The failure of the Thapa government to curb the Maoist
insurgency in the country has only aggravated the sense of uncertainty and insecurity and
the people are gradually being gripped with panic. With the approach of the festive
season, the only time in the year when the poor and deprived can snatch a moment of
happiness, the government should have been able to restore some sense of confidence in the
general public. Instead, the Maoists have given a call for three day bandh, starting from
first of Aswin and the government has become totally helpless to stop it proving its
incompetence. Since all the governments are being appointed by King Gyanendra when the
House of Representatives stands dissolved and democratic process have been suspended, the
Palace cannot shirk the ultimate responsibility of the non-performance of the governments.
The one-party government of Surya Bahadur Thapa, at this juncture, whose previous stints
as prime minister have not been above board at all, could naturally not win public
approval. Moreover, his callous defiance of the royal directive to form a broad based
government embracing as many political parties as possible and the palace acquiescing
silently might not contribute to augment the image of the monarchy. We have come to a
stage when the government is unable to exercise its authority in areas beyond the district
headquarters, where the Maoists are applying their own rules and regulations. In such a
situation whom is the government trying to fool by announcing a three front program to
provide door to door service through mobile administration? Such impractical and senseless
programs, which cannot be implemented in the present circumstances will only help to
further expose the naiveté of the Thapa government. Besides, Prime minister Surya Bahadur
Thapa does not seem to be enjoying a very sound health and, consequently, his grip on his
cabinet seems to be quite feeble. This is causing all kinds of unsavoring rumors to
spread. Another important aspect for King Gyanendra to ponder upon. The country is in need
of a strong and effective government that can deal with the Maoists in whatsoever way as
deemed necessary. Indeed, we would like the Maoists to come back to dialogues. Senseless
killings, demolition of valuable infrastructures, extortion, loot and arson will not
endear them to the people, neither help their cause. It will only increase the miseries
and hardships of the poor people and encourage more lawlessness.We have already exhorted
the Maoists to lay down the arms and generate the atmosphere conducive to meet the King,
if necessary. Since the one and only objective of the discredited politicians is to grab
power, the Maoists must abjure to deal with them and sit down with honest and patriotic
people for negotiations so that an acceptable agreement could be reached. Then the
government can start moves for holding the general elections without delay. The keen
interest shown by Nepal’s good friends to end the bloodbath in the country is indeed
very commendable. In this regard Nepal’s big neighbor in the south who never tires
emphasizing the age-old friendly relations between the two countries and how solicitous
she is for Nepal’s security and overall development must give irrefutable proof of
her sincerity by apprehending the Maoist leaders who have taken refuge in their country.
Mere protestations will not be able to erase the misgivings persistingly plaguing the
bilateral relationship for decades. It is, indeed, very gratifying to see Nepal’s
friends like the U.S.A., the U.K., China, Pakistan and others too, equally concerned about
the situation in Nepal and eager to help. The U.S.A. has already increased its quota of
grant to Nepal by more than fifty percent and is planning to increase it further.
Moreover, it may also provide necessary help to eradicate terrorism in the country. Their
unstinted help and cooperation would undoubtedly contribute to bringing the situation
under control. But, unless we Nepalese gird up our loins, outside help only may not
achieve the desired result. And, the whole nation is looking up to King Gyanendra. We do
trust King Gyanendra will be able to steer the nation to safe haven. |
