National 4 (Spotlight Weekly)

'Armed Struggle Against The State Cannot Succeed In Nepal'

- Dr. KESHARJUNG RAYAMAJHI

Former chairman of the Raj Parishad Standing Committee Dr. KESHARJUNG RAYAMAJHI has seen many ups and downs in his political life. Dr. Rayamajhi, professionally a medical practitioner, is among the well-known communist leaders of Nepal who met almost all renowned communist leaders of the world, including Mao Zedong, Nikita Khrushchev, Leonid Brezhnev, Fidel Castro, Che Guevara and Kim Il Sung. Dr. Rayamajhi, who joined Nepalese politics inspired by Marxism and Leninism, was elected general secretary of the unified Communist Party of Nepal. Although an adherent of an ideology based on republicanism, Dr. Rayamajhi was the first communist leader to propose a paper endorsing constitutional monarchy in Nepal. After the June 1, 2001 royal palace killings, Dr. Rayamajhi performed the crucial duty of declaring two kings in 24 hours. Frank and bold, Dr. Rayamajhi, who met late King Mahendra along with other communist leaders just a few months after the dismissal of democratic government in 1960, holds the view that no communist party would succeed in establishing a republic in Nepal. Dr. Rayamajhi, who strongly believes that every communist leader must eventually accept his point of view, spoke to KESHAB POUDEL on the present political scenario. Excerpts:

You recently completed your tenure as chairman of the Raj Parishad. How are you spending your time now?

I am reorganizing my house. After my appointment as Raj Parishad chairman, I hardly found time to visit my home. So it was virtually unfit for living, when I returned from the official residence on February 19.

Didn't you know your tenure was ending on February 19?

I was appointed four years ago on the same day, but I didn't know that I had to retire on that very day. When I tuned into the 7am news bulletin of Radio Nepal, I learned of the appointment of the new chairman. I immediately started packing my things so that the new chairman could take charge of the house.

Didn't you feel a little embarrassed?

In the 53-year history of National Democracy Day, I really felt disappointed and did not take part in formal functions. But I am happy and satisfied with my term as Raj Parishad chairman. Late King Mahendra said in 1961 to his security officer when I was arrested while in town, what a Hussu (simpleton) was Dr. Rayamajhi? When I was packing my goods, I remembered the words of late King Mahendra. I am happy now that my rooms are almost clean and renovated.

After seven years of violent struggle, the Maoists have agreed to a cease-fire for the second time. Will it bring lasting peace or will it break down like before?

In the changing and internal global context, I am very optimistic about peace. After the Maoists launched their violent movement, they must have had many negative experiences. The country has already suffered heavy losses in almost all sectors. It will take a long time for recovery. I think the Maoists announced the cease-fire after realizing how destructive their violent movement has been. The Maoists are also sons and daughters of this soil, so they might have also realized the implications of the destruction.

What is the role of King Gyanendra?

His Majesty King Gyanendra underscored his commitment to restoring peace and stability in the country by assigning the specific task to the present government. King Gyanendra has emphasized that peace is everyone's agenda. He reiterated his commitment to peace in his address to the felicitation rally in Biratnagar. The present cease-fire is the result of all these efforts. In the last seven years, many attempts had been made to restore peace. During the Sher Bahadur Deuba government, the cease-fire lasted for four months, but the country could not find permanent peace. I hope the demands of the Maoists will be addressed through negotiations and the present cease-fire will turn into a permanent peace. I believe the Maoist problem will be settled through peaceful means.

Have you seen any flexibility in the Maoists' demands?

The Maoists have four major demands, and they have shown flexibility by accepting constitutional monarchy. So there is the possibility that the Maoists will stop their armed struggle against the constitutional monarchy. They also need multi-party democracy. As far as the interim government is concerned, I don't see any major dispute except in the composition. With enough logic and confidence, we may be able to convince the Maoists that this constitution can be amended to accommodate their demands.

How can the government persuade the Maoists to give up their demand for a constituent assembly?

We must impress upon them that the existing constitution can be amended by the parliament. Why do we need a constituent assembly when the existing constitution is so flexible? Except for the four core features in the preamble to the constitution, they can change all 133 articles. Once they agree on constitutional monarchy, there is no need to go for a constituent assembly. When peace talks begin, you have to have some give and take. If we hold the elections for the constituent assembly, there will be more disputes, since the people will start to speak sentimentally. When we decide to hold the elections, there is always the possibility of clashes of opinions and sentiments. Such sentimental statements and opinions will be harmful. If the Maoists accept the constitutional monarchy, there is no justification for a constituent assembly.

Do you believe the Maoists will be satisfied with amendments to the existing constitution?

There is a provision in the constitution to rewrite it through amendments. In the last 12 years, we have seen many changes in the world. We need to change many articles in the Constitution of Kingdom of Nepal 1990. In conformity with the Maoists' demands, we can make many changes in this constitution. The elections for the House of Representatives must be the first priority, since they will pave the way for amendments to the constitution. We also should form a committee of constitutional experts to seek suggestions. We must convince the Maoists that the constitution can be amended to their satisfaction.

Ho do you see the role of the major mainstream parties?

All of us must support the current efforts to restore peace in the country. The Maoists are a recognized party. The government has been working to seek the support and advice of the major parties. The big parties have to accept the fact that peace is needed to hold free and fair elections in which they can secure a majority in parliament to form the government. There is no question of reviving the House of Representatives or of reversing the Royal proclamation of October 4, 2002. We must work out a plan to hold free and fair elections as soon as possible. Personally, I am very hopeful that the major parties will come to this realization.

Do you think the Maoists announced the cease-fire just to strengthen their position? Can armed struggle to overthrow the regime succeed in Nepal?

Internationally and geo-strategically, it will be impossible to overthrow the government through armed struggle. If some people seem determined to do so, it will be just a dream. Such action will only be destructive and the sacrifice of human lives will have no meaning. There is no room in Nepal for armed struggle. No political party will succeed in bringing change through revolution. I put this argument with the famous revolutionary leader Che Guevara, when I met him in Moscow in 1960. I told him that each country has its own geo-strategic peculiarity and values. Sandwiched between two Asian powers, Indian and China, and bestowed with diverse ethnic groups, Nepal needs a constitutional monarchy to maintain harmony.

What was Che's reaction?

Che agreed with my contention that the institution of monarchy is a symbol of Nepal's independence and unity.

When did you make such statements?

I made strong statements in favor of constitutional monarchy in 1960 at the international communist convention in Moscow in front of 81 communist leaders from the world. Although I believe in Marxism and Leninism, it cannot be applied in identical manner everywhere in the world.

How did international communist leaders view Nepal's monarchy?

Although the communist leaders are generally republicans, they supported my point of view. Whether Chinese leader Mao, Soviet leader Khrushchev or Brezhnev or Cuban leader Fidel Castro, Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh or Audit of Indonesia, they always supported the need of constitutional monarchy in Nepal. Mao asked me to respect the constitutional monarchy in Nepal. Traditionally, the institution of monarchy has been a factor that has united various ethnic groups. I also found similar points of view from leaders of our southern neighbor. Even the Ranas put great faith in the institution of monarchy. Republicanism is a popular theme for public speeches, but my long experience in politics shows that constitutional monarchy has no alternative in Nepal.

How did Nepalese communists take your views?

In the early days, they criticized my actions as betrayal, reactionary and regressive. But, they realized that my argument was correct. Although they never say it openly, Nepalese communists are following my way of thinking. Even Manmohanji was prime minister under constitutional monarchy and many other radical communists leaders were ministers. In the Nepalese context, the communists must follow the road of the ballot, rather than bullet. We were never colonized so there is no need for armed struggle.

So there is no future of armed struggle in Nepal?

In an independent country, there is no question of going in for armed struggle. Although all Nepalese communist leaders criticize my views in theory, in practical terms, they are following them. Once again, I want to say that there is no future of the bullet in Nepal and that the constitutional monarchy has no alternative. I sometimes feel awkward when I read the opinions of Nepali Congress leaders on republicanism. When communists have not succeeded, how can they hope to? Our culture and religion is tolerant and the country is multi-ethnic. Geo-strategic conditions do not permit us to think of revolution and republicanism. The monarchy is the only institution that can unite all the ethnic groups.

How did you spend your four-year tenure as Raj Parishad chairman?

I enjoyed my tenure very much. I was invited as chief guest to more than 1, 200 formal ceremonies. I attended many other ceremonies.

What is the most unforgettable part of your life?

Oh! It was the tragedy at the Royal Palace on June 1, 2001. I saw the bodies of nine royal family members lying at the Birendra Army Hospital. There never was nor will be another more tragic event in my life. I was worried because of crisis the institution of monarchy was caught in. The moment is deeply embedded in my mind. Even today, my eyes swell when I remember the fateful night when I wept like a child at the hospital, forgetting that I was chairman of the Raj Parishad Standing Committee. Being a monarchist, I felt a sigh of relief when King Gyanendra ascended the throne. I am happy that the institution of monarchy is secure and safe. I am proud to have been associated with the crowning of a wise member of the royal family as the new monarch. I am proud to say that the country and institution of monarchy are now safe under the reign of King Gyanendra.

Did you face any complications in the process of enthroning the new monarch?

Since there is a well-established traditional system for declaring the new King, we did not have any complications. I have read about many struggles and much bloodbath for power in history. I am proud to say that the tradition carried out by the institution of monarchy is more mature and scientific. There must be a new king before the funeral procession of the late king can begin. So, when King Birendra was declared dead, we announced Crown Prince Dipendra as the next monarch. When King Dipendra was declared dead, in accordance with tradition and practice, Prince Gyanendra was the natural choice for new King. Thanks to the centuries-old and well-developed tradition and practice, we didn't have to face complications in performing the duty of the Raj Sabha.

What was the exact role of the Raj Parishad?

Unlike in other parts of the world, our institution of monarchy has always followed a system. This is a very positive part. This was the reason why even in such a tragic situation, the transition was so smooth. The process was also very democratic and open. As chairman of the Raj Sabha Standing Committee, my role was to summon the meeting and to announce the new monarch. Frankly speaking, traditional monarchical institution has a level of transparency few democratic parties within the country and outside have.

Could leadership change in any communist country reeling from tragedy have been so smooth?

Had such a tragedy occurred in any other part of the world, I don't think leadership change would have been so easy. In many countries, it took many years after such incidents to announce the new leader. You might be aware of coups and counter-coups after such incidents. Nepalese should be proud of their institution of monarchy and its long traditions, which guarantees peace and prosperity.

When you did formally give up communist ideology?

I still think there is something in the ideology, but I left the communist party in 1987 when my communist colleagues in Moscow asked me to choose between the monarchy and the communist party. I humbly agreed to give up the leadership of the communist party to side with the institution of monarchy.

Did you continue to maintain relations with Soviet communists after giving up the party leadership?

Yes. I was privileged to have continued good relations with the Kremlin.

'The Most Important Thing Is To Impart Health Education'

— DR. BRYAN L. FRANK

Dr. BRYAN L. FRANK is an American doctor who has been coming to Nepal for the last several years to provide medical services to villagers. A native of Dallas, Texas, Dr. Frank has a wife and two sons back home. An anesthetist and pain medical specialist, Dr. Frank is an avid trekker who simply loves what Nepal has to offer. His wife has visited Nepal once and his sons are keen to come here for trekking. After many years of active practice, since the last four years Dr. Frank has been devoting all his medical practice to mission works. SANJAYA DHAKAL caught up with Dr. Frank, founding director of Medical Mission Partners, last week before he returned home and sought information on his attachment to Nepal and the Nepalese people. Excerpts:

How often do you come to Nepal?

I first came to Nepal in 1989 in a Wilderness Medical Education trip. I had a long history of trekking and climbing back in the US. Certainly, I was eager to come both to enjoy the trekking in the Khumbu region and offer education and training on mountain and trekking medicine. Since then, I have come to Nepal several times. In fact, this is my ninth trip to Nepal to provide medical missions to poor people in villages. I am coming again later this year. Mostly, I come to Nepal twice a year in spring and fall.

What is Wilderness Medicine?

There is a group of doctors in the US called the Wilderness Medical Society. It is an organization of doctors and health professionals who apply specialty into all aspects of wilderness. Here the wilderness means mountain and trekking but elsewhere it also includes deserts, jungles and so on. Basically, it involved specialty of medical assistance in fields that are outside our normal city life.

So, you also treat trekkers?

Yes we treat all sorts of health problems associated with mountaineers and trekkers, including acute mountain sickness, infectious diarrhea and so on. Besides, we have been providing medical assistance to poor villagers free of cost.

What sort of medical assistance do you provide?

We provide several things. We provide basic family medicine for adults and children. We provide health education to everyone we see. We have taught short health education to some of the students around the villages where we have served. We encourage them to disseminate the information to their families so that the incidents of illnesses will decrease. Not only do we provide basic health services but also impart health education. Currently, we run a health center in Silimgal village in the south-eastern region of Bhaktapur district where we are building a basic clinic facility to provide regular service to local people. A hostel for CMAs (health assistants) is also being built. And also in Riyale village east of Banepa. These are apart from health camps we organize in many villages. Till now, our team has already treated over 2,500 patients in several villages. Every time we come here, we bring medicines and equipment worth 200,000 to 250,000 US dollars.

Who do you operate with?

Well, we bring our team from the US and also work with Nepalese colleagues like CMAs who join us at the health camps. We also have some connection with Nepalese physicians.

How different is it for you to practice in the US and Nepal?

Here we serve people who do not have access to medical assistance due to either their financial deprivation or location. In the US there is a lot of sophistication in the medical system but it has not necessarily helped in the prevention of chronic diseases. That is one reason why apart from practicing my regular service, I try to treat my patients through an integrated service - combining the aspects of homeopathy and acupuncture as well. In fact, there is a rapid growth of this kind of integrated approach in the US at present. Though we can perform complicated transplants, we have been unable to properly deal with chronic illnesses and manage pain.

How do you find the health service in Nepal?

Well, I find there is a lot of challenges in the lack of diagnostic machines as well as supplies of services. I know a number of physicians in Nepal and I am impressed with them.

Coming from a developed country, how do you feel to find people dying due to lack of elementary services out here?

I have done this type of work in other parts of the world with similar problems. I think the most important thing is to impart health education. When I go to villages, I find people not drinking clean water. They don't wash their hands and consequently run risk of infections. These can be taught to them so easily.

How do Americans view Nepal?

The news reports that we get in America are quite frightening. Whenever I come here, my family and friends express their concerns for my safety. But when I come here, I do not find the situation so bad. At times we had to move our health camps from certain places to avoid areas that are not safe. Other than that we have had no problem. I hope the problem is solved through negotiations and the peace prevails here. Nepal needs the tourist industry and the resources it generates. The people from the West would like to come here.

What do you think about trekking in Nepal?

The routes and mountains are simply spectacular. And the services provided by trekking agencies are extremely rewarding.