The history of the world has witnessed violence in many countries at the time of delivering the new constitution either through the constituent assembly or the commission chosen by the parties in power

This is a new era in Nepal’s history as the Constituent Assembly has been successful in promulgating a democratic, federal, republican, and inclusive constitution of Nepal amidst a grand ceremony which was held in the Constituent Assembly hall on Sunday. The new constitution is democratic and was delivered through democratic process with maximum consensus. This is the moment of happiness and victory of all the Nepali people as it is owned by them. There is a ray of hope that prosperity will arrive after this new constitution. Moreove, it has sincerely tried to ensure the rights of the various communities, including Tharus, Madhesis, women, Dalits, and  indigenous groups.  The remarkable feature of this constitution is that it is a highly flexible document which can accommodate the changes most people in the country may consider necessary from time to time.

The history of the world has witnessed violence in many countries at the time of delivering the new constitution either through the constituent assembly or the commission chosen by the parties in power. Such kinds of expression of dissatisfaction and grievances are natural at the stage of the constitution making process but using violence to express grievances is not acceptable. Moreover, it will be an injustice to go to extremes to have all their demands addressed by any means.

Let us all realize that bandhs and strikes are bad whatsoever the reasons. Each and every corner of the society is crippled by such  activities. For example, students cannot go to schools, the sick cannot go to hospitals and people cannot go on with their daily activities.  Numerous innocent people have been killed, including children, in violent protests. Bandhs imposed by the use of force and violence, go against democratic culture and are against the fundamental rights of citizens. So,  necessary and right action should be taken on time by the concerned authorities for the settlement of the discontent.

In this respect, they can also protest peacefully without using weapons like machetes, khukuris, swords, sickles, spears and lathis. Instead they could hold rallies; sit in demonstrations and hunger strikes for the settlement of their grievances. Likewise, the issues and grievances of the discontented parties could be settled through peaceful talks. Both formal and informal mechanisms should be taken recourse to in order to settle issues through mutual dialogues and negotiations.

An important issue that needs to be immediately addressed by the concerned authorities is the effect of bandhs and strikes on the education sector. As education is the most important prerequisite of development and children are the future pillars of the nation, no one should snatch  this fundamental right of theirs. Likewise, children who are below 18 years of age should be strictly prohibited from participating in protests activities. Not only that, the slogan and commitment of making academic institutions  peaceful areas should be implemented and taken seriously by all. Moreover, academic institutions should get the chance to run smoothly without  obstruction.

Nepal has adequate potentials and resources for economic development. These resources should be properly utilized  by different autonomous federal units. Promulgation of the new constitution through the constituent assembly is not the end of the process; it is also the beginning of a new process. The constitution will be successful only after its concrete implementation for sustainable development of the nation. For that, all political parties should have patience and allow the process to move smoothly towards a logical conclusion. Moreover, there should be an end to long-held mistrust and ideology imposed by the political parties on petty concerns. All doors should be opened for peaceful talks so that the diverse issues and genuine concerns of disgruntled parties will be addressed soon. Sincere efforts should be made to include and take along the protesting parties in the development process.

The country may go several years back if conflict continues for a long period of time. Therefore, this should be realized by all concerned. It is high time  that all Nepalis, civil society members, political parties and organizations were united and active to promote national unity, social harmony and long-lasting peace in the country. The country can rise again and be a peaceful stable nation as it was in the past. Social harmony has been the prominent feature of Nepali society throughout history, and it must be kept that way by all stakeholders. No big force can and should break our social harmony. We as knowledgeable citizens of the country must be responsible and sensitive enough to protect this harmony.

Therefore, it is the duty and responsibility of major political parties to assure the general people that this constitution treats all citizens equally, including Madhesis, Dalits, Janajatis, and women on various issues and points. In this context,  disgruntled parties, groups, or communities should work peacefully by developing humanitarian thinking to gain more public support for their agendas. The major political parties and stakeholders should also be responsible to hold the election of the federal parliament, Pradesh assemblies and local bodies as soon as possible for effective and concrete implementation of the new constitution.