EDITOR'S NOTE
The ensuing
summit of the Pakistani and Indian leaders might have generated high hopes in some hearts
in South Asia. But, whether the meeting will usher in the atmosphere that might contribute
to a lasting peace in the region is a million dollar question few would find a
satisfactory answer. Even some lessening of tensions between the two feuding nations
hinges on the crucial issue of Kashmir on which neither side is in a position to
relent on its stance. As such, the failure of any breakthrough on the issue at this
juncture, is apt to end up in greater frustration. That the hapless people of Kashmir have
suffered unimaginable miseries, deaths and destruction need no emphasis. For no fault of
theirs they are groaning under imposed alien rule for more than five decades. The
unwillingness of the United Nations Organization to implement its own resolution hanging
in balance for almost a half century has clearly reflected its unjust and prejudicial
behavior. Whatever be the reason behind its failure to reactivate the dormant resolution,
the denial of the basic fundamental right to choose their own destiny to the people of
Kashmir will keep on smearing the image of the United Nations for all time to come. Any
resolution of the vexatious problem without the participation of the Kashmiri people would
be nothing more than an utopian dream. No country, howsoever big and strong, has any right
to impose its will on the poor Kashmiris. In this age when 'Human Rights' has become the
key phrase for all countries, how can the so called champions of human rights keep on
tolerating its gross violations in Kashmir?
Even though India is leaving no stone unturned to humor the Pakistani leader,
no sensible man would ever believe that the Pakistani general would be caught unaware.
Despite the fact that friendly relations between Pakistan and India is in the greatest
interest of the region as a whole and our own country in particular, some how we find it
very difficult to feel completely reassured about the end of the summit. Our own sorry
experience of more than five decades forbids u s to harbor high hopes on the objective
magnanimity of the biggest and most powerful country of the region — India. Moreover,
we cannot forget the most common adage, "if wishes are horses beggars would
ride" and we are more than convinced that vacant rhetorics do never produce concrete
results, we will only keep our fingers crossed. At the same time, we will keep on
sincerely praying for wisdom to prevail.
* *
*
The budget for
2058-59 presented in the parliament finance minister Ram Sharan Mahat a few days back has
not generated any surprises. Dr. Mahat has resisted the temptation of going down in
Nepal's history as the first finance minister to present a 100 billion rupees budget. Over
all reaction on the budget from various sections of Nepalese society has been quite
balanced. Since Mahat has been careful not to make the budget too populist, he has left
little scope for adverse criticism. As the real success of the budget does not lie in its
presentation but in its efficient and fruitful implementation, being fully aware of
the integrity of the politicians manning the government, the parliamentarians and the
bureaucracy, even though harboring enough skepticism we will restrain ourself and not jump
to hasty conclusion. But we will not hesitate to state that if the government cannot
resolve the Maoist issue and the atmosphere of insecurity keeps on plaguing the country,
not to say anything about this budget, no budget will be able to pull the country try out
of the recession. And as long Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala keeps on sticking to
the chair of authority chances of resolution of the Maoists problem look very dim. So, if
Mahat is keen to see his budget produce some concrete result, he has to take a leaf out of
Koirala's look and step in his shoes, start dialogues with the Maoists and give the
country a new dynamic direction. His responsibility does not end with the presentation of
the budget. If has just begun.
| Chief-Editor & Publisher |
: Madhav Kumar Rimal |
| Editor |
: Sarita Rimal |
| Managing Editor |
: Keshab Poudel |
| Associate Editor |
: Bhagirath Yogi |
| Senior Reporter |
: Sanjaya Dhakal |
| Reporter |
: Akshay Sharma |
| Photographer |
: Nishchal Chapagain |
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