Editorial (Spotlight Weekly)

The inability of the Deuba government to contain the Maoist insurgency has not only jeopardized the holding of the general elections scheduled for November 13 but convinced most of the political parties including the Prime Minister himself that elections cannot take place under the present circumstances. If not total normalcy, at least a semblance of normalcy is the prime requirement if electoral candidates are to set out for campaigning. But, if candidates cannot even visit their constituencies, how are they expected to approach their voters? Consequently, if most of the parties represented in the dissolved parliament want the elections to be postponed, the government should not shy away in accepting their proposal. When the Prime Minister himself has aligned with the thinking of the opposition, there could not be any valid reason for continuing the uncertainty about the holding of the general elections. If there are some politicians who want to stand out by refusing to join the wagon, they must be discarded as files in the cup of milk. The country no more needs any concrete evidence of their Quislingism. It is a sheer misfortune for the nation that these blackguards are sill freely walking the streets. As long the country cannot get rid of such copperheads, there can be no possibility of a just and effective administration for the country to forge ahead in the path of economic development. Since the only way out to deal with these pests is to appoint a caretaker government of patriotic men of integrity, the King automatically moves to the center of the stage of Nepalese politics. The situation is coming to such a pass that the King would be left with no option but to act. And act he must in the interest of the common man and his country. The over riding concern for all peace loving and patriotic Nepalese is to bring peace and normalcy back to the country. Since all other avenues are closed, we all have to tread on the one open avenue. It equally applies to the King also. And, may be, with the greatest emphasis. The Nepalese people are waiting with bated breath. Lest we forget, I would like to remind once again "procrastination is the thief of time."

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Perhaps this is my last editorís note from my sojourn outside the country. The ensuing Dashain, the increasing political uncertainties at home and the end of the mission for the time being, all have impelled me to return as early as possible. As a mater of fact, I myself am missing the familiar surroundings, the never ending professional problems that always keep me on my toes and the worries and anxieties that are not as shallow and deceptive as the environment, comforts and luxuries of the sophisticated life. Being away from home for more that five weeks and the monotony of lackadaisical living have been goading me to get away soon. The prime requirement of restoring health has been accomplished and with the reunion with families and friends enjoyed to the optimum, it is time for me to go back to my modest way of life. All the excitements of travels and meetings with dignitaries and making new acquaintances having subsided, I am longing to be there where I belong. Next week I will be home, sitting on the dilapidated chair in my office, chatting with my good friends and colleagues and working on new stories for the magazine.