The decision to close the contact point (P.R. office) in the
capital by the Maoists has generated various misgivings in various minds of Nepalese
intelligentsia. Since the Maoist leaders are not available to comment on the move, it will
be simply unproductive to make fanciful guesses. Those who think this could be the signal
for return to the jungles and violence could be absolutely mistaken. Those who think this
could be a ploy to strengthen the bargaining tactics of the Maoists might be guessing
right. Because, the Maoists could not be that naive not to foresee the fall out of
returning to the jungles. No one should doubt the bona fide of the Maoist leaders to come
to the negotiating table after more than six months of cease fire. With the sudden change
in the atmosphere around them, the Maoists must be facing with serious problems of
replenishments of resources to keep their cadre satisfied and under their control. The
uncalled for delay in starting the dialogues is sure to have contributed to generating
disquietude in the Maoists rank and file. it seems the Maoists are finding it rather
difficult to repose their faith in the assertions of their official counterparts. The
failure of the government to tackle the recalcitrant politicians who are getting panicky
at the unthought of turn in the mood of the masses and consequently always trying to queer
the pitch so that the feuding parties may not arrive at any agreement is one of the
principal causes for this Maoist volte face. Since the agitation of the disgruntled
politicians has exposed their true standing in the existing political situation in the
country, they simply cannot afford the dialogue between the government and the Maoists to
come to a fruitful conclusion lest they be sidelined from the mainstream national politics
forever. The Maoists and the official party nee the Palace both must be able to see
through the protestations of the discredited politicians despite their hypocritical
assertion of support to the dialogue. As such, the need of the hour is not to woo the
corrupt politicians who have been totally discarded by the overwhelming poor masses of the
country but to pick and choose persons who can generate hope and confidence and negotiate
an agreement with the Maoists for a lasting peace so that the country can go to the polls
without undue delay. Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa seems to have lost his magic
touch. A person who is incapable of commanding unstilted support from him own party cannot
be expected to command and obtain the support from the masses. It seems the Palace has
again faltered in picking the right man to tackle the precarious situation. Since the King
has to bear the Kudos or the blame for the success or failure of the peace talks in the
present context, he has to rely on his own judgment. Since he is the only silver lining in
the dark clouds enveloping the country, the whole nation is expectantly looking up to him
to rise to the occasion and lead the country to the safe haven. Since the only way to get
an accountable and representative government in the country is to hold early elections at
the local and national level, all good friends of Nepal have to strengthen the hands of
King Gyanendra to bring peace in the troubled country. This is not the time to nurse
personal prejudices. This is the time when all nationalist forces and good and sincere
friends of the poor people must join hands to deliver the country from the impending evil.
There is no time for procrastination. |
