Kathmandu: It is becoming increasingly clear that the impending days for the Koirala led government will be pretty rough and tough to handle with.
The government’s position has almost been like that of an airplane, which has suddenly entered into the frightening air pocket while cruising in the sky.
With whatever good intentions or for that matter motive that might have prompted the Koirala establishment to bring into force the almost draconian Public Security Regulations apparently to tame the ever-growing threats of the Maoists insurgents, the fact is that it has summarily boomeranged.
The enactment of the new regulations by the government since June 4 has not only displeased the Maoists rebellions but has also to a greater extent invited wrath from the common men who fear that the regulations’ arbitrary use by the local chief district officer might curtail their basic rights guaranteed by the 1990 constitution.
A cursory look at the provisions contained therein in the new regulations brought into effect since June 4, it becomes crystal clear that the Nepalese citizens, politicians and the likes will have to live totally under the mercy of the Chief District Officer.
The dangerous part of the new regulation is that if some one informs the CDO that Mr. Tom, Dick or even Harry could be dangerous to the security of the State and hence he be nabbed. And if the CDO relies on that very unsubstantiated information and acts accordingly then the tragedies that will soon encircle the person thus held under “suspect” is any body’s guess.
The main opposition-the UML too is in line with all those who have been denouncing the government’s fresh move regarding the enactment of the controversial new regulations.
In effect, the UML leaders on Monday prior to entering the Singh Durbar to attend the ongoing session brought out a huge demonstration chanting slogans against the new regulations.
In addition to this, several HR related organizations have already exhibited their ire through staging protest demonstrations and press comments. Some Students Unions too have summarily denounced the government’s fresh move in what they call a regressive step.
Student organizations apparently affiliated to the Maoists on Monday also reportedly denounced the enactment of the Public Security Regulations at various places in the Kingdom. Unconfirmed reports say that they brought out a sizeable demonstrations right here in the capital city and demanded the annulment of the said controversial regulation.
To recall, the new regulations have already been used by the State against some incumbent Nepali lawmakers last week when they wished to condemn the governments’ move through addressing a mass meeting in Lalitpur district.
The Nepalese media sector too has not taken the Public Security Regulations, PSR, in a good taste. (See five questions also).
Some enthusiasts from the law discipline have already filed a writ petition at the court hence it would be desirable to watch the verdict of the court which will definitely decide whether or not the new regulations run contra to the 1990 constitution or not.
All put together, the PSR issue will further destabilize the Koirala establishment much to the pleasure of the UML and perhaps Bhattarai-Deuba combine as well.