After the devastating earthquakes of April-May that killed 9,000 and displaced millions, Nepal is once again in turmoil. Unofficial Indian blockade has crippled normal lives, resulting in a humanitarian crisis. For months schools have been shut down, medical stores are out of life saving medicines and factories are closed. The economy is estimated to have suffered losses worth Rs 200 billion. For the first time in 30 years, we are witnessing negative growth. If the situation doesn't soon improve, the economy could be irreparably harmed and more people pushed under the line of poverty. Therefore political parties must work together to resolve the Madhesh crisis without any more delay.Province demarcation has been a major bone of contention. India's proactive role in Tarai protests has further widened the gap between the protesting and ruling parties. It is clear that a handful of opportunists are staging protests at major customs points, with India's backing. This is the reason Nepali security forces have failed to clear border obstructions and tame the unruly mob pelting stones at them from across the border. This is a clear case of violation of international law.
Nepal has promulgated its constitution through democratic process. India's own constitution was endorsed only by 67 percent of its CA members. Nepal's has the support of more than 85 percent. Even renowned Indian writers and analysts have recognized Nepal's constitution as more progressive than India's.
The current blockade has tarnished India's image. But the country that aspires to become a permanent member of UN Security Council does not care. In the name of security, it has hampered its broader interests in Nepal. Anti-India sentiment has increased among Nepalis. The goodwill Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi earned during his first visit to Nepal last year has been lost in three months. So it would be wise of India to review its Nepal policy.
As for Nepal, it should try to resolve internal issues, if any. Most demands of Madheshi Morcha can be addressed by amending the constitution. But for that both ruling parties and Morcha should be more flexible.
Three months of protests have resulted in deaths of 50 people. But not a single leader, except Baburam Bhattarai, cared to visit Madhesh and understand ground realities. The ruling parties seem to be in wait-and-watch mode. But how long should they have to wait even as people are being killed and life has come to a grinding halt?
Because over a dozen talks between the government and the ruling parties have made no headway, the ruling parties should immediately call for a round table conference with all protesting parties on board.
Constitution bills tabled by erstwhile government are in limbo. Oli government should speed up those bills in parliament, with Madheshi Morcha's consent. If these bills had been passed earlier, the situation now would be much better.
As for demarcation, it won't be so easy to split Kailali and Kanchanpur in Far-west and Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari in Far-east. An attempt to do so ignited the Undivided Far-west Movement in 2012 which was one of the reasons behind dissolution of the first Constituent Assembly.
People are against splitting Kailali and Kanchanpur. Any attempt to disintegrate these districts is sure to incite more unrest. We are already witnessing protests against splitting Jhapa,Morang and Sunsari. Even while Madheshi Morcha blocked Birgunj, customs points such as Kakarvitta, Sunauli, Nepalgunj and Dhangadhi saw minimum or no protest. It is another thing that Indian authorities have restricted movement of goods from these points as well. This shows that Madheshi Morcha doesn't wield enough support in the Far-west and Far-east. Morcha should bear this in mind while including these districts into Madhesh state.
Representing these disputed districts are top leaders like Krishna Prasad Sitaula, KP Oli, Bhim Rawal and Sher Bahadur Deuba. Deuba is said to have declined to concede even "an inch" of Kailali and Kanchanpur to Tharuhat. This resulted in the Tikapur carnage. Upendra Yadav wants Sunsari in province number two because his constituency lies here. Personal interests of these leaders have held the country hostage for three months.
The leaders should try to find an amicable solution to resolve federalism dispute by exploring all options. But if such a solution cannot be found, the government should hold referendum in five disputed districts.
Since protesting parties have rejected the proposal of Federal Commission to settle boundary disputes, referendum is the only option left. People should be allowed to decide which province they belong to.
The author is a freelance journalist and social activist
dk7030@gmail.com
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