Prime Minister Nepal paid a visit to Maharjan after he was admitted to the hospital. After he passed away, he also spoke to his family and promised them help. While this gesture is laudable, we ask the government to ensure that the promises made to this family and others who have suffered during Jana Andolan II are kept.
The education of Maharjan’s three children and ensuring the means of livelihood for the family is the state’s responsibility. Maharjan’s family, other ‘genuine’ martyrs’ families as well as those who were injured during the history-defining movement must not be left abandoned. They, along with other courageous citizens, had braved lathis, tear gas shells and live bullets for nearly three weeks during the April Uprising in 2006. They are special and must be treated accordingly. Maharjan’s passing away should prod the government into enquiring into the state of others who were injured. Some of them still need medicines and constant medical care.
The martyr’s sacrifice should not go waste. The irresponsible nature of the political parties who rose to power after the Jana Andolan II must have constantly hurt Maharjan and others like him. It was painful to see history repeating itself. After the success of Jana Andolan I in 1990 that ended the farce called Panchayati system of governance, it was hoped that they would nurture the fledgling democracy, include the marginalized and isolated, and usher in all-round development. That was not to be. Let us hope that Maharjan’s passing would spur the squabbling parties into expediting the writing of the constitution and establishing lasting peace.
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