| BISTA |
Posted
on 16-May-02 12:09 PM
Ever since the Nepali Maoists raised arms to confront the successive corrupt, inward looking and irresponsible governments formed after 1990, causing enormous sufferings to Nepal’s poor, especially the rural mass, the once scattered looting and kidnapping incidents have turned into blood letting of unimaginable proportions. So much so that the unfortunate killing of the people on both sides on a daily basis has now become mere numbers to some, who don’t even realize that this dangerous state could engulf them as well, if not put under control soon by the most appropriate means.
The state of indifference among the Nepalese has grown so large that the nouveau rich who are basking in the comfort of their mansions and air- conditioned offices see hardly any difference between the situation in Nepal and that of Afghanistan. Even by official account, thousands of people, including the security forces, have already lost their precious lives, particularly after the declaration of the State of Emergency. While on the one hand, the general public seems to have lost its confidence on the ability of its leaders to steer Nepal out of her misery, on the other hand, it is forced to live in a state of permanent fear resulting from atrocities carried out by Maoist cadres. Frequent usage of simple, defenseless rural people as human shields is one such inhumane action that is being carried in the name of those very people. Virtually, everyone appears to be intent on satisfying his/her own goals in the name of ‘Nepali Janta’. The majority, the hardest hit due to the severe impact of insurgency and the subsequent battles, economic stagnation and spiraling unemployment, and in-fighting within political parties resulting in confusing statements and actions, looks amazed and bewildered.
The questions that are in everyone’s mind are: Where are we heading towards with the present style of governance under democratic polity? What is our goal in continuing the present state of inaction mired with total corruption? Even if the current state of fighting against the Maoists comes to a halt, and dialogue resumes between the warring parties for peace and stability, can the country take the right direction under these very leaders who have made no attempt to mend their current behaviour? Will we have to live with poverty and deprivation for generations? Must we continue sending our able bodied and skilled people to foreign countries so that their families can survive here? Are we so helpless that we can’t even create a modest work environment for our educated mass from being brain-drained? These and hosts of other questions have literally overwhelmed us for quite some time now. We must find answers to all these questions and more that must be put to rest. Only then can the people support the new approach being enunciated by the leaders of major parties, who find self-justification in their yet unsubstantiated and murky demands for constitution amendment. It is more confusing than ever if one looks at the ever-changing statements made by the leaders of major parties in the past several months.
In fact, because of these very anomalies created by those in power and in the opposition, Nepal appears as one of the most confused nations before the world. We seem to have mastered the art of creating, fuelling and sustaining confusions of one kind or another. This very action, now almost becoming characteristic of Nepali governance, was one of the primary reasons for failure to implement Arun III hydro-electric project some years back. In fact, many other opportunities were lost in the past decade whereby the productive force of the country could have been channeled to relieve the common folk out of their misery and put Nepal to prosperity. Confusion, inaction and corruption have been identified as our primary indicators, an extremely painful reality for the nation.
Nepal’s military, popularly identified as ‘Gurkhas’ the world over, is known for its professionalism, valour and unqualified dedication and commitment to duty. It is almost becoming synonymous with an all-purpose peace-keeping force being deployed in many parts of the world today. Nepal’s military has served our motherland with unprecedented courage. Nepal is fully indebted to the brave soldiers who have sacrificed their lives to uphold Nepal’s independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. It is really painful to listen to irresponsible comments coming from responsible leaders of major political parties against the military. All reports and assessments made so far about the performance of Nepal’s military in its engagement against the Maoists, both by internal and external sources, convey a lone message: True to their names, the military, despite serious constraints of basic military equipment, gears and logistics, has given its best. Contrary to these facts, critical comments against the military is totally undeserved.
Peace and stability must be restored before it is too late. All leaders must learn to be responsible: in words as well as in actions. It is more so in matters of national interest. Only by acting concertedly can the present leaders resolve the crisis. How long will it take to finally bring back the alienated segment of Nepali society to national mainstream remains a painful question that is going to haunt every Nepali day and night.
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