Editorial (Spotlight Weekly)

The country is passing through the worst crisis in its recent history. Although I am far away from Nepal, news appearing on web-sites show the situation is yet to improve. The killing of Nepalese, destruction of basic infrastructure and other forms of violence seem to be a regular phenomenon of Nepal. Those who have always fished in troubled waters in Nepal to destabilize politics in order to further their own selfish designs have used the Nepalese terrorists unabashedly. The leaders of the so-called mainstream political parties, including the Congress leaders who have been in charge for most of the time looting the poor country, have set a record in turning the tide of popularity and expectations into that of hatred and disillusionment so much so that the deprived people have been forced to take arms against the state. The government is full of stinking politicians and no credibility whatsoever, either at home or abroad, and the economy is almost on the verge of bankruptcy. As the government lifted the state of emergency, the Maoist has intensified their violent activities, disrupting the normal life. At this juncture, it has become most imperative for all the good friends of Nepal to not to support the corrupt politicians and terrorism if they are really concerned about safeguarding democracy in Nepal. In this regard, our closest neighbor and friend, India, can play a very important role. They must earnestly stop destabilizing politics in Nepal and earnestly discourage the terrorist activities of the Nepalese Maoists who are using India as their safe haven. During his recent visit to Nepal, Indian Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha firmly said his country would not give shelter to any terrorists. The poor people of Nepal are fed up with vacant rhetoric.They are expecting India to sincerely behave like a true friend that it professes to be. They want to see concrete actions with visible achievements so that the downward trends in bilateral relations can be arrested and brought back to track. Still the key role in the whole affair belongs to King Gyanendra. As the country is heading toward disaster, the monarch cannot remain idle. We humbly request King Gyanendra to act precipitously to save the country from imminent disaster. The country cannot take any more killing of Nepalese by Nepalese. Article 127 of the constitution empowers the monarch to do that. If necessary, in the great interest of the country, the constitution must be suspended for a specified period of time, because the constitution is always made for the country, not vice-versa.

* * *

The Nepalese in the United States also want to see strong action from King Gyanendra to save their motherland. Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his jumbo cabinet are a gangrenous political limb of our democracy and there can be no free and fair elections. Deuba and his cabinet are not indispensable for the country. There are more honest, patriotic and dedicated people than them. It is for the King to find them.