[Angel]

Continuing the Andolan: Creating a Peaceful, Democratic and Just Nepal
By: Dr Brian Cobb

Reinstatement of the Parliament and appointment of ministers are important steps, but the andolan is far from completed and the loose alliance between the SPA and the Maoists shows signs of strain. To retain the welcome unity of the movement, the democratic leadership must be proactive rather than reactive, visionary rather than stupefied, and inclusive rather than collusive. Otherwise the schism, paralysis and conflict plaguing the nation will continue or even worsen and the people, feeling again betrayed, will not hesitate to make their displeasure felt.

The majority of the Nepali people, including the Maobadi, want a constituent assembly. Delaying and dithering will undermine the newly revived political parties, so they must immediately announce a date for elections and articulate their positions on the nature of future governance: republic, ceremonial monarchy, active monarchy, or other forms.

Peace talks with the Maoists must be immediate, substantive, public and effective. The people want and deserve peace. The Maoists must be convinced that the parties are sincere.

The nation’s security forces have displayed callous, criminal behavior in gleefully enforcing draconian decrees aimed at silencing the voices of the people. The officers have disgraced themselves and the country. Retired Gurkha officers should be placed in command of the army and police immediately and incumbent officers arrested and held for trial. A special prosecutor must be appointed without delay. The parties’ connivance at human rights violations must end and the error of ignoring the Mallick Commission’s recommendation not repeated. Vengeance and vigilantism are evil, but justice is essential to deter future crimes, recognize the victims’ suffering, bring closure and restore confidence.

Since Nepal faces no real external threat and was effectively demilitarized, having had only a small, weak, poorly equipped force prior to 2001, and since there is little risk of attack by India or China and no realistic protection from the RNA, consideration should be given to demilitarization. Once the Maoists disarm and join, the RNA itself can be disarmed and put to work rebuilding, educating and providing health care. Its helicopters and vehicles can be put to work serving the people.

Corruption and abuse of power created the social conditions that led to the insurgency and must not be countenanced. The CIAA must be strengthened and harsh, mandatory penalties, including long imprisonment, enacted for violators. The NHRC should likewise be strengthened and given writ to police the police. Impunity has fertilized Nepal’s rampant corruption and must end; abuse of authority must carry such painful consequences that it becomes unthinkable. Consider that a health minister who diverts funds for personal use is no different from a Maoist or policeman who guns down innocents; both are committing unlawful acts they know will harm or kill people.

Social and economic justice must prevail if Nepal is to be a stable state. Gender, caste and religious equality must become a reality in daily life, not merely on paper. Inclusiveness, transparency and empowerment are essential. Government power should be decentralized to permit greater flexibility, responsiveness and accountability. The policy of previous governments of creating personal fiefdoms in democratic guise must end. Ministers should be accountable coordinators, not czars.

“Those who cannot remember history,” George Santayana said, “are condemned to repeat it.” Democracy has, through the courage and determination of the people, been given another life. Things must be different this time round. The sacrifices of the people, especially the martyrs, must not be betrayed or forgotten. As Abraham Lincoln said at the end of the US Civil War:

With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan--to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.