Peace talks are always an arduous process.
Even though the cease-fire between H.M.G. of Nepal and the Maoist forces are holding,
except for sporadic incidents, the serious dialogues for a lasting peace and normalcy do
not seem taking place as expected. Despite the fact that the feuding parties might be
quite keen to sit together to find agreeable solutions, there would be others hiding some
sinister plans up their sleeves so that they may sabotage the talks. As such, it becomes
imperative for both the negotiating teams that they be able to see through their
abominable designs. Since the poor millions of the poorest country most urgently need
peace and stability, the Chand government and the Maoist leaders both must lose no time in
sinking their differences, if any, and start the negotiations without undue delay. They
don't have any option but to sideline all those corrupt politicians who have
unmistakably proved their anti-nationalism. They have even to be wary of all the
opportunist politicians who have emerged as the indispensable elements in the peace talks.
It is only lesser men with lack of confidence in their own capabilities who would woo the
participation of such thugs in the peace process. Since it has become crystal clear that
these corrupt politicians who are solely responsible for bringing the country to this
horrendous situation, are only interested in grabbing power so that they may again start
their nefarious activities of looting the country with greater impunity. Not only the
people but even the second generation leaders of the discredited political parties are
totally disillusioned with their leadership and would be very happy to get rid of
them. But they feel helpless due to their Mafiatic stranglehold on the party. Even the
Maoist leaders cannot overlook the fact that these very leaders were instrumental for
turning them into insurgents. As such, they must not have any truck with such leaders and
start dialogues with the King's government so that a peaceful atmosphere is prepared for
holding the general elections at the earliest possible time. And let the free and fair
general elections prove who is the real trustee of the poor people.
The claims of the unscrupulous politicians
that they are still the representatives of the people since they, till very recently, were
members in the House of Representatives sounds nothing but ludicrous. As the House stands
dissolved they are at par with all other political parties registered with the Election
Commission. Moreover, by their anti-nationalistic behavior in more than a decade of
misgovernance and maladministration they have completely forfeited their right of
representing the people. It is because of weak government they are still walking freely.
Why are they not meeted out proper punishments for their crimes belies our imagination.
What comes as most surprising to us is the attitude of the western democratic friends of
Nepal when they blindly support these corrupt politicians. Are they trying to help the
poor people of Nepal or are they encouraging this political mafia to further exploit the
poor country? Their emphasis on democratic regimes is quite understandable. But in the
name of democratic administration, their condoning of the blatant corruption of the
politicians is beyond our common comprehension. If they really want the good of the poor
Nepalis they cannot keep on disregarding their feelings and sentiments and go on
supporting the political mafia. They must help the ignored honest and patriotic forces
come to the fore front. This demands that they spur both the government and the Maoists to
reach an agreement as early as possible and hold the general elections. That's the only
way they can help restore the democratic process in the country. In this context, it
may not be irrelevant to quote the American Ambassador to Nepal Michael Malinovsky who
said in a recent statement that "violence and murders have now become things of the
past." In this very connection even the U.S. Assistant Secretary of
State Donald camp has urged all international community to support Nepal's peace efforts.
It is, indeed, very gratifying to see the Americans getting really concerned at the state
of affairs in Nepal and urging the related parties to come to early settlement. It would
be quite opportune if they also warned the corrupt Nepali politicians to mend their
manners and all those elements too who miss no opportunity to fish in Nepal's troubled
waters, not to indulge in such activities any more. The Maoist leaders, on their
part, have no alternative but to sit down with the government, thrash out all differences
and arrive at a reasonable understanding without losing much time. Their resumption of
murder and violent anti-state activities will not only be non-productive, even for
themselves, but out and out unwise and uncalled for in the present context. They cannot
fail to read the writings on the wall. Consequently they must join the political
mainstream in Nepal and cooperate with all patriotic forces to decimate the
anti-nationalists in the next general elections. Indeed, the role Palace has to play to
achieve the objective precipitously cannot be minimized. Since King Gyanendra's
uninhibited commitment to constitutional monarchy in the multiparty democracy cannot
generate any misgivings in the minds of Nepalese people, they are expectantly waiting for
him to set the ball rolling. At this time when the country is at the dangerous cross
roads, we can trust King Gyanendra to guide the nation to safety and security. And once
again, we are tempted to quote the immortal bard "Procrastination is the thief of
time." |
