Cooperation Essential

IT IS a well-known fact that the so-called Maoist insurgency in the country in the past five years has led to a lot of loss of life as well as property. This fact must be realised by all. To blame the government alone is not the solution. The Maoists operating in mostly the remote areas of Nepal have been terrorism the people. But violence alone cannot be the solution. Killing and looting property cannot be the path for the country’s development. The Maoists must realise this fact.

Double talk is not the way to resolve the problem. The government as well as the Maoists must come to the table and sort out the differences. The Maoists by trying to elude is further complicating the issue. The release of the two Maoist leaders was a step taken by the government so that congenial environment could be created for talks to end the spate of violence that has claimed around 1,500 lives.

It is a tragic irony that most of the violence has taken place in areas which are backward and remote. This fact must also be realised that without development reaching the concerned places in the appropriate manner, there is bound to be frustrations among the people. And this is what the Maoists have capitalised on and the past governments have failed to address the issue.

We talk of package and other programmes especially for the Maoist affected areas. This is feasible reality but the need is to work wholeheartedly for it. The government alone cannot solve all the problems of the country so the need arises for the people to contribute their mite so that peace returns into the affected districts and which would open up avenues for development activities to pick up pace.

Recently, the country celebrated the Constitution Day. It is not important how programmes are organised or how many leaders have had things to say regarding the Constitution, but it is important to analyse the gains that have been made over a period of ten years. It is easy to speak of the achievements not made but the knowledgeable must come in front and say what has been achieved and what has not been. It is easy to pinpoint the faults but difficult to suggests means and ways to sort out problems.

This is the scenario that exists at present. The opposition only blame the government for the woes but they must realise that it is a joint effort that works. The opposition must fulfil as must the government in fulfilling the aspirations of the people in general. The government must do its best in devising specific strategies for the welfare of the people and at the same time the other political parties must also assist the government so that the people are benefited.

Protest programmes and demonstrations are allowed by the law of the land as long as they remain peaceful. But declaring bandhs one after another is not the ideal path. A bandh is organised and is declared as a success the next day! Is this the right approach? No, can be the only answer. The opposition may gloat over its protest programmes but they must come up with ways how the problems of the people could be solved. It is this particular interaction between the government and the opposition that can bring positive results. The same coordinated manner can help in dealing with the Maoist problem.