NATIONAL7Spotlight Weekly)]

From Bad To Worse

The entire business sector is dispirited by law and order crumbling at an alarming pace

By SANJAYA DHAKAL

The mood of the industrial and business sector can be best gauged by the pensive advertisement campaign recently launched by the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). The major newspapers carried poignant advertisements depicting a serious law-and-order situation and requesting "all concerned" to help abate the growing tension and warning that it would ultimately affect "us" - the general public.

The threats, intimidation and forced fund-raising initiated by Maoist-affiliated organizations have thrown the business sector into confusion and chaos. Contrary to expectations that the situation would improve with the government and rebels sitting down for talks, an upsurge in the activities of Maoistsí sister organizations has led to a worsening condition.

"The sector is on the verge of collapse. If there is no respite soon, the private sector has already made up its mind to close shop," said Rajendra Kumar Khetan, a prominent industrialist and second vice-president of the FNCCI.

Last week, the federation organized an interaction program inviting the home as well as finance ministers to listen to their concerns. The ministers tried to soothe the nerves of an anxious business community by saying the present situation would not last long and that the government would take stern action if the rebels continued their terror tactics.

"We are keeping our fingers crossed that the government will do something soon. Time is running out fast," said Khetan.

The business community is particularly concerned by the heightened mobility of sister organizations of the Maoists. "On the one hand, preparations are being made for a dialogue between the government and the Maoists, while on the other, pro-Maoist workers and womenís groups, in particular, are exerting pressures, as a result of which the industrial atmosphere has deteriorated, and they have become insecure," read the statement by the FNCCI. The incidents of arson and vandalism that have occurred in various industries have also shocked the FNCCI.

The federation has also expressed serious concern about the possibility of industrial unrest breaking out in the country as a result of the various demands presented before the hotels, readymade garment, carpet and other industries by the All Nepal Workers Association (Revolutionary).

Apart from pointing fingers at rebels for the present gloom, some have even questioned the role of businessmen who, directly or indirectly, helped the Maoist-affiliated groups reach their current state by agreeing to their extortion demands.

"Ever since the Maoist insurgency broke out, the rebels have clandestinely or openly been demanding funds from local as well as central businessmen. Instead of strengthening the hands of the government, some businessmen helped rebels. Consequently they are facing the music now," said one official on condition of anonymity. The official feared such practice could lead to a situation like in Colombia where big business houses employ private armies for security.

"I agree that neither the government nor the business community were serious enough at first. It was widely thought that the problem was a short-term one. But it took a political dimension very quickly and now we are in a quandary. In fact, the business community faces difficulties from both the Maoists as well as the police, who harass them for helping the rebels," said Khetan.

As the crucial talks between the government and the Maoists are going on, the entire business community is anxiously waiting for the result that could "make or break" their future.