By Bijen Jonchhe

Bijen Jonchhe

Bijen Jonchhe (File Photo)
Terror raised its ugly head once again – in London this time – taking more than 50 innocent lives. Some of our political leaders did not waste a minute in denouncing the atrocity in the strongest of terms and emotions hoping to appease diplomats from the U.K, with a faint, very faint possibility of their message of support reaching either families of those killed or even perpetrators of the crime. Funny how these very people cannot condemn atrocities carried out by our native insurgents. All they are able to muster up is a “request” to stop the killings of innocent people. One wonders how taking of lives in London appear more tragic, the loss more sorrowful and terror less tolerable to our politicians than those that are taking place in our own country.

We have not seen any actions from our politicians that indicate in anyway that they care about welfare of the displaced, the marginalized and the downtrodden Nepalese. A closer bond with the people would have made their pandering to the foreign powers needless and local support for their ongoing “drama” of protests more earnest. But perhaps they know all too well that going to the masses for backing would be a waste of time, as they are being dumped even by their own party workers. Otherwise even two percent participation by party members would have drawn more than 5 thousand people at protest programs at any single event, despite concerted propaganda by all the so called top leaders. This leads to the question whether our politicians qualify to call themselves peoples’ representatives for which there are no moral, legal or ethical justifications.

In all this clash of issues what is being ignored are the real problems of human needs and lives of the common man. Insurgency related violence have become so widespread and numerous that the less unfortunate common man has become numb to the sufferings of his fellow citizens. It is at such times political leaders could seize the opportunity to establish peace in the country, promote development and economic activities to bring succor to the suffering.

Facing rejection by the man on the street agitating political parties have now found a new support base, that of foreign NGOs and INGOs championing the causes of freedom of press, human rights and the like. Delegates from these organizations are being invited to visit Nepal on observation missions which are certain to backfire on them and their associates, as observations that will be made are bound to be of impeccable integrity and fairness. One look at the level of freedom being exercised by the media, even after the royal takeover of February 1st, is unfettered dissemination of news and opinions on any topic except of course, on subjects that have national security implications. As far as human rights issues are concerned these are very subjective and cannot be as cut and dried as freedom of the press.

A group of politicians who voted themselves out of the legislature are claiming to be champions of democracy under the pretext of an election won once upon a time, expiry of which has completed three years already. If they believed in democracy as they claim, they should have the confidence to go to the people to seek a fresh mandate rather than make “democracy” a begging bowl to pursue their personal greed and ambition.

Claiming weak security situation agitating political parties pronounce that free and fair election would not be possible under these circumstances. If elections can be held successfully in countries like Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya and in Jammu & Kashmir in India it can surely be held in Nepal. As to the fairness of the process, would it be justifiable to question the integrity of the elections held in these other countries? Or can it be guaranteed that elections held under any other circumstances in Nepal would be free and fair?

Economic disparity and desperation has been the single most important factor in leading the country to where it is. Every one is a victim: Politicians, business people, farmers, professionals and even the insurgents themselves are suffering from hardships arising out of this state of affairs. While it is the primary desire and responsibility of all Nepalis to bring peace and prosperity back to the country the principal onus lies on our political leadership. Theirs is a role that is crucial to prevent crisis like this from occurring again in the future and on their shoulders lie the fate of the nation for now and the foreseeable future. It is time to understand that we are the masters of our destiny and general public from all spheres of life need to make a firm commitment now to make our place in the world. Let us not waste this opportunity to shape our lives and those of our children.