POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES
First, without an iota of doubt, the tenuous fabric uniting the major political parties thus far – one of unity and consensus – would be further strained. This would severely impact current efforts to draw the contour and template of inclusive Nepal. Secondly, it will show our parliamentarians in bad light.
Thirdly, this will indirectly delay the constitution-drafting exercise, which has so far managed to cross the intermediate stage only. Because of the absence of a broader political consensus, the parties have still not been able to agree on the name of the chairman of the Constitutional Committee. The post has remained vacant since the then chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal was appointed prime minister on May 23.
OTHER CHALLENGES
In addition to the above-mentioned challenges, a volatile situation would offer a golden opportunity to the enemies of the peace process, who thrive in the ambience of anarchy and lawlessness. A disturbed political environment would also benefit black marketeers, profiteers and hoarders, thereby piling more miseries and hardships on the already hard- hit people. Once again, schools and colleges will remain closed and those willing teachers who dare to challenge would be welcomed with black soot on their faces! Once again, the streets of Kathmandu, already steeped in pollution and littered with stinky garbage, will witness the burning of tires on the streets by the exuberant protesters, thereby contributing further to the pollution of the city.
In summary, the protest programs will strike at the very heart of the people in whose name the Maoists say they will stage. Rather than offering succor, it will add to their woes. As reported, the protests are designed to be peaceful. But with the benefit of hindsight, one cannot rule out the possibility of street protests getting violent. Experience has shown that the sentiments of the protesters always run high and they may get out of control at the slightest provocation.
In the meantime, the country is already in the vicious grip of crimes, lawlessness and anarchy. To be able to complete the peace process and to finish the constitution-drafting process, we need to address the existing problems instead of injecting more chaos into our society.
MY WAY OR HIGHWAY IS NO WAY
If attempts at repairing the fractured confidence are not made and abided by the major political parties, then the emerging scenario appears to be appallingly chilling. If not handled with tact, the looming threats have the potential of unraveling what has been achieved so far. Therefore, this is a time that demands all political parties to put aside their petty concerns and interests. The widening gulf of mistrust that exists must be bridged. All political parties, particularly the major ones, are cognizant of the fact that the peace process and the success so far was the consequence of cooperation among them. By virtue of the spirit of cooperation and unity that they demonstrated during and after the popular Janandolan II, the elections to the Constituent Assembly and the subsequent declaration of Nepal as a Federal Republic could be possible. Not that there were no uneasy and anxious moments even in those periods but they never allowed their unity to be shaken.
There is a saying in English which says that “My way or highway is no way”. The wisdom lies in the ability of all political parties to take this saying into consideration and give up the recalcitrant attitude. In the ultimate analysis, only the relentless efforts geared toward promoting spirit of conciliation in order to reestablish national consensus, unity and cooperation among major political parties can brighten the prospect of taking the whole peace process and constitution-drafting work forward.
TIME FOR SOUL-SEARCHING
It is a time for all the political parties, major political parties in particular, to do a serious soul-searching. Collectively, they should embark upon the task of finding a way out for rebuilding the fractured unity and cooperation through sustained and constructive engagements, dialogues and interactions. Therefore, it is time for them to sit together and put on their thinking caps. Allegations and counter allegations to score a point here and there are going to take them and the country nowhere. They have to exhibit a spirit of togetherness. This is obviously not a time for nitpicking. This is truly a moment for them to put their heads together, to think through the looming crisis and to be prepared to listen to their inner voice—the voice of reason. The time to make a choice has arrived. Are they in favor of leaving to posterity a democratic, peaceful and prosperous Nepal? Surely, a chaotic, undemocratic Nepal mired in perpetual conflict and poverty is not what they have struggled for all these years.
In times of crisis, our political parties together with the people have demonstrated remarkable power of resilience and ability of resurrection. The unity and understanding and the trust and commitment that they displayed during Janaandolan II amply underscore that. Time has come once again to rekindle those spirits, which alone can pull us out from the present mess. We must bear in mind that there is no alternative to political consensus, unity of purpose, trust and understanding to break through the crisis and forge ahead.
(Writer is former Chief of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.)
bhimsen29@ gmail.com
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