Thaw of sorts

Words keep on changing, the tactics also follow the same route. The UCPN (M) has shown it all in their bid to establish their form of civilian supremacy, contrary to the expectations of the real stakeholders—the Nepalese people. It may sound like the main opposition party in the Legislature Parliament has its own ideas of how the country should be governed, but in the nine months that the UCPN (M)-led government lasted no tangible changes for the better came about, besides the highly encouraging revenue collection. The then PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda had tendered his resignation all because his move to oust the then army chief did not succeed. That started the whole gambit for the “civilian supremacy” dice which has seen the House business obstructed for the last five months, barring a few days for the presentation of the budget that is yet to get approved for implementation. The Maoists have spilled their “movement” to the streets now. The black flags and boycotting of cabinet ministers have moved to blockading the VDCs and municipalities, and the district administration offices throughout the country, leaving the service seekers high and dry. The turn is now for blockading the Kathmandu valley. In doing all this, the ruling political parties do not suffer much, the whole brunt has to be borne by those for whom the “civilian supremacy” agenda seems to be for. This reflects the fallacy of the whole basis of the Maoists’ protests.

Going back a few days, Maoist chief Prachanda had provided a hint of some thawing through his reference to make consensus a seeming reality within this week or so. It was a positive statement coming from a responsible leader, and hopes flourished in the people’s mind for the end of the state of uncertainty. However, the insistence was on the formation of an inclusive government under the leadership of his party, a far cry from what role the present government has revealed for UCPN (M). And, the peaceful protest has begun albeit on a piece meal basis possibly fearing backlash from the ordinary folks. It looks like a dress rehearsal for what they have in their minds to be unleashed at a later date if it does not get an easy access to power. This sounds crude, but the events so far may be indicators. To support this viewpoint, despite the fact that UCPN (M) chairman asserting that the announcement of the republican state had been withdrawn due to pressure from various quarters, the autonomous Kirant republican state has been declared by them paying no heed to the provisions of the Comprehensive Peace Accord and the Interim Constitution.

The Maoist design is clear in that no accords or agreements are to be respected. There are options that can fulfill their aspirations, but the Maoists are well aware of their failings in mustering support to file a no-trust motion in the House against the prime minister. Therefore, the way has been in the form of protests to exhibit their strength together with rejuvenating their cadres along the way. The game is becoming dangerous by the day, unless the top political leaders belonging to both the ruling and opposition parties see any light at the end of the tunnel.

On the fast lane

The fast track linking Kathmandu to Birgunj is all set to materialize. The foundation for this purpose was laid Monday. The Nepal Army has been entrusted with the task of opening the track that will link Nijgadh of Bara with Khokana in Lalitpur. This track is going to be a technical marvel along with the building of a 1.3 km tunnel and almost a hundred bridges of varying spans. Efforts will also be made to compensate the loss of the about one lakh big trees that would be cut by planting 250,000 saplings in the green belt that would run along the road. This makes the road project eco-sensitive. After the completion of this fast track, a fillip would be there for the country’s economy. At present Kathmandu is connected to the Terai by tortuous, lengthy roads, which makes the movement of goods and people not only costly but time-consuming.

With the construction of this 50 metre wide road, vehicular travel to and from Kathmandu to the Terai would be facilitated. What is more the dream of BP Koirala to link Kathmandu with the Terai would be a reality. Thus, all efforts should be made to complete the project by making available the finances necessary and also procuring the land for the road.