If Nepalis conclude that nothing has changed except the names at the top, the country could become seriously unstable and politically vulnerable to the external interference

By Hari Bansha Dulal

April revolution in Nepal has pumped up unmatched enthusiasm among Nepali citizens. Enthusiasm is most potent among those championing domestic political reform –constituent assembly. The April 2006 popular revolt ended King Gyanendra’s increasingly authoritarian fourteen-month rule. However, the leaders of Seven Party Alliance and Maoists (SPAM) face significant obstacles.

If the situation is mishandled, and Nepali people conclude nothing has changed except the names at the top, Nepal could become seriously unstable and politically vulnerable to the external interference. In order to become successful, it is extremely important to know your potential. Thus, political leaders of SPAM should shed negativities, vengeance, and explore new opportunities.

It was easy to point mistakes of the royalist government, but to maintain a clean image and fulfill citizens’ aspiration is not an easy task. Like in the past, Maoists have once again started exhibiting their dual character by not sticking to spirit of the ceasefire. Recruitment of cadres, killing of innocent people, and extortion have not stopped yet. An unprecedented rise in criminal activities and extortion has forced Dabur Nepal to shut down its factory in southern Nepal.

Industrial climate has deteriorated to such a level that industrialist have been seeking the government’s intervention. While the country’s economic backbone is suffering, the leaders seem to be busy bursting out anti monarchy venom rather than trying to address pressing domestic and security issues. When it is all said and done, people will start demanding for jobs and security.

With the closure of factories, not only the already high unemployment rate will spike further, but also the tax base will dwindle. Already poor and foreign aid dependent impoverished nation may become further unstable and malnourished. As far as Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala is concerned, he may be enjoying an unequivocal support from radical communists for now, but time is something that is certainly not on his side. His poor health may ultimately force him to exit politics. Thus, he has a responsibility of unifying divided congress party and strengthening his party’s already weakened base.

Koirala’s exit or absence may be the end of an era for social and liberal democrats in Nepal. No second generation leaders seem to have same stature and hold among the party cadres as Koirala does. So, what next? We may be heading towards a long haul of communist rule in Nepal which may turn out to be an authoritarian in nature.

When communism is seeing its slow but steady demise throughout the world, rise of communism in Nepal is in part because communists have been so far successful in selling dreams of equality, prosperity and ownership, and political bickering among the social and liberal democrats. Despite the fact that every communist economy in the world has failed, communists in Nepal have been so far successful in selling dreams.

Communist economy has not only failed, but miserably failed to support the country that tried it. The USSR is a history now, and Cuba is struggling hard to keep its populace happy with slow paced prosperity and high dose of ant-capitalist rhetoric. When it comes to red North Korea, it can not even produce enough food to feed its citizens. China is long past the communist economy stage, even if the rest of the government is as commie as can be. Forget about current level of development, it could not be able to feed its gigantic population with a communist economy.

When it comes to the right to differing opinion and personal freedom, communism has a belief system keeping the people in line. Killing non-believers is certainly an effective way to maintain control of those who don’t accept the party line. For example, fate of journalist Dekendra Thapa and expulsion of Rabindra Shrestha and Anukul shows dictatorial face of a communist outfit. The minute you dissent, you are a traitor.

“Intra party feud and failure to deliver developmental benefits to oppressed, poor, and unemployed citizens by the social and liberal democrats created a political vacuum which socialist propaganda promptly filled. It was not hard to brain wash already disenchanted populace with socialist propaganda of equality and freedom from feudalism.”

Freedom of expression tends also to be mediated by the state to maintain the ‘integrity’ of a communist regime. You can find a Marxist book in a US bookstore but it is impossible to find a Ludwig von Mises in a North Korean or Cuban library. After the reinstatement of democracy in 1990, social democrats dominated Nepal’s politics with 114 members in parliament. None had thought that things would change so soon in favor of communists. After barely 16 years, country has gone all red. You agree it or not (depends on your political inclination), rural areas are completely controlled by radical communists (the Maoists) and urban areas by comparatively liberal communists (UML).

Intra party feud and failure to deliver developmental benefits to oppressed, poor, and unemployed citizens by the social and liberal democrats created a political vacuum which socialist propaganda promptly filled. It was not hard to brain wash already disenchanted populace with socialist propaganda of equality and freedom from feudalism.

So, this may be the last chance for social democrats that are at the helm of affairs in seven party alliance’s government. Few things they may consider doing is (a) get Maoists on board and persuade them to submit there arms to credible institution (b) address unemployment problem (c) provide security to threatened industrial sector (d) establish rule of law, and (e) ensure economic development of rural areas. Do it, and do it right this time or else we may have a new authoritarian communist nation in the globe.

The author is a doctoral student of Environmental Science and Public Policy at George Mason University, Virginia. Please send your comments to [email protected] or [email protected]

(Editor’s Note: Nepalis, wherever they live, as well as friends of Nepal around the globe are requested to contribute their views/opinions/recollections etc. on issues concerning present day Nepal to the Guest Column of Nepalnews. Length of the article should not be more than 1,000 words and may be edited for the purpose of clarity and space. Relevant photos as well as photo of the author may also be sent along with the article. Please send your write-ups to [email protected])

Women law makers have demanded women’s equal representation in the election of the constituent assembly.

They said that the new constitution would not be inclusive if women did not have equal representation in the constituent assembly.

Speaking at a programme organized by Sundar Nepal , UML lawmaker Bidhya Devi Bhandari affirmed inclusive democracy was not possible without equal participation of women.

She said she will raise the issue of equal participation in her party and also urged all women lawmakers to raise their voice to defeat the feudal mentality present within their party.

Another UML lawmaker Urmila Aryal stressed the need of equal participation of women in all sectors including political parties, diplomatic missions, administrative and security mechanisms.

Nepali Congress Lawmaker Sabitri Bogati said women lawmakers should struggle within their parties for equal representation of women in the constituent assembly.

Lawmaker Renu Yadav of Rastriya Prajatantra Party stressed on proportional representation and unity among women.

Other women lawmakers including Tirtha Gautam and Kashi Poudel said that separate constituency should be announced for women.

The government has decided to form a three-member committee to initiate dialogue with the Maoist rebels under the chairmanship of Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula.

Friday’s cabinet meeting made the decision to this effect.

The other members will be added after expansion of the cabinet on Sunday,report quoted a cabinet source as saying.

The cabinet meeting was held at the prime minister’s official residence at Baluwatar Friday afternoon.

According to the source, the cabinet has also decided to form a separate committee comprising representatives of the seven party alliance and members of the House of Representatives to assist the dialogue team.

Names of the committee members are yet to be finalized.

The cabinet meeting also decided to form a five-member committee headed by Agriculture Minister Mahantha Thakur to change within a month all laws, provisions and rules as per the House of Representatives proclamation.

Law Reforms Commission Vice-chairman Uday Nepali Shrestha and former home secretary Srikanta Regmi are committee members and Secretary at the Commission Hari Prasad Neupane is the member-secretary.

The Maoist had also formed a three member team headed by party spokesperson Krishna Bahadur Mahara to hold preliminary talks with the Maioists. However the party has decided that party chairman Prachanda will lead the summit talks.

Legal experts today stressed the need for an interim constitution to legalise the recent achievements of the movement and the declaration of the House of Representatives (HoR).

Speaking at an interaction in the capital on Friday Constitutional law expert Purna Man Shakya urged the government to promulgate a new constitution to give legal validity to yesterday’s declaration and to make arrangements to prevent constitutional vacuum.

He said there are enough experts in the country to draft an interim constitution, if the politicians needed.

Shakya said political decisions would not always be applicable unless they are transformed into laws and no one can question yesterday’s House declaration if it is given shape of a legal document.

Former Supreme Court Judge, Laxman Prasad Aryal, said the process to promulgate a new constitution has already started with the declaration. “Since the House passed a resolution to promulgate a new constitution, the 1990 constitution is no more in force,” he added.

Advocate Bhimarjun Acharya seriously questioned the supremacy of the House as declared on Thursday. Acharya also said it is not good to make the Supreme Court under the Parliament by strapping the apex court of its power of judicial review. “The declaration intends to escape from an election to a constituent assembly,” said advocate Mukti Pradhan.

After taking action against the chiefs of the security agencies, the The police headquarters, as per the directive of the Home Ministry, yesterday transferred 128 police inspectors across the country.

Sources said that those officers, who were in the Valley during Jana Andolan-II and tried to supress demonstrations, have been transferred to remote districts while those serving outside the Valley have been brought here.

Rajkumar Baijwar, Abhusan Timalsina, Pramod Kharel, Namtiraj Gurung, Kawshi Poudel, Somendra Singh Rathor, Govinda Singh Thakuri, Sanuram Bhattarai, Shyamkrishna Adhikari, Govinda Thapaliya, Surendra Sitaula, Yadav Gharti and Krishna Koirala have been posted at different ward police offices in the Valley.

Reports quoted Nepal Police spokesperson and Senior Superintendent of Police, Ramesh Chand, as saying that the transfer of more personnel, including senior officers, is in the pipeline. “I have heard that the decision is being finalised,” he added.

Former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has been elected to the post of Nepali Congress (Democratic) Parliamentary Party (PP) leader by beating his rival and NC (D) leader, Bijay Kumar Gachhadar with almost double votes.

Deuba bagged a total of 24 votes against 13 votes secured by Gachhadar, according to latest reports.

Out of 38 members of the NC (D) Parliamentary Party, 37 members cast their vote in the elections held at the NC (D) parliamentary party office at Singha Durbar on Saturday. Counting of votes is underway. Deputy Speaker Chitra Lekha Yadav, who is said to be unhappy with the party leadership for not getting her elected to the post of Speaker, remained absent in the voting.

A former general secretary of the breakaway NC (D), Gachhadar said he had decided to contest elections against Deuba after the latter refused to the dissident group’s call for “One Person, One Post” formula. The dissident group comprising Gacchadar, Bal Bahadur KC and Sharat Singh Bhandari, among others, had asked Deuba not to contest for the post of NC (D) PP leader since he was elected to the post of NC (D) president unopposed early this year while he was in custody.

Deuba, however, did not oblige. The dissident group had also blamed Deuba for the delay in sending names of party’s representatives to be included in the council of ministers. 

A local leader of the CPN (Maoist) has refuted reports that Dabur Nepal Pvt. Ltd—one of the leading joint venture companies in the country—has closed down its factory due to extortion threats from it.

A statement issued by Ashish, Secretary of the CPN (Maoist) Parsa district unit, on Saturday said his party had not threatened Dabur Nepal and that it had “requested Dabur Nepal for voluntary contribution only.”

Interestingly, Ashish has also urged all the factories to resume their operations on a regular basis “keeping in view of valid demands and problems being faced by factory workers.”

He further clarified that the programmes by the CPN (Maoist) and its sister organization, All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF), were different in nature.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement issued on Saturday, president of ANTUF, Shalik Ram Jamarkattel, refuted reports that his organization had demanded any donation from any industrialist or businessmen in Bara and Parsa districts.

He also refuted reports that his organization had demanded a “donation” of whopping Rs 100 million (approx. USD 1.4 million) from Dabur Nepal.

“We condemn the false allegation,” said Jamarkattel. “Our organization has not been involved in any sort of intimidation and beating of industrialists as reported in some media,” he added.

Dozens of industries including Dabur Nepal, Triveni Spinning Mills, Jagadamba Steel, Shiva Shakti Ghee Industry, Rajesh Metal and Narayani Rolling Mills have closed down their operations since Friday amid extortion threats from Maoist-affiliated ANTUF, according to reports.

The officials are yet to comment on the episode.

The central working committee of the Nepali Congress has welcomed the parliamentary proclamation 2006 and directed the government to initiate dialogue with the Maoists as early as possible.

“The CWC has wholeheartedly welcomed the parliamentary declaration. This is the beginning of the new political history in Nepal,” central leader Narahari Acharya told reporters after the meeting.

The meeting held at the Prime Minister’s residence at Baluwatar on Saturday morning also asked the Maoists to stop collection of donations, abduction of people, armed parades during their mass meetings and create an environment for peace talks.

The party has also asked the rebels to return the confiscated properties to the concerned persons and help the displaced people to return to their villages and live without fear.

The meeting also decided to form a committee to monitor the peace talks between the government and the Maoists, leaders said.

Altogether 28 mountaineers of four different expeditions have scaled Mt Everest, the world’s tallest peak, Saturday.

According to Everestnews.com, 12 members of ‘BSF Everest Expedition 2006’ of India claimed Mount Everest today from South. The team comprises of six Indians and six Nepali high altitude workers.

The six Indians who scaled the peak were all government employees. The mountaineering team which originally comprised of 10 members was permitted to climb the 8848-meter tall peak from normal route for the period of 75 days from 3rd April, 2006 under the leadership of Mr. Sharab Chandub Negi of India, according to the website.

Similarly, seven members and six high altitude workers of Alpine Ascents International Mt Everest Expedition 2006 team climbed Mt Everest today.

The team comprising of 8 members was permitted to climb 8848 meter high Mt. Everest from normal route for the period of 75 days from 29th March, 2006 under the leadership of Mr. David C. Morton of USA, Everestnews.com said.

Likewise, three climbers from two separate expeditions – two Nepali high altitude workers and an American mountain guide – also scaled the Mt Everest Saturday, the report said.

Businessmen and entrepreneurs have complained that Maoists are continuing their donation drive despite the ceasefire declared by them and despite repeated requests from the government not to do so.

Report quoted chairman of Regional Hotel Association, Pokhara, Laxmi Bahadur Bhattarai as saying that the Maoists have been demanding money from entrepreneurs but they are in no condition to pay a penny. Bhattarai also said that they had appraised the Maoist leadership of their plight.

Chairman of Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Rajendra Kumar Lalchan, said the Maoists are demanding cash and even goods from shops and other business houses in Pokhara Sub-metropolitan City area.

They have demanded a motorcycle each from all motorcycle showrooms in Pokhara and also demanded for clothing from cloth stores, he said.

Kaski district secretary of Maoists, Karan, said the party has not forced anyone to donate cash and kind for the party. “We have maintained much restraint on the matter of donation collection,” he said.

According to reports, Maoists have also intensified their fund collection campaign in Biratnagar. The rebels said they were collecting the funds for a people’s gathering to be held on Saturday.

Over 200 Maoist cadres have been mobilised to visit every household in the city to collect donations.

Maoist leadership said that they are collecting only voluntary donations from people to feed their cadres and rules that they are forcing anybody to pay donations.