Editorial (Spotlight Weekly)

The Cable News Network (CNN) telecast an interview with the Nepalese Maoist leader Krishna Bahadur Mahra a few days ago. Generally interviews on T.V. do not make big news. But this particular interview created a great deal of flutter and agitation in Nepal's political circles and intelligentsia. Since this interview was taken some where in India, presumably near the Indian capital, New Delhi, it has, once again, confirmed Nepal's misgivings that Indian establishment have been granting safe haven to the Nepalese rebels despite the fact they were the first to call them terrorists. While crying hoarse against double standard when their own country is involved, it is indeed, very strange why they do not even bat their eyelids practising the same nefarious tactics against the tiny neighbor, a traditionally friendly country. We have, on numerous occasions, exhorted our government and our political leaders to take up the issue with the government of India. Neither the government nor any political leader of the name has ever accepted our suggestion. Why are they feeling shy to seriously raise this vexing matter with their bigger neighbor who harbors nothing but goodwill and friendship for Nepal, is beyond everybody's comprehension. If these leaders had any sense of accountability, they must take the people into confidence and tell them what is restraining them in taking up such an important issue with the most friendly country. Even after spilling so much of Nepalese blood, even after the senseless destruction of the invaluable infrastructures of one of the poorest countries of the world which has taken the country back fifty years, why neither government makes any move to sit down together and arrive at a reasonable solution of the harassing problem. That the uprising has already done enormous damage and is sure to perpetrate total devastation if not resolved soon must be evident by the deep concern shown by the United States government recently. The U.S. State Department spokesperson, Susan Pittman has said, "The Maoists need to lay down their arms immediately, stop their brutal and senseless attacks and engage in the peaceful pursuit of their aims within the democratic frame work of Nepal's constitution." She has also affirmed the support of the U.S. government to the government of Nepal when she said, "We (strongly) reiterate our support for the right of the government of Nepal to safeguard its citizen within the framework of the constitution." This categorical denunciation of the murder and vandalism carried on by the Maoist rebels on their poor brethren of their own country, by the biggest power of the world would sound vacant and hallow, if not out and out hypocritical, if not backed by tangible follow up activities. That the United States is the most powerful and resourceful country in the whole world needs no emphasis. That it has taken upon itself the responsibility of eradicating terrorism from the face of the world is also well established for all of us to know. And that it is also the champion of democracy, defender of the human rights and protector of the sovereignty of smaller nations of the world, nobody can deny. And that it has excellent friendly relations with Nepal, all Nepalese are well aware. Despite all these facts, why should the United States only express sympathy or concern and not take more serious steps to arrest the deaths and destructions in Nepal is becoming enigmatical. It is becoming even more inexplicable why India, the friendliest neighbor of Nepal, is watching Nepal being bled with the greatest disinterest. The biggest surprise is being generated by the Nepalese politicians, whether in the government or in the opposition why none of them is voicing his concern at India's callous behavior? The recent acceleration of their murderous and destructive activities by the Maoists have made it imperative that the matter be tackled most expeditiously. Since the Nepalese politicians, belonging to the bigger political parties, are only interested in grabbing power by hook or by crook, they are obsessed only in finding fault with whatever steps the King takes in normalizing the situation. If they had any sense of patriotism they would have rallied round the King till law and order was properly restored in the country. Nobody wants to stop them if they champion the cause of democracy. Since their behavior in the last twelve years has already exposed them, they have lost all credentials to lead the country. They do not have the guts even to warn India not to support the Maoist insurgents any more. Consequently, the King of Nepal himself has to take the initiative and urge the Indian Prime Minister to take personal interest to stop the Maoist activities in India. We do believe, the Indian Prime Minister will not be insensitive to the Kings plea. Since it is a matter that can adversely affect the traditional friendly relations between the two countries, the Indian leader can no longer afford to give a Nelson's eye to the presence of Nepalese Maoists in India. Moreover, he should not ignore the possibility of these very Maoists becoming big headaches for themselves in the days to come if they are still given a free hand in India. Before resorting to other alternatives, Nepal must try to convince the Indians about the urgency of resolving the problem at the earliest with their unstinted support. Even the United States and other world powers can stay complacent any more. They must lose no time in impressing upon India to meticulously abide by the international convention and agreements.

* * *

The much awaited cabinet expansion has come to pass. We are gratified to see that the King has inducted mostly new faces in the cabinet. The old corrupt faces have been totally discarded. We do hope the newly expanded cabinet will be able to justify its appointment by the King in restoring peace and normalcy in the country and the people of Nepal will give them full support to bring the country back to rails. We also urge the Maoist leaders not to become pawns and harm their own country and come to negotiations without delay. It is high time they realized that they are playing with fire. They too won't be spared if they do not realize their mistake soon. While wishing the new cabinet a happy and fruitful future, we do trust they will be able to stand up the test of time.