Nepalis could not celebrate this Dashain with enthusiasm. They travelled in jam-packed public buses, even riding on the roofs, to reach their destinations. Millions could not leave Kathmandu due to lack of transportation services. A day after Kojagrat Purnima, the last day of Dashain, buses entering Kathmandu are crowded like never before. It was expected that business as usual would come to an end after Dashain break and it would also provide both agitating Madheshi parties and the government to narrow down differences and reach a negotiated settlement. We expected political leadership to use this time to take protesting parties into confidence and to find a solution to the crippling economic blockade. We are sad that there has been little progress on these fronts even after nearly ten days' break.However, some positive steps have been taken this past week. K P Oli's government formed a new dialogue team which held first round of talks with the agitating parties on Sunday. The government has agreed to fulfill preconditions of agitating parties. The next round of talks slated for Thursday should be decisive in ending Tarai unrest and economic blockade imposed by India. This should be the priority of both the government and agitating parties. Unfortunately, agitating parties look least bothered about sufferings caused to the common people by agitation and blockade. They have resorted to vandalism and arson. They did not withdraw agitation even for Dashain—the sacred festival of Nepalis. By not doing so, they have shown their insensitivity towards fellow Nepalis. Since formal dialogue with the government has already started, agitating forces should withdraw protests and allow people to travel without obstructions. Moreover, the Indian government should also allow vehicles carrying essential goods to enter at the earliest.
The onus lies on government to ease supply of fuel and heal people's pain. It has been nearly a month since the country is battling with untold hardships due to blockade. Hospitals have run out of vital medicines, lack of LPG has caused several eateries and business outlets to shut down. And black market is rife. There are reports of people smuggling oil from across the border and selling it in exorbitantly high price. The little fuel in reserve, say the reports, is being distributed to politicians and people with connections while commoners are left to fend for themselves. Oli government's preparation to import fuel from China is praiseworthy. Now it should leave no stone unturned to bring life back to normalcy. These are no normal times. The People in Kathmandu have resorted to using firewood for cooking. A number of people who had left Kathmandu for Dashain have not returned due to the problems caused by blockade. Resiliency of Nepali people is truly praiseworthy. We have not seen mass protests against the government. But this patience will not endure when they are subjected to sufferings indefinitely. These are the worst times for Nepal and Nepalis but this can be no excuse for the government to act slowly, nor for agitating parties to stick to 'my-way or highway' approach. People are suffering. It's time for all the parties to find a solution to the ongoing protests in the southern plains and also ease the lives of ordinary citizens without any delay.
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