Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, July 4:

Leaders of the professional organisations said today the King should take steps to bail the country out of the present crisis by accepting the existence of political parties. “Freedom is one of our fundamental rights and achieving it is not possible without democracy,” said Dr Sudha Sharma, chairperson of the Medical Association. Stating that the health sector has substantially developed in the past 14 years of democracy, she said there was no alternative to democracy. Second vice-president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries, Diwakar Golcha, pointed out the need for economic freedom for the development of the country. “The role of the government can be that of a facilitator, but that has not happened in the past,” said Golcha, adding, “The Nepalis should focus on the restoration of sustainable peace.” He appealed to the Maoist leaders to realise the critical phase the country is passing through due to insurgency.

“Movement only adds to confusion; so, all should unite and cooperative each other for restoring peace,” he said. Gahendra Dahal of the Nepal Jaycees warned of unfortunate situation if three conflicting actors — the King, political parties and the Maoists — didn’t work together to resolve the existing problems. “Democracy without political parties can’t be expected, so the King and political parties should cooperate to bring the Maoists to mainstream politics,” he said. He further said: “Different movements are going on for some groups’ petty interest and this doesn’t reflect the people’s wish. Since the King is the head of the government, he has a greater responsibility for initiating talks.” Chairman of the Engineers’ Association, Jiba Raj Pokhrel, said conflict had caused reduction in the development

budget. Chairman of the Civil Servant’s Association, Murari Bhattarai, said the King has to initiate dialogue with the Maoists by accepting the existence of the parties.