EDITOR'S NOTE
The dialogue between the Maoists and the
government has started. If is a good augury. Except that they resorted to armed rebellion,
which has resulted in the unnecessary deaths of many innocent peoples on both sides, the
Maoists are fighting for a deserving cause. The twelve years of misrule, corruption,
nonperformance, personal aggrandissment and anti-nationalism by the politicians of all
hues who grabbed the chairs of authority call for sterner actions against all those
politicians. Instead of punishing the culprits and the criminals directly, the Maoists,
decided to pursue a course that has neither benefited the nation nor the peoples. We can
understand their frustrations and disenchantments they had to suffer by the betrayal of
their partners who shared their efforts to end the authoritarian Panchayat regime. As a
matter of fact, except a few hundred unscrupulous politicians and their cronies who have
reaped the harvest of the restoration of democracy and made themselves stinking rich, the
overwhelming poor people have been badly jolted out of their dreams. And they have started
to dream again, a dream how to get rid of these corrupt politicians. Even though the
methodology the Maoists have adopted might not be acceptable to many, they are still
looking up to the Maoists for deliverance from the sheer misrule of the post Panchayati
politicians. Now that the Maoists have agreed to dialogues and have already done the first
round and preparing for the second we would like to advise them, if we may, to stick to
only one point agenda for the talks — dismissal of the corrupt and anti-national
Nepali Congress government and formation of an interim government of honest and patriotic
Nepalese The interim government will decide about holding elections for the constituent
assembly and the constitution thus made will decide what forum of government Nepal should
have. Consequently, it seems meaningless to haggle about amendments in the constitution
and a republican government. If the Maoists are sincere in their pronouncements to come to
the rescue of the poor of this country they have to be very flexible in their stance and
cooperate with all patriotic forces without any prejudice. Rigid ritualism will lead us no
where and might only contribute to invite troubles and problems inimical to all and the
nation as well.
* * *
Nearly six weeks have passed since Sher
Bahadur Deuba has been sworn in as Prime Minister. He has indeed made some significant
headway in starting a dialogue with the Maoist rebels. But, his inability to enlarge his
cabinet is badly hampering the proper functioning of his government. In the absence of a
"de facto" Foreign Minister the Finance Minister had to shoulder that burden.
Since Deuba is keeping most of the ministries with himself naturally he cannot do full
justice with any. The trade treaty with India is to expire in a few months. And he has not
appointed a full-fledged Commerce Minister. And if has been able to read the writings on
the wall, the renewal of the treaty is sure to face big hurdles. It is not only important
but has become imperative that he appoint some efficient, experienced and strong man as
the country's commerce minister so that he can safeguard the interests of the country
while negotiating with the friendly neighbor in the South. The inordinate delay in
expanding the cabinet has not only exposed Deuba's vulnerability but stamped his
government as very fragile. This might also tell heavily on his future negotiations with
the Maoists. Who would like to deal with a weakling whose future is very uncertain? People
have already started talking that the Prime Minister has wobbly knees. Unless Deuba starts
asserting as a strong Prime Minister, his credibility too might sink very low. Will the
politicians who helped him gain the chair of the chief executive stand by him steadfast?
Time only will show. We think it will be sooner rather than later.
| 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 |
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