Both the Government and the Maoists are not honest regarding talks

-Mr. Gokarna Bhatta, Trainee Journalist, NPI

TGQ1: Prachanda seems quite serious about initiating talks with the government; but on the other hand, the government appears skeptical and places the precondition that the Maoists should lay down their arms before the talks. In such a situation, many innocent lives are being sacrificed. Given the situation, what is your suggestion for both the sides in the light of the approaching November election?

Bhatta: The main problem regarding the negotiation between the two sides is a crisis of faith. Both the sides are not honest in sorting out this disastrous problem for which the government has deploying the army till date. So, first of all, an environment of mutual faith should be created in between both the sides.

So far as the question of the government side is concerned, it should try its best to establish the true rule of the law. Government should immediately call the army back and give the public a chance for a fresh mandate.

And regarding the Maoist, it would be expedient for them to give up their utilitarian strategy – their anarchic and violent activities. They must not forget that no single revolution has been successful without the support of the public and a proper objectivity.

The EC must remain alert from any possible maneuverings

-Mr. Thiralal Bhusal, Trainee Journalist, NPI

TGQ2: The public is still to know yet-to-appear verdict of the Election Commission (EC) regarding as to who will inherit the flag and the tree symbol of the Nepali Congress. Mr. Bhusal, as an upcoming journalist, how do you view the tussle between the Deuba and Koirala faction of the Congress who have been claiming legitimacy over the flag and the tree symbol? And furthermore, what is your opinion about the decision of the EC which is taking so long to produce?

Bhushal: The flag and symbol will certainly play a crucial role in the forthcoming November election because the party members have an emotional delicate attachment to it. Moreover, it also possesses a glorious history. Therefore, no doubt, both the factions are eating their brains up in order to inherit the much-beloved flag and the tree symbol.

Their unhealthy activities that may bring down unnecessary pressures on the Election Commission should immediately be stopped. The concerned officials must remain wary of any possible maneuverings by the warring factions.

It is up to the EC that it gives an unquestionable and just right verdict without any foul play. And the two parties also must abide by the decision of the EC that is yet to be made public.

However, Election Commission's belated decision may create much confusion. So, to avoid the same, it should make haste to pronounce the verdict. The sooner the better.

Nepali democracy not a boon but a curse

-Ms. Niraja Joshi, Trainee Journalist, NPI

TGQ3: Many governments have come into existence ever since democracy was restored in Nepal, but the overall scenario remains ever aggravating. How you Ms. Joshi, evaluate the performance of the various governments after 1990?

Ms. Joshi: When not a single government could complete its 5-year term, how can one make an evaluation of their performance at all?

During the last 12 years of democratic practice, not a single leader or party could prove themselves capable enough to lead the people so that the benefits of the new system could be exploited in a proper way. Instead, innumerable conflicts, not only without but also within the parties arose. The result was the splitting of the parties – first the CPN-UML and then now of Nepali Congress. Where is that mutual support which all the parties showed for each other during the popular movement for the restoration of democracy in 1990?

The democracy, which could have been a boon to the country, turned out to be a curse. With so many people being massacred, infrastructure destroyed, explosion of unemployment, as to mention only the few, can we consider it a boon? No matter which government came, none could utilize the available resources. That's why, though "democratic system" can in no way be called a bad system, proved to be a complete failure in Nepal, which is a but a sorry event.

Government must support CIAA's bold and historic actions

-Ms. Reshma Tuladhar, Trainee Journalist, NPI

TGQ4: In a bold, belated and a rather "historic move", the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) raided the houses of some of the so-called corrupt officials working under the Finance Ministry. This raid conducted under the direct supervision on 17 August has drawn mixed reactions from all quarters. Ms. Tuladhar, what is your opinion about this rare and positive turn of events in the whole corpus Nepalese history?

Ms.Tuladhar: The initiation of raids in the houses of the corrupt officials is praiseworthy indeed and has certainly kindled some rays of hope in the hearts of millions of Nepalese people who have been sensing these deeds of corruption for quite a while.

Actually it should have been done much earlier before the nation was ruined to this stage. Better late than never, it is a good step set forth by the Commission for the Investigation of Authority.

However, the government should make every effort for the continuity of this "badly needed" movement without letting it be affected by the forthcoming November elections. Rather, it should help the Commission in digging out more and more corrupt officials, of whatever public position they may be, and bring them to the book.

We must not beg alms from the donor nations

-Mr. Krishna Bhandari, Trainee Journalist, NPI

TGQ5: A section of the senior economists in Nepal are of the view that Nepal should not go in for foreign aid or donations from donor community. They opine that Nepal could be self-sufficient should the resources be properly and scientifically mobilized. Mr. Bhandari, do you think that such an egotistical and somewhat emotional viewpoint is justifiable?

Bhandari: Should we rightfully and in a transparent way implement the measures of diverse financial reform, and at the same time root out any elements of corruption, indiscipline and duplication, then certainly it will be only a matter of three years before we will be in a position to contain our vexed poverty and economical backwardness.

We must not beg alms from the donor nations, I must say that exchange of science and technology for economical upliftment can in no way be termed the same attitude.

In Nepal instances abound when an ordinary Nepali has died for want of a mere Para-Cetamol Tablet. But on the other hand, a low class official raises a multi-storied building beyond his known source of income and still leads a so-called sophisticated life with an unquestioned freedom. Now, how can this country be economically self-sufficient if such instances abound?

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