Editorial (Spotlight Weekly)

The infighting in the Nepali Congress has only helped to worsen the political and economic destabilization that has been plaguing the country for sometime past. At a time when the whole nation should have united to fight the scourge of national terrorism, our politicians leave no stone unturned to pull each others' leg to grab power so that they can fill their filthy pockets with the loot of the poor country. What is even more tragic than the anti-national behavior of the unscrupulous politicians is the utter indifference shown by the smaller intelligentsia — the backbone of the country — towards the mal-administration. They should have used their knowledge, intelligence and capabilities to mobilize the illiterate masses to judiciously use their electoral prerogatives in the interest of the nation only. Instead majority of these intellectuals blindly support these corrupt politicians to win their favor which will obtain them profitable sinecures. And the overwhelming poor electorate, majority of whom live below the poverty line, willingly sell their souls for a paltry sum of money. In such a vicious situation if democracy becomes a mockery and the country goes to the dogs, no one needs be surprised. The Nepali Congress supremo Girija Prasad Koirala, whose sole obsession is to grab power does not refrain from playing most nefarious games even when the whole country is embroiled in devastating civil war and the economy of the country is almost collapsing. No country needs external enemies if these kinds of politicians are installed as rulers. Unless these political thugs are placed where they belong, the people and the country will have to keep on bearing their misrule and their bad governance. Consequently, if we are sincerely desirous to save the country from utter ruin, the poor people and all the patriotic intelligentsia of the country have to get united and rise up against these enemies of the country and get rid of them for all time to come.

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With the dissolution of the lower house of parliament and the announcement of the date of general elections, the country should have been gripped in hectic electoral activities. But, with the greater part of the country under the control of the insurgents, the prospective candidates and the party officials seem not only shy but definitely afraid to go to their constituencies. Moreover, many senior politicians and hundreds of their cronies are still hopeful that the Supreme Court will restore the lower house as they are still to deliver a verdict on the writ applications against the dissolution. Whichever way the Supreme Court rules, the insurgency, better, the civil war in the country, has got to be brought to an end at the earliest possible time. But the moot question is how? Indeed, these insurgents have been branded as terrorists and even the big friendly neighbor in the south, India, has unequivocally denounced them as terrorists. But, very senior members of the ruling party as well as the leading opposition keep on meeting the leaders of the insurgents in an alien country. Unconfirmed reports even affirm that they periodically donate substantial amounts to the insurgents. Even bigger paradox is the flagrant breach of international understanding to fight global terrorism by the friendly Indian establishment which is providing safe haven to the Nepalese insurgents. Even senior US diplomats are much bewildered at Indian behavior. Said Peter Burleigh, a senior US diplomat once based in Kathmandu, "Indian government could do more if it wants to limit the rebellion." Since it has been well established beyond a ray of doubt that the Maoist leaders are operating from Indian bases, how can the world powers like the United States, the United Kingdom or the European Union keep their eyes shut and let poor Nepal bleed? Why can't they pressurize India not to give direct or indirect aid to the Nepalese insurgents? Or, is their global strategy against terrorism not applicable to Nepal? Why should they act so hypocritical and let India flagrantly violate the international understanding? Should Nepal, a small country, be sacrificed to safeguard their political and economic interests with the giant country? If they can pressurize Pakistan why can't they do the same with India? And why should not India be subjected to global censure for playing a double standard? It is high time for India, too, to appreciate that her coercive diplomacy with Nepal can never produce a lasting positive result. Indeed, she can buy over a handful of politicians and other intellectuals. But she cannot buy the goodwill of the entire nation. And she must not fail to take note of the basic fact that there are more patriots than quislings in Nepal and some day they will take over. India must stop blatantly exploiting Nepal's vulnerabilities, and if she keeps on humiliating the Nepalese people, it is bound to generate even more pernicious anti-Indianism, even amongst the general mass. So, as a proof of her rhetorical friendship, India should arrest all the insurgent Nepalese leaders basking under her generous hospitality and hand them over to Nepal. In the prelude of King Gyanendra's ensuing visit to India, it could not only generate the desired atmosphere but pave the way for a most fruitful visit.

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It is very gratifying to see that India has, after all, decided to move backwards from the brinkmanship she was so obdurately following. We, on our part, were fully convinced that India could not dare to go for an all out war. Even though it may still be a bit premature to heave a sigh of relief, it cannot be denied that India has taken certain steps in the right direction. The President of Pakistan Gen. Pervez Musharraf does deserve a lot of kudos for maintaining equanimity in the face of unbearable pressures ordinary humans could not have withstood. He has proved that he is not only a tough soldier but an astute diplomat. Since the black clouds of war have started thinning, it would me most appropriate if India started dialogues over the most contentious issue of Kashmir - the mother of all problems in South Asia. As long India denies the Kashmiris their fundamental rights of choosing their destiny, a permanent peace in the region will remain the willow o' the wisp.