In defence of democracy

Longing for peace and security

Sher Bahadur Deuba

Quote: We will deal decisively with terrorists and defeat them. The commitment to promoting peace, security and democracy has and will always remain closest to my heart.

In the last six months since the imposition of the State of Emergency and mobilisation of all the security agencies against terrorists, the security situation in the country has improved considerably and people are beginning to feel increased sense of security and a sigh of relief. Even in the face of direct threat to their lives, political activists are doing their best to keep the spirit of liberty and freedom aglow. No political decisions at the highest level of the government should brush aside their hopes, aspirations and longing for peace and security. Democracy must reflect the popular feelings and aspirations. I have therefore only done what is appropriate under the prevailing circumstances to strengthen the national security and defend the freedom of the people. When I chose to recommend for the fresh election to Parliament, I have done nothing else but to go to the people, the ultimate guardian of democracy, for their mandate.

To reinforce the successes of the security forces in defeating terrorists, I was convinced of the need for the continuation of the State of Emergency. My decision to continue it for another three months reflects the gravity of the situation in the country is based on the informed opinion from various agencies of the government directly dealing with the security situation, and has the support of a clear majority of Nepalis. I would have been the first one to ask for its termination, had there been no need for it. The situation demanded it and there was no alternative. Half-hearted measures have never brought terrorism under control anywhere in the world. Sincere, sustained and comprehensive efforts are keys to defeating terrorism. The government cannot abdicate its responsibility in the midway. I am sure that you will all agree that the call of duty of the Office of Prime Minister transcends the confines of any political party including my own Nepali Congress. At the heart of all these is my commitment to lead the government in a direction to help common people’s aspirations for a strong, stable and vibrant Nepal that is free from any threat of terrorism.

Nepal’s economy is undergoing tremendous pressure. Tourism has declined by almost 50 per cent and exports by more than 10 per cent. Revenue collection has been stagnant. You are all aware of the growing but necessary security expenditures. Nonetheless, I understand the importance of the fiscal reform programme and would like to reiterate our full commitment to taking prudent fiscal measures and cutting down unnecessary expenditures. We are equally committed to the implementation of the already initiated and agreed upon reform programmes. We believe that these reforms will make our economy stronger, sustainable and vibrant. The Tenth Plan will be government’s main development agenda for the country for the next five years. It will be implemented as scheduled starting the next fiscal year. The Plan focuses on finding a fine balance between the need for high and sustainable growth, and the need for complementing such growth with targeted programmes for the effective reduction of the incidence of poverty.

Budget for this fiscal year will be based on the prioritization of expenditures carried out under Medium Term Expenditure Framework. The effectiveness of public expenditure will be further enhanced. Decentralisation process for improving service delivery will go on as scheduled. In this connection, mechanism for transferring primary education, basic health and agricultural extension services from the central government to the local bodies has already been developed and will be implemented starting the current fiscal year. Institutionalisation process of poverty monitoring mechanism has already been worked out. In addition, specific measures to control corruption and improve accountability and transparency in the Government have been initiated. The last session of Parliament has ratified some very important legislation to achieve this end. Fiscal discipline will be further strengthened and reform actions for Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy are under negotiations. Immediate action plan to expedite all these reform programmes will be adopted by the cabinet and disseminated soon.

The country is facing enormous economic problems because of the security situation. Beyond the regular security expenditures, we will have to incur additional immediate expenditures for rehabilitation of displaced people and for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of infrastructures destroyed by the terrorists. Not to mention the fact, substantial additional resources are required for responding to poverty reduction programs as was agreed to during the National Development Forum. The support that we have been receiving from the development partners has been crucial for raising the quality of live of the people. I have a lot of hope and confidence that the level of your support will be further enhanced in the light of the present situation of the country. We are counting on receiving a flexible budgetary support through a fast disbursement mechanism for out poverty alleviation programmes in the next budget. Out major priority is to ensure good governance and effective service delivery so that we could effectively deal with the challenges of poverty and unemployment.

I have already started consulting with the National Election Commission and various government agencies responsible for supporting the Commission in its job. I am confident that there will be absolutely no problem for the elections to the House of Representatives to be held in times and with the guarantee of full security. Let me also assure you all that the government has full determination and resolve to render support to the Election Commission in its job of conducting this election in the stipulated time and in free and fair manner.

I would like to once again reassure you that we will deal decisively with these terrorist and defeat them. The commitment to promoting peace, security and democracy has and will always remain closest to my heart. As always, I shall be seeking your support and cooperation to strengthen and promote democracy, development and social transformation in my country. I take this opportunity to reiterate my gratitude for the support and solidarity expressed by all the friendly countries in our fight against terrorism and for the progress and development of our motherland. Your continued cooperation will further strengthen my resolve to attain these objectives in the days ahead. Our Constitution guides us that the provision of constitutional monarchy and multiparty democracy are sacrosanct. These beacons will reach us to our ultimate goal of peaceful, vibrant and prosperous Nepal.

Excerpted from the Prime Minister’s address to heads of diplomatic missions.