Editorial (Spotlight Weekly)

The delay in starting serious peace talks between the government and the Maoists is unnecessarily creating misgivings. When both the feuding parties are holding on to the cease fire and the whole country is expectantly waiting for the next step-the beginning of the peace dialogues — the process must not be influenced by any outside parties who have no stake whatsoever in the successful end of the negotiations. That there would be attempts to sabotage the talks, both from inside and outside, needs no emphasis. And this is the issue where both, the government and the Maoists, must be very vigilant. Since the situation is still very fragile it is not only desirable but imperative that both the parties practise restraint and deter from even using vituperative rhetorics. Knowledgeable people do understand that the Maoists suffer from severe constraints and have to take recourse to maintain a show of strength for the consumption of the common man. But they need have no apprehensions that the Nepalese people would become vindictive but instead happily accept them as one of their own only if they can prove that they are sincerely working for the good of the country and the people. They must have no misconception that their close alliance with the so-called democratic forces (in reality they are the corrupt and anti-national forces wholly responsible for plunging the country into the civil war) would ever endear themselves with all the patriotic forces of the country. Since the onus is on the Maoists to establish their bona fide, they have no option but to sit-down with the government in power and reach the understanding for permanent peace. The one and only objective before all the right minded people of Nepal is to hold the general elections as soon as possible. The only way all political parties including the Maoists can prove their strength and acceptability is through elections. Consequently, the Maoists must concentrate on reaching a satisfactory solution without unrealistic preconditions. If they think that a hard attitude gives them a sharper edge at the negotiating table, they would be committing a grave mistake. What is most urgently needed at this hour, is goodwill and a sincere desire for lasting peace.

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It is most gratifying to see that the Iraq war is coming to a quicker end than expected. Even though the consequence was a foregone conclusion that Baghdad would capitulate so tamely is a bit surprising. Saddam Hussein could be an evil man. But whether an independent sovereign nation could be so inhumanely demolished into rubble by the most powerful country is sure to generate a spate of debate all over the world. Saddam's failure to use the weapons of mass destruction on the forces of his arch enemies even when he has been fighting for his own skin might prove only one point that, perhaps, he did not have any WMD. If this is proved to be true, it will only diminish Washington's justification to attack Iraq. Whether deliverance of Iraq from Saddam's despotic rule by the force of arms will usher in peace and prosperity to the people of Iraq in particular and the Middle-east in general, time only will show. Whether Iraq will have a democratic government as a sequel to the war and whether the Iraq war will contribute to democratization of other despotic regimes in the gulf and the Middle-east is, indeed, very difficult to state. And whether it will add more fuel to the fire of Islamic terrorism and suicide bombings is yet another very difficult issue and will become clear with subsequent events only. But, that it has posed a serious threat to weaker and smaller states with rich natural resources can in no way be denied. If Iraq is rich in oil, Nepal is rich in water resources. And water resources are definite to play a very important role in the economy of the peoples of South Asian nations in not so distant future. As such, Nepal has to start thinking how she can preserve her natural resources and avoid the possibility of foreign aggression at the same time right from now. No sensible and patriotic Nepali should take it as a figment of imagination. The specter is right looming at the horizon and warning Nepal to become ready to face the situation.

Survival Struggle

Water is the most basic element necessary for human survival ("No Succor", SPOTLIGHT, April 4). As such, it is surprising to find the residents of Kathmandu even surviving the drought-like condition. The dry taps and long queues to collect water from public tankers are evidence of the hardships they are bearing to survive. While citizens of other countries are working day and night to develop their societies, we Kathmanduites have to remain on standby even at night lest the taps suddenly begin to ooze the precious liquid.

-Kiran Bista
Bishalnagar

No Water

Your cover story "No Succor" (SPOTLIGHT, April 4) amply underscored the problems of ordinary citizens like me. Due to severe scarcity of water, my family has to suffer tremendous physical as well as psychological strain. It is shameful that the government has not been able to provide its citizens with a basic commodity like water. It is indeed a matter of great embarrassment that citizens of even the capital city reel under water shortage. This is not a problem that cropped up overnight. Planners had ample time and opportunity to plan for alternative systems to quench our thirsts. But they preferred not to act.Though the government is promising us Melamchi, the people are not sure. This promise has been repeated continuously for the last one decade and we are not an inch closer to realizing it. If the authorities cannot bring enough water to the capital city, they should seriously consider switching the capital to more water-friendly areas like, say, the Kosi basin. That way, we will not have to wake up in the middle of the night to collect drinking water.

- Avinash Singh
Bhotebahal

Privatize Management

The water supply system under the government's control has simply failed to deliver ("No Succor", SPOTLIGHT, April 4). Otherwise, we would not be facing severe water scarcity so regularly. It is, therefore, justified to press for the privatization of water supply system as demanded by some donor agencies. Perhaps the private operator would be more efficient in quenching our thirst. Although the opponents claim that it would be expensive for ordinary users if the water supply system is handed over to private sector, one must understand that presently most users are forced to buy expensive water pumps, which use huge quantities of electricity and pushing up our bills. Instead of wasting money on such pumps, consumers would be more than willing to pay little extra if they are provided with adequate and healthy water supply. Other critics claim that since water is of vital importance, it should not be left to the private sector. But one is not sure about the validity of this argument. Currently, the private sector is leading the engine of growth the world over. There is no reason for us not to believe in their ability to manage water supply efficiently. In fact, a wider public debate is necessary to solve this problem as soon as possible.

-Kailash Gurung
Thamel

Pollution Peril

Through your esteemed magazine, I would like to draw the attention of the concerned authorities to the growing pollution in and around Kathmandu valley. The rivers, air and soil of the capital are increasingly becoming contaminated. The main reason for air pollution in Kathmandu is unmanaged urbanization and industrialization. The smoke coming out of old vehicles and brick kilns has worsened the situation. If the rate of pollution goes unchecked, the environment will soon become too hazardous for human health. I hope the concerned authorities will take necessary steps to control pollution so that future generations can live in a favorable and healthy environment.

-Nirakar Poudel
Koteshwor

Hopes For Tourism

The various events planned for the golden jubilee celebrations of the first ascent on Mount Everest by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary are expected to boost tourism in Nepal. The planned joint expedition to Mount Everest and Mount Lhotse by the Royal Nepalese Army and Indian Army is one such event ("Heights of Friendship" SPOTLIGHT, March 28). This expedition will not only lure more tourists from India but also help in strengthening relations between the two armies.

-Laxman Shakya
Kopundole

Head-On Collision

The attitude of all the political actors, including the government, parties and the Maoists, points to grim days ahead, as they seem set for confrontation rather than conciliation ("Confrontational Course", SPOTLIGHT, March 28). Instead of seizing the opportunity thrown up by the cease-fire and peace talks, all actors are busy trying to consolidate their own positions. If they continue with their implacable postures, the nation will be dragged into yet another quagmire.

- Lalit Thapa
Old Baneshwore