For some, it may appear monotonous to read the same thing about the need for moderation and reconciliation that we have been highlighting in every issue. But this subject is so relevant at this time that every sensible and rationale person in Nepal is debating and discussing this issue in private as well as in public life. When extremism seems to have become the rule of the game on both the sides of conflict, moderation and reconciliation have even more powerful appeal to the common people from every walk of life. Countries differ in their economic, political and, particularly, institutional strength whether they are democratic or undemocratic regime. If it has powerful economy, a strong and effectual leadership and stable institutions, discussions about the importance of moderation and reconciliation do not have much urgency and significance. But a country, which has a very weak economy and disorganized leadership and newly introduced fragile institutions of democracy, requires a great care to run the whole system with utmost responsibility. Surrounded by two big neighbors and going through a difficult phase of transition from traditional to modernism, Nepal is in a precarious position. And it is further weakened when challenges of extreme nature come into the play, either in action or idea. That does not mean that such kind of society cannot afford pluralism and different alternatives in actions but there must be self-enlightened role of responsible citizenry to complete the process of transition towards the modernity.

Worse the picture of confrontations and chaotic situation become, more the common people in Nepal are reminded of late B.P. Koirala and his strong faith towards the ideals of national reconciliation. Although Nepali Congress still embraces the tall portrait of B.P. Koirala, it has been completely ignoring his tall ideological and political stand. Even his own brother Girija Prasad Koirala - who is still mentally associated with his brother’s ideals - has not shown enough courage to follow the course of national reconciliation. Ironically, B.P’s own brother and party men along with the whole nation are being sermonized by the diplomatic community of western democracy. At least in the matter of national reconciliation, we were self-sufficient in the past but now it is also coming as foreign aid to us.

Remarks by one of the vice chairmen of the present council of ministers – reportedly one of the extreme rightist hardliners who lived for more than two decades in a foreign country disagreeing with late King and who returned with the popular slogan of nationalism and monarchy – indicate that there is certain similarity of interest between the violent demonstrators of the street and him on the issue of not allowing reconciliation between the country’s two major political forces. Whether it is just a coincidence or otherwise, when vice chairman was urging the need to abolish the present constitution in a public rally, recently defeated Nepali Congress presidential candidate was also expressing common view in a university of a neighboring country by calling for drafting new constitution. Things have surfaced much in recent days how a mischievous machination spoils relations between Nepal’s political forces. What we need at this time most is not only reconciliation between the King and the organized political forces of divergent interests but there also requires moderation between the states. As B.P. Koirala, while in a sole confinement in prison, wrote in his Jail Journal “…… My endeavor will be towards the reconciliation between the two elements in our national life. The democrats will see, I hope, that there are other dangers to democracy more than monarchy; I also hope that the King will also see that there are dangers to monarchy more serious than democracy.” As these two political forces are not hostile to each other and they have common interest, thus, the reconciliation between them will bring the country to the right track and benefit all of them. Extremism of any kind will not help their cause. As a small country surrounded by two big neighbors, unstable and chaotic situation is not going to harm the stability of only Nepal but ultimately that of the whole region.