The difficult
situation in the country is getting murkier and murkier. King Gyanendra's experiments have
failed even to generate any ray of hope. The persons he picked to lead the government in
such a turbulent time have only contributed to soil his bright image while taking the
nation down the road to more destruction. The high aspirations of the common man on his
assumption of the throne have started to be rudely shocked. Three years are not a long
time in the life of a nation. Yes, in normal times. But in such an explosive and
tumultuous situation, specially in a poor and least developed country like ours, even a
day's vandalism of the invaluable infrastructures constructed with alms and charity of
good and generous friends who are sincerely solicitous of raising the living standards of
the people to mere human level, can have far-reaching repercussions. And such
repercussions will only adversely affect the poorer section of our society, which is sure
to instill in their hearts the feelings of hatred and revulsion against the system
itself.
Indeed, we too
do admire and appreciate the benefits of the democratic system in modern times. Since the
essence of all political systems is to procure and provide better life to the people, we
and we only, have to judge and decide on the system that will take us to our destination
at the shortest possible time. Our only objective should be to attain speedy development
in as little time as possible so that our people can enjoy better life. In the name of
democracy, we cannot become silent spectators when a handful of unscrupulous and corrupt
politicians keep on looting the poor country make the poor people more miserable and
broaden the path for insurgency. It is time to start hitting back at them. That they are
only interested in grabbing the chair of authority has been irrefutably proved a number of
times. Had they any integrity they would be loyal to their own country and work to uplift
the poor masses. But the way all the big political parties are fighting amongst themselves
to grab power have not only exposed themselves but even warned the poor Nepalis to be
aware of them. To prove the point we would like to cite only one example when these
politicians change their colors like a chameleon. Girija Koirala, the so-called elderly
politician of the country, does not bat his eyelid when he says he will consider all
options whether it be the republic, the constituent assembly or the referendum. Therefore,
it is the King who, at the moment, is the one person who only can save the nation from
such anti-national politicians who are sure to lead the country to total destruction. We
have emphasized, time and again, that it is high time the King used his own discretion and
not become swayed by sycophantic advisers. If he needs advice he has to find persons who
can tender him much better advice. The exigency of the time makes it quite imperative for
him to adopt a more liberal outlook and look beyond for more loyal, dedicated and
patriotic advisers. He can rest assured, there is no dearth of such persons. It is never
too late to rectify one's mistakes. And the sooner, it is done the better the chances of
saving the situation. Consequently, King Gyanendra must give second thoughts, without any
delay, and take appropriate measures to stem the rot. He can no more ignore the reality
that the resolution of the state of anarchy and lawlessness in the country has gone beyond
the scope of the politicians who have lost all credibility and must be assigned the place
they deserve to be. We have been exhorting the Maoist leaders also to give up violence and
vandalism and choose the people they would like to start the dialogue with. Since there is
no other option to arrive at some kind of understanding, which can restore the much needed
peace and normalcy in the country, no time should be lost. We do trust the Maoists are not
that naïve not to realize that the path they have chosen will always lead them astray.
They must understand it is the prime duty of the state not to give in to any sort of
blackmail or pressure, whether violent or peaceful. Violent confrontation is not in
anyone's interest. If it generates hatred and revenge, it also exacerbates the miseries of
the poor people and this is not what the Maoists desire. Because it is sure to alienate
the simple masses away from them. Since the root causes of the insurgency are more
economic than political, both feuding parties should focus on big economic packages. And
Nepal's friends, too, must not overlook this aspect. Whether anybody agrees or not, in the
present circumstances, it is King Gyanendra on whom hinges not only peace and normalcy but
even the future of the country. As such, King Gyanendra must gird up his loins and prepare
himself for all exigencies. If the Maoists refuse to come to terms and become stubborn and
inflexible, King Gyanendra must not hesitate to take whatever measures necessary to bring
the insurgency to the final end. |
