Violence can't win

EDITORIAL

Presence-grabbing tactics through violence, arson and vandalism are what the student wing of the breakaway Maoist faction of Mohan Baidhya-led CPN-M is keen on in recent times. Their target has become the private sector schools. Just the other day, a school bus belonging to Dharan-based Delhi Public School was set on fire and another vandalised. They were ferrying students. The violent acts stun everyone and attacking school buses carrying students cannot be justified under any circumstances. The attackers may have their own grievances and anger, but their targetting of schools has to be condemned in the harshest possible manner. It is true that grievances are the launch platform for ushering in reforms that can be of benefit to the people. What we are witnessing is mindless unleashing of force to inflict not only material destruction but also creation of terror. The Baidhya-led Maoist faction should have thought about its strategies to make a respectable place in the scheme of things in the country. However, without a genuine sense of direction they have embarked on a mission of destruction that can only alienate them from the society, which cannot be of any help to them in carving their place as a mainstream political party. It is also clearly seen that the vandalism and arson resorted to by the CPN-M affiliated students’ union is one that shows that the mother party has no control over them. It is believed that any political party to be in the reckoning has to have clear authority over the actions of its affiliated student and other unions. And, the mother party has to own up accountability for any of their actions. All seem to be missing in this particular context.

It is agreed that every party has its aim to work for the betterment of the society or the people

at large. There had been great expectations from

the Maoists when they joined the mainstream

politics, but over the years they have only

disappointed the mass. The Baidhya-led Maoist

party seems to be no different with the same old violent tactics and intimidating approach. Moreover, it seems quite repelling that its student wing started attacks on buses and vandalism of school property in Kathmandu. One wonders as to what they are trying to convey or prove. The only message that can be deciphered through their violence is that they are not adherents of peaceful methods. It would be beneficial for them to vent their ire on all or rather the most pressing ills challenging the nation in this most troubled times.

Not only the Baidhya’s party, but every other party, could fight corruption, and initiate state reforms, among other things. What is being seen here is the same high-handed tactics for exhibiting their power, which can only last briefly. In the long run, they are bound to disintegrate and be lost. Standing at the threshold of a very crucial juncture, it is quite appalling that the political parties and leaders in general have lost touch with the populace, and they are rather bent on following their own whims and fancies totally in contrast to what is expected of them in a democracy. Well, the parties ought to reform themselves for a better Nepal.

Cholera scourge

Cholera is again surfacing in Katmandu valley with three cases confirmed in the last couple of weeks. The Kathmandu District Public Health office is all set to distribute chlorine solution to disinfect water. The disease is mostly transmitted by eating contaminated food and drinking water. Cholera is mostly found in urban and slum areas and where food is sold in open places. Since the disease is mostly transmitted from water contaminated with human feces, it is necessary to provide safe drinking water. Since the drinking water pipes are placed very close to the sewage pipes it would be prudent on all to drink water that has been treated properly.

Year in and year out, cholera has been appearing menacingly particularly during this time of the year. In addition to providing safe drinking water, the authorities should closely monitor the public eateries. There is also need to make the public aware about hygiene such as washing their hands properly before having their meals. In the mean time, the health authorities should act promptly so that the disease does not reach epidemic proportions.