Preserve community harmony

28 May 2012

The CA met its 'spot death' at midnight. It could not provide the new Constitution even after its four year-long term. The polarization of community over the issue of federalism is the most recent and dangerous development. If not handled correctly, it might invite civil war which, by nature, will take its huge toll. The political parties and civil societies must play the role to protect national interest, sovereignty, and community harmony. Today is the right time to start.
The political solution to the present problem is to restart discussion on federalism and come to a point of agreement. After this, we can--though it is not permitted by law and political consensus is necessary--reinstate CA for some time to endorse the agreement.

Bandhs are not the solutions to problems

Dear Mabuhang jee,

The solutions to all the problems of social exclusion and marginalization does not lie in federating a country on ethnicity or identity line. This will aggravate situation further. Instead of Adibsi/Janajati others will begin to experience the same trauma. The cycle will go endlessly; there will be no end to it: hence there will be no peace in the country. Do we really want Nepal to be like some African countries where one killed another for politics? No. Not at all. The true solutions lie in improving the governance system, adopting the inclusiveness system, reassuring security and justice and fostering rule of law.
All kind of bandhs in any name, for any reasons, do not bear fruit. Rather, the organizers suffer loss; they lose sympathy of well wishers also. You will agree that the recent bandh called by Adibasi/Janajati must have ended with the same fate.

We all know that violent begets violence; so shun violence of any kind.

With best regards.
Dr. Govind P. Thapa

May 26, 2012

Choosing wrong tactics by Adibasi-Janajati

Adibasi-Janajati have called for three-days bandh with demands for federal states on ethnic lines. In the course of bandha, they have adopted rather harsh tactics---used violence on the press and other essential services' vehicles. This tactics has aroused significant reactions from all quarters. This is definitely going ruin the environment of winning people's sympathy. In the present scenario, communal riot (I pray that it does not happen) is the most imminent danger in coming days. Prevention strategy is far more important than containing it. Here are some useful tips for prevention and preparations to mitigate loss:

1. All political parties appeal for restraints and harmony;

2. Media and civil societies play role to defuse the tension;

3. Safety and security threat assessment for crisis plan of actions;

4. Immediate meeting with community leaders;

5. Emergency relief and rehabilitation measures (food, water, shelter, safety and security, health) taken;

6. Stop and counter rumours.

Peaceful and prosperous Nepal

May 21, 2012: National unity, wise and able leadership and prudent diplomacy are essentials for a country to become prosperous and peaceful. In a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society like Nepal, social harmony is essential element to strengthen the unity. The present political scenario is going to have a long term ramification on the future of Nepal. We should handle problems in the best interest of the country. It warrants a high degree of audacity to dispel selfish motivations. Do justice for peace. Remember violence begets violence. Let us all be proud of being Nepali; not any caste or creed.