Job only half done

Marathon negotiation, unending political haggling, chaos, confusion and then ... bliss. When Nepal was declared a republic at 11:30 pm on May 28, the country erupted with unbridled joy. The long struggle of Nepali people for freedom and self-rule was over, as the monarchy was brought to an end. Reports were pouring in of victory rallies and celebrations across the country, all uniting in perhaps the most defining day in Nepal’s long history as a united nation.

But when the euphoria subsides, challenges will be all too apparent. Perhaps, the CPN-Maoist, the largest party in the CA and one tipped to lead the next government, will soon

realise how difficult it is to be at the helm. Prachanda, most likely the next prime minister, has shown his mettle as a rhetorician and as a person who can lure the masses to his cause.

Beyond that, differences among some central leaders in his party are being

reported. Prachanda has also been unable to keep his cadres fully under control, YCL being the case in point.

In this environment, Prachanda and CPN-Maoist will have to perform a tough juggling act. It is the responsibility of other political parties to help the Maoists navigate the

troubled waters. In a New Nepal, there should be no place for old hostilities.

Suman Dahal, Ghattekulo

Numbered

I am still finding it difficult to believe that I woke up in a federal republic of Nepal this morning. The country is finally free from the grips of autocrats who have been plundering the country for the last 240 years. The demise of the monarchy should be a lesson to all

autocrats around the world that the days of authoritarianism are numbered and if they don’t mend their ways, they too await the fate of Nepal’s ex-king. Congratulations to all Nepalis for making this truly historic day possible.

Kusum Thapa, Ekantakuna

Just leave

If Gyanendra has an iota of shame left, he should immediately vacate the Narayanhity Palace and move to his private residence. He has no right to continue living there even for a minute. The sooner he leaves, the lesser he will be hated and his life as a common citizen becomes that much easier. It will be unwise of Gyanendra to stoke people’s anger any further.

Dinesh Lama, Bouddha

Inspiring

Nepali people are a source of inspiration for all freedom loving people around the world. Even a couple of years ago, republicanism looked like an impossible dream for Nepalis. But when they spilled out on the streets during Jana Andolan II, nothing seemed impossible any longer.

Sometimes I wonder if Nepalis didn’t surprise themselves by their fearlessness and tenacity shown during the 19-day-long April Revolution in 2006. And then there was the Tarai Andolan which brought to the fore the sense of marginalisation and alienation that Madhesi people felt with the rest of Nepal. Indeed these were very difficult times for Nepal.

But the huge success of Constituent Assembly polls laid to rest all doubts that people were sick and tired of old ways of doing things. Change was what they wanted. Change is what they got.

Sashi Khanal, via e-mail