reason why any action he takes becomes controversial. Perhaps, no one would disagree with
the propriety of the Prime minister going to the historic United Nations session, if his
visit could benefit the country in any manner.
But, the moot question is how important was
it for the Prime minister to leave the country for more than two weeks at this juncture?
What is he going to achieve? We are really very apprehensive that except the Japanese
Prime minister no other world leader would take much notice of the Nepalese delegation.
And no ghost from hell need come to tell us what kind of impression his speech to the
General Assembly is going to make. We, however, think that the Prime minster should have
contributed all his efforts to solving the Maoist problem. The country is virtually at the
brink of a civil war. The national festival of Dashain that does bring some joy in the
miserable lives of millions of poor Nepalese, once a year, is knocking at the door. The
prices of all essential commodiaties have sky-rocketed making them beyond the purse of the
common man. Prime minister's foreign jaunt at such a critical time is a clear reflection
of his total indifference to country's security and people's interests. Maybe, Koirala
thinks differently. Since he is already there, we cannot but wish him a successful trip
and hope he knows the art of pulling a rabbit out of his hat.
The unceremonious sacking of Dr. Tilak Rawal,
Governor of the Nepal Rashtra Bank has set in a new authoritarian trend in The Nepali
Congress government supposed to be democratic. A person who was appointed by its own
government a few months back was suddenly found to be so incompetent that he had to be
abruptly dismissed. If incompetency is such a strong and legitimate ground for dismissal,
should not the king dismiss the Koirala government without much ado as it has proved
itself to be most incompetent? Another instance of intolerance and authoritarianism was
the statement of Communication minister Jaya Prakash Gupta who has threatened to cancel
the registration of those newspapers who are sympathetic towards the Maoists. The
ministers must understand that if the government does not improve its performance, the
number of sympathisers of the Maoist activities might go on increasing. So, instead of
threatening the journalists, the rulers must try to give a cleaner and more efficient
administration and work in the interest of the people and the country. That is the only
way to stop the spread of Maoists and Mohan Niraulas. Our criticism of Rawal's dismissal
in no way minimizes the appointment of Dipendra Purush Dhakal. We sincerely hope he is
spaned a similar fate and wish his tenure a success.
| 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 |
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