EDITOR'S NOTE
It is being reported that the third round
of talks between the Maoists and the Sher Bahadur Deuba government is being scheduled
soon. They should have met and thrashed out their differences much earlier. Delaying the
talks and thus the uncertain situation is sure to become counterproductive for them who
resort to such tactics. If political scenario is becoming more unfavorable for the
Maoists, the Deuba government too has started facing dissensions from his own party
members. If situation does not improve in the country before the festive season starts,
King Gyanendra may be forced to take unpalatable decisions. Difficult times are apt to
bring out the best in men. Leadership always demands that leaders rise up to the occasion
and prove their mettle. Our political leaders have proved the imbecility. Babu Ram
Bhattarai and Prachanda have not been tested yet. And neither has been King Gyanendra. The
Maoist duo have to come forward and establish their bona fide that, unlike the immoral and
unpatriotic political leaders, they do love their country and their poor countrymen and
would do anything to defend and preserve their interest. The Maoist leaders have to prove
beyond any doubt whatsoever that there is no place for self-aggrandizement in their
lexicon. They must never forget that no system howsoever effective, competent, adequate or
even grandiose can deliver the goods by itself. It is the men behind the system, their
character, their impeccable integrity, their dedication, their love and affection for
their brethren and above all, their patriotism that always take the country forward. It is
most unfortunate that in the last twelve years the country has not been able to produce
one political leader that could stand his ground. They have proved themselves to be all
spineless satellites willing to lick native or foreign boots to stay in power to fill
their and their henchmen's pockets. Recent events in the neighborhood have shown that such
men have to be kicked out, tried and punished. Any leader who is endowed with patriotism
and integrity is sure to get the whole-hearted support of his overwhelming people, And it
is the only crying need of the hour. We have already exhorted the Maoist leaders to jump
into the mainstream politics and give dedicated leadership to the nation.
In these difficult times, King
Gyanendra's role has assumed even greater importance. If destiny has pushed him in the
vortex of Nepalese politics, there is overwhelming belief that he will come out unscathed.
At a time when loud voices are being heard about the redundancy of the institution of
monarchy, it is upto King Gyanendra to prove to the world that the institution is as
indispensable today as it was two hundred years ago. The Nepalese monarch is not only the
defender of the Nepalese constitution, he is also the defender of the religion practised
by more than eight hundred million peoples of the world. And they do look upto him to
preserve its pristine glory and sanctity. He also cannot lose sight of the fact that the
institution he heads is the only unifying force in the country filled with heterogeneous
sects and ethnicity. And it is the only institution that can rise above all petty personal
interests and work for the over all well-being of the people. Moreover, King Gyanendra, at
the moment, is shouldering even a much heavier responsibility of preserving the system
that the country has won after a lot of supreme sacrifices. Not only monarchy is at stake,
not only the unity of the country is at stake, the very sovereignty, the very existence of
the nation is at stake. King Gyanendra cannot afford to prevaricate at this juncture. In
the interest of his own country and his own people, he has to act. If the politicians do
no mend their manners, King Gyanendra must not hesitate, even for a moment, what he must
do. He need not be guided by what others say. His only concern, repeat his only concern
should be his people and his country. His country's friends, for and near are sure to
stand by him and his twenty three million people will rally round him. Time is running
out. And the most important thing in the life of a nation as well as the men is time. So,
we have to act and act now because as the English bard says, procrastination is the thief
of time.
| 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 |
| Editorial Office |
: GPO Box 7256,Baluwatar,Kathmandu, Nepal. |
| Telephone |
: 977 1 423 127 |
| Fax |
: 977 1 417 845 |
| email |
: spotligh@mos.com.np |
|
