With the promulgation of the Interim Constitution (IC) and the induction of 83 Maoists members in the 330-member Interim Parliament (IP), the nation breathed a sigh of relief believing that peace had finally prevailed and the nation would march on to development and prosperity.

Alas, this was not to be. Barely a week after this historical event, the nation suffered a severe jolt from the south. Spearheaded by the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF) and supported by the Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha (JTMM), Madhesis have risen in revolt against the state for centuries of neglect and discrimination. As a redress, they are now demanding that CA electoral constituencies be redefined purely on the basis of population (as against the current practice of considering both geography and population), the adoption of a federal state structure with autonomous regions, proportional representation in parliament and appropriate quotas in all government-related openings.

The peaceful Madhesi revolt took a violent turn when a trigger-happy Maoist cadre shot a student at Lahan. Terai areas like Bara, Parsa and the East are now burning. Initially, the SPA-Maoist leaders claimed that the uprising was the work of reactionary and regressive elements (palace). Prachanda pronounced that there was no need for the government to discuss the conflict with what he termed petty and immoral leaders. Since then, it has dawned on the leaders that the revolt is, in fact, a spontaneous uprising of the Terai’s indigenous people demanding equal treatment and appropriate say in governance and so-called reactionary elements have added fuel to the fire. To stem violence and to call for a dialogue, the PM delivered a nationwide address over radio and TV. Appealing for calm and patience, he offered additional constituencies (to reflect population growth) and a federal structure in the IC through amendments. Unfortunately, as happened with concessions offered by King Gyanendra on Baishak 8, 2063 to appease Jana Andolan II, this offer was also considered to be ‘too little too late’. Incidentally, the same demands had been made by some leaders during the IC adoption. Had these amendments been made then, could it have averted the present crisis?

Now the Madhesi Andolan has the full backing of all MPs from the Terai and they have exhorted the PM to fulfill these legitimate demands. Clearly, the nation is going through one of the most agonising period in history. As an urgent need was felt for fulfilling the Madhesis’ demands and quelling the fire which threatens to engulf the entire nation, there is also a need to safeguard national integrity and communal harmony. PM G P Koirala on Wednesday made a second address to the nation in a week to address the Terai protests. It is hoped that it will have the desired results. In resolving the burning problems, the PM should confine his consultations not only with the eight party combine and the agitating parties but also with a broader section, including other parties, Janajatis, Dalits and the civil society to ensure that no one gains at the expense of the other or at the national cost.

It is a pity that party leadership has not given up the practice of centralised decision-making while giving scant attention to participatory decision-making and internal democracy. Even within the SPAM, there are rumours that most important decisions are decided by the PM and Prachanda. It is no wonder that some left-out leaders come up with public statements that contradict those made by the SPAM.

Political parties are quick on promises but short on delivery. The latest example was their nominations for the IP from the quota set aside for civil society. Not only did the parties fill up the quotas with party stalwarts but the political mantra of inclusion (KDMJM-Karnali, Dalits, Mahila, Janajatis and Madhesis) was thrown out of the window, even by the NC(D).

In discussions about New Nepal - which has become highly fashionable - it is assumed that the state, as a democratic Republic, will leap-frog into the 21st century effortlessly. This would be wishful thinking. The building of a New Nepal needs much more than fault-finding with the autocratic and feudalistic past. We need to formulate a clear vision of the future, establish well-defined objectives, set achievable targets and devise ways and means to achieve them. Nepali society is beset by a free-loading culture that puts much emphasis on wielding of power and expects rewards without performance. Our leaders must abandon this practice and learn to respect diligence, dedication, honesty and professionalism.

In the wake of difficult transition that the nation is undergoing, the nation should find a new source of unity. This search is best made if the current political leadership were to engage in a holistic approach to national problem-solving. Towards this end, the PM would do well to consult a broad spectrum of society and even organise a round-table conference if required — to chart out the national road map.

Thapa is Mahasamiti member, NC (D)