5 Questions

This week too we have essayed to project the views of the younger generation. As of last week, the interview of these young journos was carried out in order to get the views of the upcoming journalists on the current soio-political scenario of the country.

From next onwards we will again resume this column with nation's scholars as usual. – Chief Editor

Democracy in Nepal has been a big failure

-Rajesh Jha, Journalist, RSS

TGQ1: Ever after the midnight raids of the houses of the 22 officials under the finance ministry, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority seems to be at rest. How, Mr. Jha, do you react to such a phenomenon?

Mr. Jha: Democracy in Nepal has been a big failure because of only one fact – politics inside education and crime in politics. In such a case, the rare action on the part of the CIAA has certainly provided some sighs of relief to the citizens.

The CIAA took actions against some defaulters from among the totally corrupt officials of the Nepalese bureaucracy that we must all appreciate. The move definitely is a praiseworthy one. But now it is at rest. Now, could this be just a drumming in order to warn the rest of the rotten eggs so that they could remain careful and hide their ill-gotten wealth? We must remain watchful on this regard lest there are any elements of corruption even inside the CIAA itself.

There must be an end to the state of emergency

-Ms. Uma Thapa, Trainee Journalist, NPI

TGQ2: Do you Ms. Thapa hope that the state of emergency would be re-imposed again? Your comments please!

Ms Thapa: In fact, it isn't proper for the government to take such a step at the present.

The problem(s) of the country could become even more and more difficult with the re-imposition of the state of emergency. The government, if it is a sensitive one, must try to get the pulse beat of the national population which is against the imposition of the state of emergency. The government must allow its citizens to work in a free and creative manner. Mind it that when the creative instincts of human beings are neglected then certainly they tend to turn to violence.

And, as such, to bring about a free and fair political environment in the country, there must be an end to the state of emergency.

CIAA should now nab high level politicians

-Ms. Preeti Subba, Trainee Journalist, NPI

TGQ3: Some of the cabinet ministers and ex-parliamentarians are also known to be equally corrupt as the ones nabbed by the CIAA recently. Don't you think, Miss Subba, that the CIAA will do well by initiating similar actions against them as well?

Miss Subba: What CIAA has achieved so far is the most appreciable thing that I have ever come to know in our corrupt society. But those who have been raided till now are just the small fishes in a dirty pond. CIAA should take immediate and strict actions against high level officials and politicians as well. This would help to discourage the other corrupt officials.

This move of the CIAA will be a stepping stone towards eradicating the filthy corruption that has penetrated into the very system of our nation. So far, CIAA has certainly raised some rays of hope that may bring a sure and positive change, provided that it is given a dashing continuation.

EC's delay breeding suspicions

-- T. N. Ghimire, Trainee Journalist, NPI

TGQ4: What you Mr. Ghimire have to say regarding the delay seen in providing verdict to the Congress tussle for the symbols? Your opinions please.

Mr. Ghimire: Election Commission is such a constitutional organ that must hold elections whether or not the government assists it in holding the same. But, here, inversely the EC is seeking the support from the government to hold elections. This is breeding suspicion among the conscious citizens of the country. The EC is not to beg support from the government but instead the latter is bound to support the EC's moves in conducting the elections.

More so, the EC is posing as if it were a Supreme Court. The EC would have done well had it not lingered the symbol issue to the extent that there are reasons to believe that it possesses ulterior motives. The more it delays the issue the more it will be prone to suspicions. With due regard to the EC, I for one, would suggest it to declare its verdict in a perfectly impartial manner.

Let's hope elections will be held on time

Mr. Anand Gurung, Freelance Journalist

TGQ5: Do you, Mr. Gurung, the elections could be held on the scheduled dates?

Mr. Gurung: I doubt it. Given the national political scenario and the Maoists' threat looming large it would be really difficult to conduct the elections on time. But yes, since the government appears determined and the EC claiming ready to conduct it let's hope that it will.

Nevertheless, we must not also ignore the allegations from political quarters that the election could be of a Pakistani style. The government must assure free and fair elections.

Headline | National | Editorial | 2nd Impression | International | Past