If the recent cease fire agreed to by the
security forces of HMG of Nepal and the Maoists have raised high expectations of lasting
peace in the country amongst the people, a few unscrupulous politicians seem to be much
worried at the developments. That they have not been able to accommodate the turn of
events that has not only minimized their unsavory role in national politics but might also
justifiably side line them from the center stage for all time to come is becoming evident
by their uncontrolled and illogical outbursts. Since these very politicians have been
responsible for pushing the country to the horrendous civil war that has virtually brought
it to a political and economic bankruptcy, that they should be unable to manfully,
shoulder the responsibility is not only an unmistakable manifestation of their lack of
morality and patriotism, but also of utter depravity and self-aggrandizement. We have been
continuously exhorting the power that be to put them in the place they lawfully deserved
to be, that is behind the bars. This scribe was shocked when some reputable foreigners
unabashedly expressed their opinion that a lasting peace and good governance in Nepal can
only be achieved if these politicians were removed from Nepal's national scene. Nothing
could be more derogatory to our national politics than such statements. If we fail to take
appropriate action under any kind of pressure, we will not only become a party to the evil
machinations of such politicians, but also be reviled by future generations and history as
well.
It is very gratifying to see that wisdom
has dawned on the Maoists that piggy back activities can never be conducive to promote
national interests. Their realization of their folly in becoming pawns to kill their Kith
and Kin and destroying the rare and invaluable infrastructures of their own poor country
has generated the real possibility of arriving at an understanding through dialogue that
is sure to usher in lasting peace in the troubled country. It is, indeed, a very delicate
situation now wherein various vested interests are sure to play their nefarious role to
sabotage the talks. These are testing times for our patriotic leadership as well as the
Maoist leadership. If we fail to see through the evil designs of the saboteurs even now
and avoid all the pitfalls to reach an understanding, we will be only exposing our
incompetence. Indeed, real consensus amongst all the peoples of Nepal would be welcome and
lend great strength to the talks and facilitate the process of lasting peace. But this in
no way should entail upon us the necessity of including the anti national elements who
have established their mala fide intentions and quislingism beyond a ray of doubt.
This is where King Gyanendra has to step in. Since he is above all suspicions and
skepticisms, no Nepali should harbor any doubts on his wisdom and leadership. Moreover, he
has, time and again, vouched his utter commitment to constitutional monarchy and
multiparty democracy. And, at this critical juncture when the country has to do without
any elected representative, it has become the top priority of every Nepali to create a
congenial atmosphere for an early local elections to be followed by general elections at
the earliest possible opportunity. And lasting peace is the sine qua non for holding a
free and fair elections. As such, the Maoist leaders should not fail to take into account
the unavoidable importance of the role of the King. The credibility of the present
leadership of the bigger political parties has been irreparably tarnished and no patriotic
Nepali including the Maoists should put any faith on their glib utterances and promises.
In the interim period before the next elected government takes over, there is no option to
the government appointed by the King. Since the lower house cannot be restored, the Deuba
government cannot reinstated and no government can be formed under clause 128 of the
Constitution, the only option left for the Nepalese people is to have unmitigated faith in
the King's wisdom and bear with him. Even for Nepal's foreign friends and donor
communities, who are much concerned for Nepal's better future at the moment, there is no
alternative but to accord fullest cooperation to King Gyanendra to take the country out of
the fire it is in. If they could bear with the most corrupt leadership for more than
twelve years giving a Nelson's eye to their anti national activities that brought the
country to this precarious situation, why can't they have some patience for a few months
and let the King bring the country back to track and restore it to the elected
representatives of the people? |
