By Chhatra Bahadur (UWB received this article via email)
It appears that every moment in Nepal is being defined as “the crossroad of historic change”. It would not be incorrect to state that we may have taken a step forward, only to return to the crossroad again taking two steps backward. It is even more likely that we would never be able to move away from the crossroad, making it a permanent feature. Of course, there are many to counter argue that Nepal has been deviated from a path of being a ‘failed state’ and we are now on the eternal path towards recovery and betterment. The contemporary oft-repeated justification presented by the media, politicians, rights activists, and neo-elites of Nepal is that democracy is regained from an autocrat after the popularized April Revolution, which will subsequently result in peace through negotiations, and thus provide impetus to prosperity.
We are made believe that a new form of governance for the first time in the world’s history has appeared – people-centric governance. I coined this form of governance as ‘peoplocracy’. At least from the continual emphasis placed by the newly christened defenders-of-liberty, we understand that peoplocracy has already provided the most advanced form of political freedom in Nepal. The conduct of various interest groups and people show that the mass has all the right to frame its own rules, destroy public property, burn tyres, run amok by igniting vehicles, and bring traffic and life in the city to standstill while the police turn its head another way. Thus, the most impressive salient feature of peoplocracy appears to be lack of control leverages, lack of responsibilities, and lack of accountability. Other instances such as subordinates’ demanding resignation of the superior on flimsy political ground (and not on the basis of inefficiency or lack of proficiency), students ransacking various office-building and burning furniture and equipment of the University, motorcyclists slapping the traffic controllers, etc point at the most advanced form of people-centric governance.
From time to time, the leaders of the SPA (the Seven Party Alliance) claim that as soon as the SPA took the reins of political power, all forms of inequality and injustice in Nepal are removed instantaneously by promulgating various laws through the reinstated Parliament. According to the proponents, peoplocracy delivers justice and ends age-old discrimination instantly. It is another matter that discrimination is still rampant in practice, but who has time to either investigate, report, or rectify such instances.
Overnight, the reinstated Parliament is declared supreme (by being the members, the Parliamentarians became supreme as well). Usually, citizens of a country are permanent and they also possess ability to create and dismantle any political system – the Parliament can be created and dismantled by the citizens but the Parliament does not have ability to create or dismantle the citizens. From this viewpoint, the supremacy should rest with the citizens of the country. However, in peoplocracy practiced in Nepal, the Parliament created citizens by passing controversial Citizenship Bill. The Nepalese Parliament proved that it can create citizens out of its whims. Perhaps, because of this, the Parliament in peoplocracy is supreme, instead of the citizens of the country.
Sensing the fluid situation as opportune time, many interest groups sprang into swift action presenting radical set of demands, with a view to transform the society immediately. Some national newspapers even carried news stating that various interest groups had to be allocated time to allow them to ‘encircle’ Singha Durbar, the seat of the country’s power, to press their demands. Precarious law and order situation showed signs of serious breakdown.
Another feature of peoplocracy is to invent new words and to resurrect old ones. By adding new words such as participatory democracy, republicanism, federalism, autonomous regions, etc. in the Nepalese lexicon, it enriched Nepalese language and made it more susceptible to literary abuse. Some words such as regressive elements, feudalist, monarchist, royalist, etc. got fresh lease of life acquiring heavy negative connotation. And it is time when everyone, even those who are not remotely connected to the Nepalese political landscape, is in race to prove revolutionary, progressive, and democrat. This is true in the case of special class of citizens, better known as eminent members of civic society and intellectuals (often self-appointed and specifically decorated by so-called ‘free’ press). They are often seen clamouring for attention by dishing out their set of radical prescriptions to resolve widespread malaise in Nepal, on the basis of some obscure political theory framed for conceptually different scenario. They have shown flair to dominate national press and television, often presenting confused opinions and viewpoints even when they lack expertise in the subject of discussion.
Their favorite topic at present is regarding irrelevancy of monarchy in current political configuration and abolition of the institution of monarchy. The majority of them favor of abolition of monarchy; only few suggest monarchy in strictly ceremonial form. The majority of these special classes of citizens seeking abolition of the monarchy put forward diverse justifications. Those justifications can be roughly summarized as: (i) whatever ‘peoplocratic’ achievements have made can be negated by the monarchy sometime in future; (ii) monarchy represent regressive element and only by removal of regressive element, we can take progressive path or said to have chosen progression; (iii) all the ills of Nepal is the creation of monarchy and by abolishing the monarchy, we remove all the ills instantaneously to create modern Nepal; and (iv) peoplocracy and monarchy do not together hand-in-hand because the guiding principle of peoplocracy is republicanism.
However, their justifications appear opportunistic on two grounds. (1) They do not discuss their own roles when democracy was in place since 1990s till the time the King took over. They conveniently disregard the fact that they did virtually nothing to strengthen democracy as an institution and a way of life during those years. Addressing press conferences and participating in seminars in five-star hotels within the Kathmandu Valley cannot qualify as significant contribution in any manner since these actions hardly institutionalize democracy or alleviate living condition of poor majority or increase the understanding of democracy amongst the Nepalese. Their wise words, without concrete and visible action, did nothing to meet the expectations of the people. In short, their own contribution to institutionalize democracy had been practically nil because they were busy profiteering from democratic system of governance. (2) When they stress that the monarchy may negate achievements of the April Revolution in future, they indicate that they will again do absolutely nothing to strengthen democratic institution, leaving open space for the monarchy to play the same role they fear it will play. Perhaps the only way to check the political ambitions of monarchy, if it remains, is to institutionalize democracy. Only declaring the Parliament supreme is inadequate to justify that the democracy is already institutionalized. When the means to reach highest seat of democracy is fraught with undemocratic practices, it is foolhardy to expect that democracy will be upheld. Some may even counter argue that people are now more conscious about their rights and many laws are in place to check the monarchy so that incidents such as royal takeover will not occur again. However, we cannot forget that loyalty of people is fickle since it is guided by their desire for respite from desperation and pessimistic economic predicament. As of now, there has not been much progress in these two fronts. The desperation is intact as the Maoist extortion, in the name of voluntary donation, has reached its zenith and they are doing it openly. In addition, the collections are done in the name of different Maoist-affiliated organizations such as revolutionary trade union, revolutionary women organization, revolutionary cultural troupe, revolutionary students union, revolutionary regional government, etc.
Thus, a single person ends up satisfying many groups of the same outfit thereby increasing the financial burden exponentially. The ‘free’ press has not missed any opportunity to scream hoarse that normalcy has returned even when the ground reality indicates that the Maoists threat looms large from frequent abduction, forced extortion and strong-arm tactics. It is likely to reach epic proportion because the Maoist supremo, Prachanda, has already signalled at urban-based struggle immediately after the Hindu festival of lights, Tihar. It is already in pilot-test phase in Mahottari district in mid-Eastern Nepal wherein urban struggle committee has been formed and they have already started their work. Apart from announcement, nothing much has been revealed regarding the objective of this exercise, time frame within which it will be completed, or number of areas where it will be undertaken.
On the other hand, the recently released government data indicates that business confidence has not improved much. Basic macroeconomic data show that trade deficit has widened (meaning less of exports because of less economic activity and more of imports to fulfill consumption demand), 25% increase in number of people going abroad for employment (because of lack of employment opportunities within Nepal), and decrease in number of tourists coming in Nepal (meaning more unemployment in services sector such as hotel, restaurant, trekking, etc. and indicates that foreigners’ security perception has not changed much). On the basis of these crude parameters, it may be incorrect to claim return of normalcy. However, large armed offence has ceased completely which is positive development.
The path towards peace – from negotiations to amicable resolution – appears to have floundered. Earlier the Maoists presented endless list of ever-increasing set of demands: every Maoist leader kept on adding new conditionality for the success of the peace process. Three breakthroughs were said to have achieved in the first round of negotiations – (1) arms management under aegis of the United Nations Organization (UNO); (2) the reinstated Parliament will cease whereas the Maoists’ will dissolve regional governments and people’s court; and (3) interim constitution was to be drafted which would pave way for formation of interim government to conduct the Constituent Assembly elections. However, the implementation of breakthroughs has been lacklustre and disappointing – perhaps because of lack of commitment of both sides suggesting all-talk-no-substance. The second round of negotiations has been dubbed as crucial and ‘informed’ sources emphasis that serious breakthrough is expected. However, preliminary talks between the government and the Maoist negotiators had reached deadlock as they could not agree on whether arms management be accorded priority (the government wanted to) or whether other political issues be accorded priority (the Maoists wanted to). In addition, each constituent of the SPA has sent 4-member team for this round of talks with the 10-member Maoist negotiating team: there are about 38 people involved in this round of talks.
To make matters worse, each constituent with the SPA has own political agenda and ideology often conflicting to another constituent member. The convergence amongst the constituents is very difficult to achieve. With so many people with diverse set of political agenda pulling in different directions, it is likely that chaos will set in without any concrete results. Even when scenario is not exactly bright, there is still optimism that Nepal would emerge from the shadow of peoplocracy for betterment.
United We Blog 
Comments
64 responses to “Nepal In the Shadows of ‘Peoplocracy’”
Maoists are trying to blackmail whole country. They are seeking to achieve everything blackmailing whole country. They must leave arms.
Many have said it, and I repeat it :The maoists are holding the nation hostage. And as the famous saying goes “The only thing necessary for evil to succeed is for good people to do nothing”.
Are we good people? What are we doing – nothing?
People are attracted to Maoists on what grounds ? Do they have any agenda of economic development ? No. What they want to do is create more poor people and uneducated people so that they want to rule a long time on the people like people Bheda Bakhra. They want to eliminate whatever rich people we have as well as whatever educated people we have. Their target is both.So many educated people and honest have not seen any fitre in Nepal and they are leaving the country. If you go to villages there are no young people.So, it is clear that they want to establish a Pol Pot regime and leaders like Girrija who camt to power by excercising Bihari politics can not understand. Can you give me any answer what Girija did four times as PM ? He amassed commissions and corruption money dor the party and distributed to his cronies. His whole life was spent on such things. Now he thinks himself of only savior of Nepal.Marne belama hariyo kankro.He destroyed the country and now he repents. As four time PM , Ghanta herera baseko ?
So I am not optimistic. Some thing should be done by the young generation of Nepal about Nepalese politics. Maobadis and Geirija are our enemies.So how to eliminate them from the mainstream politics of Nepal promoting young generation who believe in democracy not in corruption and killings. All political parties should be headed by young Turks like Gagan.
One can realise that SPA has no good agenda for itself, except they are following the path of Prachanda. Definately if maoist rule the country single handedly the peace will occured, but what about democracy and is that the goal of SPA? That is why maoist are in the good bargaining point and trying to blacmail in the name of urban revolution.
Article speaks for me. This nation by the folly of SAP is heading towards abyss- where lawlessness and mayhem reign supreme. Maoist agenda and intent is pretty clear, no need to elaborate but SPA seem to be lost and is becoming partner in crime. It seems they are morally and physically in no position to counter anything solid against Maoist.
Urban revolt is a real thing and will probably happen after Tihar. Maoist have no option but to go headlong into this frenzy state to bring SPA to its knees. The protracted negotiation does not sit well with then infact its downright detrimental to them in terms of their militia and basis of their overall revolution. Traits such as factionalism, leadership squabble and hold on status are inherent in their setup just as in any. But the crunch time is real for Maoist.
The unreported news as such abduction of people from places like Thamel & patan in the heart of the valley is no -issue for major publication houses who hell bent on projecting seren and “democratic” new Nepal, is it by fear or by intent is not quiet clear. But sense of security of a common man has taken a flight and grumbling is slowly growing to protect turf by anymeans possbile-peoplocracy at work.
The wish to see Nepal as a nation of peace with equal opportunity for all is slowly fading into a twilight. The spine chilling reality is now too obvious to hide from or ignore.
The maoist agenda is clear and the very confused UML and other communist groups are buying into it simply thinking that later on, they will be gifted their share in power. The Maoists have realized that they never did and neevr will defeat the Nepal army militarily. And they also realized the center of power for the motivation of the army to defend this country was and will for sometime be Monarchy. Therefore, they are hellbent on furthing this issue about having powerless, propertyless, family less and fund less King or if they could, even abolish the Monarchy all together and declare Nepal a republic right away. They tend to add “democratic” to their lingo not because they beleive in it but because they think that will appease the masses. Moreover, this entire rhetoric about the consituent assembly being “nisarta” is a big joke now as both SPA and moreso the Maoists are putting down a long list of conditionalities without asking the masses. So, the people, who both SPA and the Maoists say proudly they (mis)represent, are nothing but moot audience. We are sidelined completely. The goondas of the political parties and the milita of the Maoists have completley taken over the every day life in Nepal. And we are told that at the end of it, we will all be rewarded with the kind of Loktantra that we all supposedly asked for during the April Revolution. Come on, wake up Nepalese– what this situation warrants is for the silent majority to come to the streets and show these money/power hungry Mandales, politicians and the Maoist terrorists the door. Now, that is what I will call democracy.
Why didn’t the Nepalese people come to the streets when the King did his coup on Feb. 1st 2005? Why did they wait for 15 months before finally coming out to the streets? That is because of the ineptness, corruption, commission dealings of the politicians specially those belonging to the NC and the UML. Therefore, the parties must never forget the people. They must never be corrupt. There is already lot of corruption taking place in the ministries of home, supplies and land reforms. Ministers Hridesh, Sitaula and Prabhu Narayan openly ask for money. What is this? Are you wanting another Feb. 1st?
I would rather see nepal as a part of india than being taken over by maoist thugs
Hey all,
Chhatra Bahadur has presented the ground reality of Nepal. When will all Nepali realize that having Nepal Bundh for ever so small reasons every one taking law in their hand.
We that same people used to denounce the Nepal Bandh chakka jam during the democracy from political parties. Now everyone think that they have the right to organize bandh, burn tyre, use children to protest, make educational instutions breeding ground for political activities.
Lets look at the comment of Chhatra Bahadur that when SPA don;t have a common agenda when they are negotiating with maoist. How can they ever negotiate when the members of maoist have common agenda but our side asking for mixed agendas.
Spit on the SPA leaders cannot even unite against their common enemy. Again they are one telling that country’s situation has improved and historic decision would be taken in the BARTA.
I just read the news that people with arms abducted some people in kathmandu. The police arrived there in time but still didn’t do anything when those abductors said the police not to intervene as they were trying catch people involved in drug dealing.
This is the situation in our country. Maoist freely come abduct people our police keeps on watching.
Bravo to acheivement of SPA.
everything goes in track slowly, no frustartion. this is the transition perion
Chattra Bahadur-wow what a negative article! And you shine no light at the end of the tunnel. I am sure you work for some NGO/INGO whose main job is to get as much aid as possible by presenting Nepal in the worst possible light. Or perhaps you are going through a bout of depression brought on by… whatever!
Wake up and smell the coffee man. Look at the where Nepal stands in the world…one of the least developed and poorest countries in the world. It’s been like this for quite sometime even before democracy, before the Maoists or Gyane things were quite bad vis-a-vis the developed countries. You expect everything to be hunky dory given this background?
The shameless behaviour of our ‘democratic’ politicians, our civil ‘servants’, the brutality and madness of the Maoists and the complete idiocy of the monarch is depressing. But get some perspective man. Have we ever witnessed a tragedy like any of that our neighbours have had several times? India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Tibet, China, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka they have suffered a hundred times worse than we ever have. Sure things are bad in Nepal right now but do you seriously think it will get worse than it was just a couple of years back? Sure there is a lot of lawlessness in Nepal right now but compared to some of the so called countries where there is no ‘conflict’ at present it is still much safer and better. Do you follow current international news? Riots in Sao Paulo where prisoners break out from the jail and start a street war with the police with so many civilians caught in the crossfire, thousands of Americans dying in Iraq and Afghanistan sacrificed for oil, Britons plotting to mass murder Britons because of their religion, Bihar has been lawless forever, New Delhi is the world leader in incidents of rape, Kosovo, Rwanda, Darfur etc, etc.
With all the injustice and inequality in Nepal we had it coming. But we should be thankful because it could have been so much worse. If there ever was an instrument for measuring how bad humans could be to their fellow humans I think we Nepalis would come out as the best humans. Our King might have been bad, our Maoists brutal, our politicians/bureaucrats corrupt but if we compare them to how bad things have been in world history they aren’t that bad. This doesn’t mean that we should stive to better ourselves and the lives of our fellow Nepalis. The important thing is that we learn from all our mistakes and all the bad that has happened and instead of sticking to our self-serving pre-conceived notions look at what we need to do set things right. It’s difficult but then really it’s quite easy too.
sounds like you guys are scared off your pants by the SPA and the Maoists in power. Are you the ones whose dads looted the country during panchayat days and royal rule? Well, time to take a long breath. Your time of unquestioned privilege is over. Take it easy; it is now somebody else’s turn.
We had so many transition periods. One was when we had restored democracy in 1990. And the thugs politicians looted the country instead. There was no agenda whatsoever to reach the fruits of development to the rural areas. King was a sort of jackal who came in between the parties to take away piece of meat of the animal. He lavishly spent the scarce resources during the direct rule. Furhtermore, his son also joined the frenzy to lavishly spend the money in foreign jaunts. He is paying the price of his PAAP to the starving Nepali people.
Now SPA think that they have the power and they are enjoying it but for how long ? All phtahas like Sitaula come to your TV screen and says that he is about to get the agreement with the killers. But till when ? so the another spate of Killings, rape and abduction goes on ?
This is an anrchy. Who will take control of the country ? Girija has been four times failure. Makune and UML was not even a good opposition party. So till these Phatahas rule the country nothing can happen. All the youth should join hands and arrange a some sort of coup in their respective parties and rule the country dealing with appropriately with killers Maoists. These old Napunksaks can not lead the country to a peaceful destination. The country will go for another decade of anarchy and destruction.Many people have already fled the country. Only phatahas and BIBAS are there to continue their life of helplessness.
UWB should you really moderate my comment?
“Your time of unquestioned privilege is over. Take it easy; it is now somebody else’s turn.”
So, when will we be hanging from the lamp posts?
Bideshi you are really overdramatic for a 60 yr old man!
Chhatra Bahadur
You stand indirectly for the monarchy without pointing anywhere the necessity of monarchy at this juncture.Failure of elected representative does not justify anti-democratic action by monarchs. Monarchy,grabbing public land in tens of thousands ropanis, doing business outside the law, killing people in the street and worst of all vilifying elected representative for monarchy’s benefit, here in Nepal at this century has been a liability rather than asset. If elected represententative make mistakes, they are under the law and will be corrected by the people but what about monarchs who are above the law?
Those who advocate for monarchy do not like people’s representative system, even less to Maoists. Party politicians are grassroot workers. They talk of equality and so people are attracted towards them. It is so in case of Maoists too. Vilifying the mainstream parties and sensetizing the fear of Maoists, you are indirectly creating pseudo-scene of necessity of monarchy.
You are singlely playing Harkee Dai in disguise or Bhudai Pandit in open.
raj, though your softly-softly attitude towards the Maoists alarms me a bit I agree almost completely with your post.
Dear Chhatra Bahadur,
Interesting article, enjoyed reading it, that’s where my enjoyment ends and confusion begins.
Let’s assume what you have described of ‘peoplocracy’ is cannonical fact, now what?
well, no political system runs on hope/pray, that i hope and pray everyone be goody goody, that’s not how it works.
and you can’t expect anyone to descend from sky to run our politics, so we are left with the old players, palace, democratic politician and moaists.
minus pray/hope, accepting the filth of the politics, who do you suggest should take the reign from here on?
please shed some light, i am getting histeric in this darkness.
Nepali keta,
I am with you !!
I think Nepalese people should be courageous enought to speak up against this violence and open ransom of Maoists.
The choice is upto Nepalese people, whether to allow Maoists to continue taking this FREE MONEY from people and go in the path of anarchy
OR
to call for Maoists to give up their arms, and go towards peace.
Personally, I think Maoists are too intoxicated with free money that they are receiving.
As someone rightly said, it can only happen in Nepal…….people fighting for Monarchy or Maoism, two of the worst possible political system that the world has ever witnessed…..and still we see some educated lunatics wasting time in their computer…..trying to compare the two.
Wake up guys, Kirat, Budhai Pundit or whatever you are called, get your hands off your computer keyboard and start doing some meaningful work if you want to help your country. Looking at the numbers of comments that you post on this site, I am surprised if you do anything else other than to get glued to your computers !!!
I dont read your comments so feel free to waste your time.
Hello, I’m doing a report on Nepal and I was wondering if it’s the Maoist people that are doing bad things there or is it the government?
Hello Miss,
I also want to know the same thing. Who is worse in our Nepal…the Government that supports the terrorists…or the terrorsits that supports the Government? Because all we have is No Governance and Full Terrorism. If you have a report please send to me also.
So, I thought the king did a good deed and gave the power to the multi-party government, right? Well, my report is giving the Nepali people independance from the government, but I think I might change it to getting independance from the Maoist Rebels. And I hope there will be no more terrorism and hopefully peace in Nepal.
Well Miss,
I think you should call yourself totally CLUELESS ON NEPAL.
Just by reading two of your comments, I think you should give up writing on Nepal or do some more research, unless you are an undergrad student, and just need to submit your report to meet some deadline.
No wonder we have so many reports on Nepal written by totally clueless people. Its provides us a good laugh when we see it in libraries in UK and US !!!
If a free society is to work, the vast majority of citizens must reflexively obey the law not because they fear punishment, but because they accept that the rule of law makes society possible. That reflexive law-abidingness is reinforced when the laws are limited to core objectives that enjoy consensus support, even though people may disagree on means.
Helicopter:
I don’t think Miss was claiming to be a Nepal expert. Besides there are many Nepalis who write on Nepal who can be euqally clueless and ignornant…
What Nepal needs is a “big fat jhapad” to come back to her senses. How long will people stand and watch their Nepal Ama get raped by these mofo Maoists? They are calling all the shots and Girija & Co. are just puppets on a string being manipulated by “the Awesome One” aka Prachanda.
Extortion and intimidation are the norm. You think these people who’ve been used to getting what they want through force and pressure will ever succumb to lay down their arms and get back to working for a living. That’s a far cry.
Ke bhanne Sati le sarape ko desh re….what would you expect from morons running the country and dumb sheep following their senile, demented leader aka Girija Baje.
King G is the same, Makune exactamundo and rest of the clowns!
Who do we turn to?
Alas! I guess we are kinda f*cked!!!
In Perspective – The Weekly Nepali Source, October 19 2006
On the historical peace talks…
The past week was full of hopes from the SPA & Maoist dialogues. It took place four times on 8th, 10th, 12th and 15th October, 2006.
Each time participants came out and said that they were making progress and the next session would be successful until on October 15, 2006 the last meeting ended with Maoist Supremo concluding the meeting in few minutes with Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, Madhav Kumar Nepal and Sher Bahadur Deuba.
The rest of the leaders were seen clamoring to figure out what happened and the next date hasn’t even been announced. The seven-party alliance looked more like a 5 person get-together because despite the grandeur of the supposed representation, there were only 5 voices that emerged from the talks; no, actually, only 3 because the other 2 were from the Maoists.
Some believe this latest round of shenanigans has again taken the Nepalese people for a ride. Despite all the rhetoric, the bottom-line seems to be that the SPA and Maoist can’t agree on the mechanism and timing of Maoist arms management.
This begs the question, what was actually accomplished during the talks? Can someone please tell the people what progress was made?
On the delicate nature of talks…
With the Maoists holding on to their weapons neither the Nepalese people nor the SPA will get a fair deal. Without it the Maoists might not get a fair deal from the people who have been terrorized and traumatized for the last decade. Nor can there be a let up on the international insistence that the Maoists disarm before they join the mainstream.
But at present neither side wants to be blamed for breaking the dialogue at least as yet. The Monarchy seems to be just a red herring anyway.
After Tihar it remains to be seen whether the Maoists will press their advantage by urban guerrilla warfare before the government forces get reestablished and properly reequipped or whether the Maoists will walk straight into Singha Durbar with or without the SPA.
Basically, the talks seem to have been so “delicate” and the mood so “cautiously optimistic” that no one said what they meant and no one meant what they said.
The only person rumored to have said anything of substance was Girja who reminded the Maoists that they had agreed to a ceremonial monarchy in Delhi (the Indian bottom line) and claimed the talks were over (for now) because he needed oxygen. Apparently, he said what me meant and meant what he said – he was short of breath so the talks were postponed.
On Nepal’s bid for the non-permanent member of the UNSC….
So much for the euphoria suggesting that the whole world appreciated and lauded the political developments in Nepal. Even if the lip service was there, the actions of the international community demonstrate neither appreciation nor confidence in Nepal’s political process.
A manifestation of this lack of confidence was Nepal’s loss to Indonesia for the UN Security Council seat by 130 votes (158 for Indonesia and 28 for Nepal). While there is truth to the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister’s claim that the Maoists should be held responsible for the international community’s perception, the fact of the matter lies in the truth that Nepal is inching toward a period of great instability which is expected to affect her performance and contribution in any role of international significance.
To add insult to injury, a former Military General leads the government of Indonesia.
On reviving the death penalty….
Members of the House of Representatives demanded the revival of death penalty. One hundred twenty-nine nations of the world have abolished death penalty. Nepal also abolished this punishment through the 1990 Constitution.
After all, compared to the past, human rights organizations have become much stronger as has the trend that flows dollars in the pockets of genuine human rights groups and genuine anarchists who pose as human rights champions.
One wonders what the HR cartel and civic society has to say on the topic of re-instating the death penalty? Is it good for business or is it bad for business? Is it profitable to oppose it now or is it more profitable to take up the cause once the problem has become more serious?
Basically, the reason behind the call for bringing the death penalty back into the legal system is the rampant break down of law and order in the country which is a product of political developments. But everyone knows that the death penalty has been in practice since the Maoists launched their armed rebellion and that if the House is to follow the Maoists foot steps, it will sill be the weak and poor people who are hanged, not criminal with connections.
On the last three days…..
A businessman was shot in Birgunj; a motorcyclist was looted in broad daylight. A man was tortured till he confessed that he murdered his wife. Meanwhile, his wife is alive and well.
On the highways, the Maoists openly set up barriers and raised funds from passengers. This continued even though the official Maoist line was that such taxation activities were ordered to be stopped.
Moreover, now the Maoists even check the IDs, playing the part of the state’s legitimate security forces that are locked up in their barracks. If all these incidents were reported in a newspaper 10 years ago, people would assume that it was a Gaijatra (macabre/humerous) publication.
Slowly but surely, more reports of crimes are making the headlines but less reports from the police are making it to the courts. The biggest danger is that people are literally keeping quiet about these excesses because of the fear of being killed.
On the illusion of Maoists curbing crime….
Reports have come in that local street gangs in the capital have been corralled by the Maoists and “punished” for their crimes against the people.
The irony is that the most notorious of these typical Nepali “dadas” are as follows: Mr. Milan Gurung, also known as “Chakre Milan,” also known as the UML’s most valued asset in capturing poll booths during elections.
Then, there is the idiot by the name of Deepak Manage, also known to have sold hot dogs on the streets of New York, later provided cocaine to Kathmandu’s richest and also known to have been evacuated from Nepal (when charged for a double homicide) by none other than the man who was most vocal about Krishna Sitoula’s resignation – Pashupati Rana.
Naturally, Manange and Gurung were know arch rivals because Gurung was commissioned to steal votes for the UML and Manange, to steal votes for others. And this list goes on and on.
Although presented as a ploy to curb crime in Kathmandu, everyone knows that after these criminals were “reprimanded” by the Maoists, they were then commissioned to aid the Maoists conduct their “October revolution.” People think the Maoists have done them justice when in fact, the Maoists are continue to do what they’ve always done best – to mobilize in the most effective ways possible.
The prognosis of measures for urban revolt: They may start from demonstrations,processions, sit-ins, lock-ups, chakka-jam (traffic halt), etc. initiating from vital organs of the State. They plan to accumulate more than 500,000 cadres and supporters in the Capital. They long for pushing people at the forefronts and then leaders followed by PLA. Schools, colleges and business houses will forcefully be closed. As the movement goes ahead, they might destroy the bridges on the highways leading to the Capital. They have already infiltered the security forces and begin rebellion from within the ranks and files as in October Revolution in Russia. This is what Urban Warfare means.
Urban Revolt
The Kamidanda Meeting of Maoists synthesized their movement in three dimensions: (i) slogan for Nationalism was prominent for initial five years of people’s war; (ii) gave prominence to People’s “Democracy” in the next five years; and (iii) presently integrated Nationalism, People’s “Democracy” and People’s Livelihood. They have prioritized four issues: (i) liberation of classes through revolutionary land reform, (ii) castes through ethnic autonomy and rights to self-determination, (iii) women through inheritance rights similar to son and 50% reservation from wards to center, and (iv) regions through autonomy and equality in resources allocation to all similar to Capital.
The conclusions of Kamidanda Meeting of Maoists could be postulated: a decisive people’s movement is pertinent to forward-looking way out for the country by crushing the conspiratorial capitulationist and fascist forces. The rays of peace are flickering: light and dark. At this moment, there are trends to peace talks as well as to create a hurricane of People’s Movement simultaneously. The Maoists are regenerating its strength tossed and turned during the People’s War. It has organized conferences of its sister-organizations in Kathmandu and streamlined its cadres to preparedness for the decisive urban revolt or warfare. During the past five months of cease-fire, Maoists have entered cities and towns, and gradually seizing the State’s resources and customs points. They have forwarded incompatible demands to industrialists and businesses. They have enrolled fresh cadres in Militia. They have been providing security to public transport in the highways. The GoN is squeezing more in the Capital and district seats. They have led the movement of the families of the disappeared and even cordoned the Nepal Army Headquarters temporarily. They had temporarily captured the Sainik Manch (Army Grounds), where the King used to attend/address formal ceremonies. They even cordoned the PM’s quarters during the Summit Talks. They have started to function as traffic police in cities. Most of the District Party Secretaries and leaders are present in Kathmandu.
On the delicate nature of talks…
With the Maoists holding on to their weapons neither the Nepalese people nor the SPA will get a fair deal. Without it the Maoists might not get a fair deal from the people who have been terrorized and traumatized for the last decade. Nor can there be a let up on the international insistence that the Maoists disarm before they join the mainstream.
But at present neither side wants to be blamed for breaking the dialogue at least as yet. The Monarchy seems to be just a red herring anyway.
After Tihar it remains to be seen whether the Maoists will press their advantage by urban guerrilla warfare before the government forces get reestablished and properly reequipped or whether the Maoists will walk straight into Singha Durbar with or without the SPA.
Basically, the talks seem to have been so “delicate” and the mood so “cautiously optimistic” that no one said what they meant and no one meant what they said.
The only person rumored to have said anything of substance was Girja who reminded the Maoists that they had agreed to a ceremonial monarchy in Delhi (the Indian bottom line) and claimed the talks were over (for now) because he needed oxygen. Apparently, he said what me meant and meant what he said – he was short of breath so the talks were postponed.
On Nepal’s bid for the non-permanent member of the UNSC….
So much for the euphoria suggesting that the whole world appreciated and lauded the political developments in Nepal. Even if the lip service was there, the actions of the international community demonstrate neither appreciation nor confidence in Nepal’s political process.
A manifestation of this lack of confidence was Nepal’s loss to Indonesia for the UN Security Council seat by 130 votes (158 for Indonesia and 28 for Nepal). While there is truth to the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister’s claim that the Maoists should be held responsible for the international community’s perception, the fact of the matter lies in the truth that Nepal is inching toward a period of great instability which is expected to affect her performance and contribution in any role of international significance.
To add insult to injury, a former Military General leads the government of Indonesia.
On reviving the death penalty….
Members of the House of Representatives demanded the revival of death penalty. One hundred twenty-nine nations of the world have abolished death penalty. Nepal also abolished this punishment through the 1990 Constitution.
After all, compared to the past, human rights organizations have become much stronger as has the trend that flows dollars in the pockets of genuine human rights groups and genuine anarchists who pose as human rights champions.
One wonders what the HR cartel and civic society has to say on the topic of re-instating the death penalty? Is it good for business or is it bad for business? Is it profitable to oppose it now or is it more profitable to take up the cause once the problem has become more serious?
Basically, the reason behind the call for bringing the death penalty back into the legal system is the rampant break down of law and order in the country which is a product of political developments. But everyone knows that the death penalty has been in practice since the Maoists launched their armed rebellion and that if the House is to follow the Maoists foot steps, it will sill be the weak and poor people who are hanged, not criminal with connections.
October 20, 2006:
On the last three days…..
A businessman was shot in Birgunj; a motorcyclist was looted in broad daylight. A man was tortured till he confessed that he murdered his wife. Meanwhile, his wife is alive and well.
On the highways, the Maoists openly set up barriers and raised funds from passengers. This continued even though the official Maoist line was that such taxation activities were ordered to be stopped.
Moreover, now the Maoists even check the IDs, playing the part of the state’s legitimate security forces that are locked up in their barracks. If all these incidents were reported in a newspaper 10 years ago, people would assume that it was a Gaijatra (macabre/humerous) publication.
Slowly but surely, more reports of crimes are making the headlines but less reports from the police are making it to the courts. The biggest danger is that people are literally keeping quiet about these excesses because of the fear of being killed.
On the illusion of Maoists curbing crime….
Reports have come in that local street gangs in the capital have been corralled by the Maoists and “punished” for their crimes against the people.
The irony is that the most notorious of these typical Nepali “dadas” are as follows: Mr. Milan Gurung, also known as “Chakre Milan,” also known as the UML’s most valued asset in capturing poll booths during elections.
Then, there is the idiot by the name of Deepak Manange, also known to have sold hot dogs on the streets of New York, later provided cocaine to Kathmandu’s richest and also known to have been evacuated from Nepal (when charged for a double homicide) by none other than the man who was most vocal about Krishna Sitaula’s resignation – Pashupati Rana.
Naturally, Manange and Gurung were known arch rivals because Gurung was commissioned to steal votes for the UML and Manange, to steal votes for others. And this list goes on and on.
Although presented as a ploy to curb crime in Kathmandu, everyone knows that after these criminals were “reprimanded” by the Maoists, they were then commissioned to aid the Maoists conduct their “October revolution.” People think the Maoists have done them justice when in fact, the Maoists continue to do what they’ve always done best – to mobilize in the most effective ways possible.
On the illusion of Maoists curbing crime….
Reports have come in that local street gangs in the capital have been corralled by the Maoists and “punished” for their crimes against the people.
The irony is that the most notorious of these typical Nepali “dadas” are as follows: Mr. Milan Gurung, also known as “Chakre Milan,” also known as the UML’s most valued asset in capturing poll booths during elections.
Then, there is the idiot by the name of Deepak Manange, also known to have sold hot dogs on the streets of New York, later provided cocaine to Kathmandu’s richest and also known to have been evacuated from Nepal (when charged for a double homicide) by none other than the man who was most vocal about Krishna Sitaula’s resignation – Pashupati Rana.
Naturally, Manange and Gurung were known arch rivals because Gurung was commissioned to steal votes for the UML and Manange, to steal votes for others. And this list goes on and on.
Although presented as a ploy to curb crime in Kathmandu, everyone knows that after these criminals were “reprimanded” by the Maoists, they were then commissioned to aid the Maoists conduct their “October revolution.” People think the Maoists have done them justice when in fact, the Maoists continue to do what they’ve always done best – to mobilize in the most effective ways possible.
Just had to enlighten few here with the snippets of news report:
Himalayan Times:
under the heading of “Maoists’ Donation drive to Continue” Mahara or Moro, call him which ever you prefer says “Maoists’ donation collection was not forcible. Terming the donation collection as”TAX IMPOSED BY THE STATE” and are…collecting tax as they are not MERE a party but a force parallel to government.” And goes on to state “… if Maoist army was deprived of its weapons right now. ” THIS COULD ENDANGER THE DEMOCRACY.”
Scoop,
Do you remebember SPA demanded ” R(NA)should not be involved in UN peace-keeping mission” before Janaandolan-2 . But after coming to the power they put the strong point to bid for the non-permanent member of the UNSC, which they considered the past good reputation of R(NA)in peace keeping mission. Look how they made confused to UNSC like they are making to the people of Nepal? The result of the vote shows that the country is not able to make confident about its future polical line in the global context. It needs very much effort and dedication and also proper and right targeted agenda. Not-DHULE MULE CHARITRA
Sagarmatha,
As each day passes I for one admit am becoming more confused. Check out the following which has gone into UWB moderation haven:
On the illusion of Maoists curbing crime….
Reports have come in that local street gangs in the capital have been corralled by the Maoists and “punished” for their crimes against the people.
The irony is that the most notorious of these typical Nepali “dadas” are as follows: Mr. Milan Gurung, also known as “Chakre Milan,” also known as the UML’s most valued asset in capturing poll booths during elections.
Then, there is the idiot by the name of Deepak Manange, also known to have sold hot dogs on the streets of New York, later provided cocaine to Kathmandu’s richest and also known to have been evacuated from Nepal (when charged for a double homicide) by none other than the man who was most vocal about Krishna Sitaula’s resignation – Pashupati Rana.
Naturally, Manange and Gurung were known arch rivals because Gurung was commissioned to steal votes for the UML and Manange, to steal votes for others. And this list goes on and on.
Although presented as a ploy to curb crime in Kathmandu, everyone knows that after these criminals were “reprimanded” by the Maoists, they were then commissioned to aid the Maoists conduct their “October revolution.” People think the Maoists have done them justice when in fact, the Maoists continue to do what they’ve always done best – to mobilize in the most effective ways possible.
The illusion of Maoists curbing crime:
Reports have come in that local street gangs in the capital have been corralled by the Maoists and “punished” for their crimes against the people.
The irony is that the most notorious of these typical Nepali “dadas” are as follows: Mr. Milan Gurung, also known as “Chakre Milan,” also known as the UML’s most valued asset in capturing poll booths during elections.
Then, there is Deepak Manange, also known to have sold hot dogs on the streets of New York, later provided cocaine to Kathmandu’s richest and also known to have been evacuated from Nepal (when charged for a double homicide) by none other than the man who was most vocal about Krishna Sitaula’s resignation – Pashupati Rana.
Naturally, Manange and Gurung were known arch rivals because Gurung was commissioned to steal votes for the UML and Manange, to steal votes for others. And this list goes on and on.
Although presented as a ploy to curb crime in Kathmandu, everyone knows that after these criminals were “reprimanded” by the Maoists, they were then commissioned to aid the Maoists conduct their “October revolution.” People think the Maoists have done them justice when in fact, the Maoists continue to do what they’ve always done best – to mobilize in the most effective ways possible.
UWB moderator,
I had no problem getting several of my posts in, but when it came to the recruitment of Kathmandu dadas by maoists the post has gone into mideration everytime. In the interest of the public I demand it be placed out of your moderation and into the realm of freedom of speech and expression that you say is your mantra.
Meanwhile,
I happened by a certain Miss in the comments,
Miss,
This blog is filled with narcissistic ar$eholes, so don’t be discouraged.
To your query did the King do a good thing by handing power to the parliament? Absolutely, and without the much anticipated bloodshed.
His rule though was a total mess for reasons that no body can quite put a handle on, but it was a total disastor.
As for the maoists – Miss, they are nothing but a bunch of fascist machines a la Adolf Hitler with a Mao Tse Tung twist. Just read the news today – Dr. Kul Chandra Gautam, Un Assistant Secretary General went to his home in Gulmi – even a mild mannered Gautam with his half sister or cousin Pampha Bhushal a prominent leader of the maoists, condemns the extortion drive by the maoists, the complete disregard for the children of this nation and the use of school children forcibly in maoist propoganda. He also added his home area in Gulmi is intimidated by maoists cadres and militia and is forced to feed them with whatever they have – and it is’nt much.
In short on the question of whether the maoists or the government is doing bad things?
The maoists are up to no good at all and the government is doing nothing.
No matter what this article points to it does contain some truth in it. It is true that TRUTH is bitter!!
Real truth of present Nepal is that many Nepalis are not thinking about unity specially our leaders. I strongly feel that we Nepalis should look in to the matter seriously. There are few major drawbacks to look in to.
1. After restoration of democracy in 1990 nothing has changed in Nepal. Only major political parties build their party offices. Which added some amount to heads of general public and pushed inflation further.
2. So far no political parties came up with any plan or projection on how to create job in the country or provide vocational training to school leavers. Only training is not good enough at least industries should be planned to offer jobs to trained young generations. I strongly feel this is the only way to recover Nepal’s economy. The industries should be for daily necessities which should reduce importation from outside Nepal.
3. It is a known fact that corruption is the vital part in the country not a single political parties came up with the idea to stop it. Instead all political parties are fully comitted for malpractices to make money. None of any political parties are thinking for sustainable solution for Nepal in this regard.
4. Not a single political parties have thought of Nepal’s future. There is no vision what so ever to rebuild Nepal. This gives the impression that Nepali politicians only tries to run but never learned to walk.
5. At present Nepal is severely affected by inflation. Due to this reason whoever are in accessible posts in order to maintain their standard or to make money they are forcesd to lean towards corruption. This also encourages low ranking government officials to opt for corruption by pestering general public. Not a single political parties so far suggested that Nepal should revise salary scale for all government/civilian employees basing on certain numbers of dependents. This should be decided by the parliament how many dependents one should legally have 1, 2 or 3. If a Nepali has more than the number decided then it is his or her own problem.
6. We general public of Nepal are not concious about what is going on and what are being done by present government. Since 1990 none of the elected government have done nothing for Nepal this includes present SPA government. Question here is if elected government follows same principle of previous party less government and do nothing only drain national resources what is the point??
7. Recently Mr. Oli camped in New York for such a long time and failed to secure Nepal’s position in UNSC. Surely he did not spent anything from his pocket. He spent huge amount of money from goverment fund. His mission and diplomacy failed. Then he he blamed the Maoists. I am not in favour for anyone but why should one point finger to anyone if he fails? The issue here is National failure. The situation showed there is no national unity in the country to the eyes of international community. The mistake is not from only one side but from bothsides.
8. Nepal should now learn very good lession from this defeat. It is about time for all Nepalis including political paties to understand each other and unite to move forward to rebuild brand new Nepal.
9. If Nepalese political parties continues to play induvidual parts like in the past and now. Although Nepal is a failed state no doubt it will go from bad to worse.
10. In the other hand the Maoist cadres are constantly pestering general public. The Maoist cadres are extorting from money to food. In addition because of the Maoist cadres there are number of hooligans groups extorting money from general public. As usual Nepal police turn their eyes on opposite direction and do nothing. For this the suprimo of the Maoists must be responsible. From this question rises, if the Maoist suprimo can’t control his cadres if he comes to power would he be able to control whole nation?
We all Nepalese have to learn how to compromise and accept facts. Specially it is extremely important for political leaders. I strongly feel everyone should follow principle of give and take. With this principle everyone should be committed to rebuild our nation.
What’s been happening in the past three days:
A businessman was shot in Birgunj; a motorcyclist was looted in broad daylight. A man was tortured till he confessed that he murdered his wife. Meanwhile, his wife is alive and well.
A Kathmandu business man was robbed at his home by a gang of a dirty dozen or so in the wee hours of the morning after using a khukuri on him, he luckily survives. Oh, yes this happened just a walking distance away from the GTZ and UNFPA offices and of course the Commander in Chief’s official residence.
On the highways, the Maoists openly set up barriers and raised funds from passengers. This continued even though the official Maoist line was that such taxation activities were ordered to be stopped.
Moreover, now the Maoists even check the IDs, playing the part of the state’s legitimate security forces that are locked up in their barracks. If all these incidents were reported in a newspaper 10 years ago, people would assume that it was a Gaijatra (macabre/humerous) publication.
Slowly but surely, more reports of crimes are making the headlines but less reports from the police are making it to the courts. The biggest danger is that people are literally keeping quiet about these excesses because of the fear of being killed.
Not to mention the recruitment of Kathmandu’s “elite” ace gundas by moaists (the comment still awaits multiple moderation in UWB haven).
Mr.Chhatra Bahadur,
Thanks for the article which are mainly purposed to educate these blogers at at Unite Blog who ofter address the issues with hyper emotions. I think sometime these blogers must be suffering with attention deficit disorders. This is something we have to find out from how much they are hypered emotionally hyperbolic.
The question here in Nepal that challenges us is how to establish rational, evidential and electoral democratic culture.
We are brought up with arbitrary decision making brain conditions. Because that’s how for hundred and fifty years we have been governed, told to run our family affairs, social activities and government practice.
Who take the unnecessary advantage of this way of brain conditioning or arbitrary decision making process? I think they ruling elites, civil servents, intellectual tink tank, political leaders and their cadres. Most of these people belong to middle class family who afford to get such education for arbitrary decision making.
Now at this time of ‘peoplocracy’ that you like to invent this word and add to the lexicons of Nepali language, we need to understand what it means ‘civil liberty’ in true sense for its practicality in our socio-political lives.
Then may be we understant what Democracy means. Arbitrarily you won’t be able to continue with humanity that far in this twenty first century.
Unless some of the blogers who act like sajha.com mondale might think we and the king are the supereme humans of the world and Nepali tradition is the only way of life.
This bullshits of the king and some blogers’ stand on Nepali traditions in the name of popular Hindu religious without Vedic essence really suchs.
Lets see how they fart after they read this response to your article.
KP here you go:
Many have said it, and I repeat it :The maoists are holding the nation hostage. And as the famous saying goes “The only thing necessary for evil to succeed is for good people to do nothing”.
Are we good people? What are we doing – nothing?”
You really think rationally withour arbitrary hyperpolic decision making! I surprise how quickly you accuse people? Who the hell you think “we good people”?
Do not bullshit ok. If you rally wish to think rationally then bring the valid evidence on board for dialogue.
Mare derogative words response does not mean rational. You may be suffering with hyper attension deficit.
In order to cure it you need to pay attention and take personal responsibility. Not people responsibility. “who the hell is the people that you are speaking for”. You speak for yourself to resolve the issue that society in where you live in.
That what matter. Gorkhali biting with derogations matters little.
Scoop:
These are indeed troubling incidents. And I was very annoyed to read the Mahara is visiting London to meet with NRN!! Why is that goon being treated like a legitimate political leader? Let the Moaist give up their arms and stop these atrocities and when/if they become a legitimate political party then Mahara can go. Man SPA really need to grow up and be a man.
Man a very depressing article. Chattra Bahadur must work for an NGO that needs to potray Nepal in the worst possible light inorder to get more funds. He shows no light at the end of the tunnel and focuses only on the negatives.
Kirat:
I really find your optimism very encouraging.
However, whenever I read the news I find it difficult to imagine where you get this hope from. Maybe you are an optimistic person in general?
Look all I have heard is of the law lessness in Kathmandu – of roberries, looting etc. I mean this is becoming ridiculous.
I also don’t know why mahara is welcomed by NRN. these people who are living abroad are also hollow. Their leader Dr. Upendra Mahato is no. one mafia in Belarus. He wants to make his black money to white through this NRN. Political leaders want money what sort of money they do not care. When he was appointed Nepalese honorary Consul in Belarus, he gave a lot of money to the then Foreign Minister Dr. Mahat.Then only his appointment was okeyed.
Other point is that NRN Conference was first inaugurated by none other than our killer Prince paras in BICC.
Now the FNCCI people called for Bandh because they do not want to pay their debt.It is also said that it was instigated by the King.
Other point we lost UNSC seat to Indonesia.The shameful thing was that we got only 27 votes. There were 24 memebers of the Nepalese delegation to UNGA, so what for ? Whether it is autocracy or democracy or Loktantra, there is no difference in nepal unless we change our attitude and we show honesty for the country and starving people.