Change the mode of retaliation, if possible

While we have reasons to deplore the manner the former prime minister of Nepal, Girija Prasad Koirala, was behaved by the security men stationed at the airport and was not allowed to attend a party mass meeting at Bhairahaba the other day, equally puzzling is the frightening manner the veteran congress leader and his party affiliated organizations retaliated to the sad event in Kathmandu and in the districts thereafter.

The State, as a matter of fact, should have honored its own commitments that it would allow the nation's VIPs movement inside the nation in an uninterrupted manner and that it would provide security to those honored political personalities in any circumstances, as is the practice elsewhere in the world. National level politicians and those who have already served the country by being at the top of the government should and must unconditionally enjoy special privileges as provided by the state and that such facilities in no way be curtailed or questioned by any one including those who command authorities to manage or regulate the functioning of the security forces. It is in this light that we take notice of this sad episode. The manner in which not only the Nepali Congress leadership and its cedars but also other political parties and leaders retaliated against the incident is understandable hence it was the first time that a former prime minister of the nation received such maltreatment. To say that the security personnel stationed at the check post did not recognize such a personality as G. P. Koirala would only ridicule the people's faith in the institution if it continues to repeat such unpardonable blunders.

Equally deplorable is the act of vengeance and retaliation by the Nepali Congress Party cadres. The Banda call, destruction of properties and vandalizing the privately owned motorcars was not in anyway befitting to the nation's oldest political party's credibility. We consider those acts to have been merely guided by a sense of tit-for-tat and exhibition of vengeance that was not only unproductive and damaging to the nation's general health but an act that in no way glorifies the prestige and popularity of a party that more or less believes in non-violence and possesses a unflinching failth in democratic manners in sorting out any problems or issues be it minor or even major ones. It would have been better had the NC retaliated the incident by constructive and modest manners; such as planting the trees or cleaning the street, or cleaning up our aged old decaying rivers. It would have sent a very powerful and positive message to the public and this exactly is what is the need of the hour. Had the NC as a lone crusader of peace and democracy toed this line and collected the energies of the youths in that regard instead of tempting the youth energy to go on the rampage and destroy the public properties in a manner that was shown live on the Idiot box Sunday evening.

Koirala's feelings are understandable. His displeasure could well be understood. The manner he was restricted from his right to freedom of movement is surely a matter of concern for all of us. However, retaliation of the sort adopted by the NC men and its affiliated institutions does indicate that the party believes still in the theory that unless one destroys the properties of the nation, the retaliation is not complete and satisfying. However, we just wished to see the NC changing its mode of retaliation in the future. If the oldest party changed her style of retaliation, it would naturally and certainly have a sort of very positive impact on others. If this does happen it is the nation that ultimately benefits. In doing so, the institution that is at fault, here clearly the security apparatus, would also feel in a different way and thus slowly but steadily the mode of retaliation will change its course from destruction to construction. Who else other than Koirala, a seasoned leader of his sort who has practically served the nation for all along his living life and is continuing to do so with full force and vigor till today, can bring about a U turn on such destructive forms of retaliatory measures? We see none other than Koirala who can not only make it but can bring it into practice as well. The nation demands from Koirala that he teaches others a lesson of non-violence. It is time that Koirala understands the messages contained herein and acts in a manner that not only benefits politics, society but also the nation at large. If he does so, will be ever remembered by the generations to come and the following generations will salute him for his being instrumental in bringing about a positive change in the mode of retaliation.

It's only Koirala who can do it if he so concludes. It is up to Koirala to take or reject our sincere appeal. But this should not mean that we have not taken notice of the pain what he have had to gulp at the airport. That's all.

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