Relief nowhere There is more to it than calling it a paradox. What had started on a sound footing seems to have lost the real direction in the maze that could lead to the seat of power. The present situation with the largest party in the Constituent Assembly, and sitting in the opposition benches, coming out in the streets to get its demands fulfilled unleashing all its powers inevitably refers to violence in common parlance. Going back some eight months or so back, the Maoist-led government of its own accord on having its mission aborted as regards the sacking the then army chief, started its protest in various forms basically with the obstruction of House proceedings initially. The Legislative Parliament could not function at all, except for a brief reprieve for the budget speech and then for its approval, for almost seven months. It is another matter that the House proceedings are back to normal, a clear hint at the change of strategy of the UCPN (M). In all the protest programmes unleashed by the Maoists, it is really the people who are having to go through harrowing experiences and feel at a loss for words to assess the present political situation. The other parties, even those in the coalition, had had their days earlier, and now it is the Maoists who have their eyes focused on the driving seat of the government. But, it has been a hard nut to crack for the Maoists, and their acts seem to reflect this particular desperation. In all this, the people’s genuine concerns have been relegated to the backseat while the theoretical aspects have been receiving the pat. The other major parties including the Nepali Congress and CPN (UML) have to be able to stand up to the challenges both on the political platform as well as the need to enforce the rule of law which has, in recent months, not been up to the mark that had been floated with clenched fists. With the government or rather the major coalition partners totally engrossed in contentious political issues with the UCPN (M) it leaves them barely any time to focus on the people’s welfare activities. Now, with the dwindling remittances and revenue, and soaring imports, there are now further worries that the government has to take care of, but knowing this very well the UCPN (M) is seemingly intensifying its protests to strike the best bargaining posture. What more can be said of the three big parties who agree to sit down together and exchange views and opinions on a positive note, but once out of the meeting room they are back to their original adamant postures. The UCPN (M) among the three has to bear the most part of the blame for the status quoism that prevails as far as breaking the political deadlock is concerned. Even as the top leaders of the three parties emerge with the agreement to form the high level political mechanism, dissenting views are forthcoming. It is true that taken seriously, the said mechanism could offer some help but going by way things are, it is yet another meeting accomplished. The UCPN (M) is on with its fourth phase of protests, yet it never tires of its flexibility. What could be more paradoxical than the Maoists’ protest at the moment?

Show peace Violence in films clearly affects the young minds. But what is a matter of concern is that action packed movies sell and that is what many young people want to see. Researches show that such films have contributed to strife in society. Furthermore, it is found that they harm the tender mind. Youngsters in particular are prone to mimic what they see in the films. Take the recent example of a youth trying to emulate the stunt he saw in films by jumping from a two storyed building. Luckily he survived but hurt his spine in the process just to win a bet, and perhaps to show his bravado. As such, since films can help convey messages their makers should be very careful not to convey negative ones. These days the Nepali film industry is also emerging to appeal to a large number of audiences and doing well in the market. The film makers should thing twice before going for violence in films no matter how tempted they may be. Instead they should attempt to educate the young people to become responsible citizens and to help create a peaceful society. So far as possible screening of violent films should be discouraged in the overall interest of the young generation.