Editorial (Spotlight Weekly)

The delayed twelfth SAARC Summit has ended in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan on an optimistic note. Pakistani President Musharraf's master diplomacy has, once again, proved its superiority. Despite the initial obduracy of the Indian leadership not to enter into any kind of dialogue with their Pakistani counterparts, wisdom has prevailed and the whole Summit became happy. A spirit of camaraderie was clearly evident. If it is a good augury for the two bigger nations, it must become a matter for great rejoicing for the smaller. But past experiences do not permit us to be carried away by any euphoria. Since the proof of the pudding lies in eating, we will keep our fingers crossed and trust the understanding does not melt into thin air soon. The forty two point SAARC Declaration, with poverty alleviation in the region, South Asian Free Trade Area and the collective commitment to root out terrorism outstanding, could become a landmark achievement if implemented in the same spirit. Specially for Nepal, this Summit could prove to be a milestone if she is able to pursue the anti-terrorism clause to her benefit. The agreement on the Additional Protocol to the SAARC Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism must provide Nepal a stronger platform to take the issue that has been plaguing her so badly with her good friend India with renewed vigor. The Indian Prime minister's strong emphasis on prevention of cross border terrorism and denying sanctuary to terrorists should not apply to India-Pakistan only. It must equally apply to terrorism being carried on by the Maoist insurgents against Nepal from their sanctuary in India. Let us hope, our good friend India will no more dilly dally to apprehend the Maoists and hand them over to Nepal without delay. Vajpayee should not come out with the plea that he is not aware of the situation. Now, the world will not believe him. Nepal, on her part, has to forsake the submissive diplomacy and make a bold stand to press her point. And this demands King Gyanendra appoint a new Prime minister who will be able to justify his appointment. If the atmosphere of understanding and agreements generated by the twelfth SAARC Summit are to be preserved, India has to give up her hypocritical stance and try to genuinely help poor Nepal get over the insurgency. Otherwise, the achievements of the twelfth SAARC Summit will be nothing but a farce.

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It looks as if Surya Bahadur Thapa has also miserably failed to deliver. Since Kathmandu is rife with the rumor that a cabinet change is imminent, we would not like to reject it as utterly baseless despite Thapa's persistent denials that he is going to resign. Like the saying there is no smoke without fire, Kathmandu rumors have strong basis. As a matter of fact, we too have been advocating a change in the government. We want a government of honest and patriotic people who would concentrate only on restoring peace and normalcy in the country and conduct a most free and fair general elections that would put the derailed democracy back to track. We have even advised King Gyanendra to do away with all those politicians who have already been tried and found severely wanting. Their real place should be behind the bars - a just punishment for their crimes and misdeeds. Why has he restarted the drama of meeting them is beyond all reasonable comprehension. Some even go to the extent and compare it to the fourth act of a five act play. Why have these handful of corrupt antinationals become so indispensable in this nation of 25 million people? This country definitely belongs more to those overwhelming majority of poor people who are being constantly taken for a ride by these handfuls. Since King Gyanendra is shouldered with the onerous responsibility of guiding the nation at this critical time of its history, he just cannot afford to listen to the loaded advices of self-oriented advisors. He must never lose sight of the fact that nobody and nothing is at stake like him and the solidarity of the nation. Since the destiny of the nation hinges on his wisdom and far sight, he has to find persons who are above board and who can render him selfless service and good advice. Besides, the faceless innumerables who have to be picked like the 'gems of purest ray serene from the dark unfathomed caves of the ocean' we know there are a few like Kirti Nidhi Bista, Rajeshwore Devkota and Kuber Sharma who can be relied upon for their loyalty to the nation. Why should not they be tried at this critical juncture? They are definitely more patriotic men of integrity. We do trust King Gyanendra will give due consideration to our humble suggestion and take steps to quash the uncertainty that is ailing the country.