The Big Difference
Thomas Jefferson understood it; Koirala never will
blogdai posted a well-received article here over a year ago. "Democracy and Trust." Check it out below if you have the time. The point is, the big difference between most Western forms of democratic government and the versions pretending to be "absolute democracy" by Koirala and his minions; or the "Republic" ideals loosely blathered by Prachanda, is that, to these men, "democracy" and "republic" are simply terms used to gain political legitimacy with an increasingly scrutinous world body. There was never, nor will there ever be, any sort of trust in the actual political systems that these words represent.
Let's take the Yanks for one example. (And these examples can apply to British Parliament and Franco-democratic principles as well). Just this past November, during a heated election, there was some controversy in a senatorial race in the state of Virginia. Votes were so close that incumbent senator Allen lost by a mere fraction of the popular vote. Now, under Virginia law, Mr. Allen had the RIGHT to demand a recount, and prolong this election to his ultimate satisfaction as it were. The kicker was, the entire recount would have been paid for by the State of Virginia! Basically, a free recount. To his credit, Mr. Allen felt that his higher duty was to respect the democratic process that showed him to be a clear, albeit narrow, loser and concede the election to his opponent. The point? Mr. Allen's goal--and blogdai believes this to be the single most important aspect of a democracy--was to preserve the integrity of the electoral system and thus preserve American representative democracy. Want a bigger example? Al Gore vs. George Bush: 'nuff said.
What we are getting at here is that the ONLY way a democracy or any type of representative or republican government will work is when all citizens and elected officials agree to follow the rules that preserve the system. Failing this, the system breaks down into chaos and self-interest-based posturing. Sound familiar?
So where does that put us and our beloved Nepal?
We have political leaders who were not elected to office. These same leaders say that they will never agree to a republican form of government and that "we will think" for the Nepali people. These same leaders haven't held an election in over 8 years yet claim a "mandate" from the citizens of Nepal.
We have their partners in crime, the Maoists, who have never once hinted at a compromise in their absolutist, outdated, communist principles. These same Maoists repeatedly violate the terms of a fairly negotiated ceasefire. They dictate their own rules, ignore Nepal's laws with their brutality, and are actively operating a parallel government.
What we have, in reality, is a pair of Kings, Koirala and Prachanda, trying to out maneuver each other for absolute control of Nepal.
Yet here they both stand, trumpeting to the world their committment to democracy and the "will of the People" while keeping their actions as far away from these ideals as possible. Couple that with the fact that there is not enough centralized agreement, in any form, to run and implement government policy in Nepal or follow through on any UN brokered agreement, and you have a questionably failed government just waiting for someone to properly slap the anarchy label on it.
The big difference? A sane, funtioning democratic form of government has an internalized committment from its citizens to preserve the system over all. In Nepal, self-interest and enrichment have always ruled the day.
-=blogdai
posted by blogdai @ 12/14/2006 07:33:00 PM
37 comments
37 Comments:
Everyone is worried about Nepal, except Nepalis. The Indians are worried, the Americans are worried as are the Brits and the people at the UN. And all we do is ask those external players what we need to do.
We call one constitution "the best in the world" and a few years later term the same constitution a failure. Then we move ahead to make yet another constitution.
However, how much have we given thought to why the old constitution failed. Did it fail or did we fail it? Are we ever going to learn?
Nepali Blogger
Love Nepal Blog.
I agree with the author and Nepali blogger as well. So much of democracy depends on our intentions and aspirations to work in the interest of the nation. Politics in democracy simply means "working in the interest of the nation and her citizens". Any constitution will work as long as the intent is there and none will should we only aspire for personal gains.
As far as Nepalis being worried is concerned, i think a lot of people do not know where to start. They do not know who to trust and if anyone at all is working for them or the nation.
But, i agree with the author in the sense that even our politicians or leaders who claim to be the keepers of democracy and claim to represent the nepali people do not actually know the definition of democracy. THere has never been a democracy in Nepal and by the sound of it, it is not going to happen anytime soon either. Maybe this is because we have an education system where students do not need to attend classes but simply pass exams. After all, gagan thapa may aswell be our next generation minister. He has done well with street agitations and stuff but does he attend school at all? Has he learnt anything at all from his school at all? I think that non of the institutions in this country are working properly and unless we give due priorities to restablishing these institutions we will be forced to accept inferior products of various nature.
Right on. This is what I call right read of the situation. Now, just to add further- what we have today is utter failure by the people not the constitution. And we all know the culprits and to afford them benefit of the doubt again will be foolhardy.
Beside this, goons are at the gate masquarading as bona fide stake holder on scheme of things. They have sold utopian schemes by the dozens and have created a class that believes in getting what they want through "force and might," now the quandry is how to tame these goons- will the carrot still work or the stick. That is the million dollar question. If you ask me STICK
Yes anon,
"They have sold utopian schemes by the dozens and have created a class that believes in getting what they want through "force and might" you are right on it.
We have arniko highway strike tomorrow as the government is planning to bring down houses built against the normal regulations to widen the highway. However, the people have decided to call a strike for an indefinite period of time. There is no rule of law in Nepal at the moment and time for this government and country is running out.
B:
Our views might be converging for once B. I agree with most of what is written here.
To answer your eariler question: I don't personally like Gagan Thapa's militant attitude but I have heard (from a very reliable source not just a rumor) that he is in fact educated. Just to see a new face in Nepali politics would be good enough for me at this stage. And if Gagan Thapa's brain has evolved slightly more than a monkey's then that beats any brain in Nepal's political areana.
You really can't compare the Nepali democracy experiment with the established systems in the West. We've had 'democracy', any way you understand that, only for about a dozen years. As poor and uneducated as we are, we seem a lot better prepared for it than say, the Iraqis.
You might note that American democracy was created in a wholly different situation. Basically, for a long time, democracy stood for the rights of the rich, planter class, white male. Remember that Americans had to go through a Civil War to create the kind of democracy we see in the U.S today. About 600,000 died in four years. The population then was roughly equal to the population of Nepal today. And problems were far from being solved. Slavery might have been over, but effective apartheid persisted well into the 60s.
The French model is equally messy. Rule of Terror, Various Republics, various Napoleans, the experience in Algeria....
A change has to happen sometime. Better confront the messiness of democracy now than have it rear its uglier head 20 years hence. If the French model demonstrated anything, its that once the idea of democracy takes hold, its very hard to eradicate, Napoleans or not.
Yes, and it is that committment to making democracy take hold that has separated French, British, American and other Western versions from the Nepali attempt.
Perhaps a firm and selfless committment from Nepal's ruling class would do the trick, yet we see no political will for anything other than self-enrichment from them.
Manan, you bring up perhaps another good difference: In the examples you mention, there was a talent for, and a need to organize. Groups were formed to take on viewpoints that did not sit well with various sectors of the populace. Good, bad, or messy, this ability to combine thoughts in a group and form a concensus is, again, a hallmark of democracy.
Seen any of that in Nepal yet? Not from the ruling class, you haven't. Jana Tantrik in the west gives us a tantalizing hope, however.
-=blogdai
Blogdai,
You're right in the sense that while ( at least in the American case ) the founding fathers may have had a few deficient qualities, they did believe in their nation. In no way can we compare our politicians with the American Founding fathers. Alexander Hamilton, Madison, Washington, Jefferson, Patrick Henry, all these guys were brilliant, and more importantly, they had a vision for their country.
Still, we've got to hope that the new generation will bring smarter leaders out.
It's a good thing when you say you are waiting for the next leader. It shows a dissatisfaction with the status quo and an acknowledgement that a true democratic style of government must be in constant flux and change. Bravo.
To me, this new leader must, above all, establish his or her utmost incorruptibility.
Jeez, that alone would be enough to garner nationwide support.
-=blogdai
Mr. blogger: your duplicity is quite evident when you say nothing to your beloved gyanendra shah, his corruption, and his adamancy. Even though more than five million people rose against him chanted only slogan 'gayne chor desh chod' this leach is still sticking to office. well thats what democracy is for you.
you're right girija was elected eight years ago (but he definitely was elected) and prachanda was not. But come june they will face the election. I know you don't believe this because you already have predicted (dont know how many times) that there will never be election for CA. You are as adamant as your master is; even though almost all of your predictions have been proved wrong, you wont stop from chanting them.
some guys never learn. we call them licchad. thats what you're.
I try to keep it where I can claim that sanity is my only master, but I understand the source and motivation of your master/slave thinking, so I won't take it too seriously.
5 million? Can you verify those numbers with hard data or are these SPAM supplied figures?
Are these figures "free will" demonstrators or are you including the much larger number of those coerced at gunpoint?
-=BD
Are you kidding me blogdai? When Koirala looks at himself in the mirror, he probably sees Jefferson; when Prachanda looks at himself in the mirror, he probably sees Washington; and when the ardent supporters look at themselves in the mirror, they probably see the mass that stormed Bastille. Delusion you may call it but once such gets reinforced, it is very hard to reason against mass hysteria.
By the way they recently passed the interim constitution. Now the 1990 constitution is void.
The first sentence says: "The Interim Constitution of Nepal-2063 BS has made Nepali people sovereign with ruling power resting upon people."
This does not however proclaim that Nepali people have to CHOOSE under no external pressure or fear, the leaders they want to be the custodians of their sovereignity. So the Maoists have open access now.
The irony of it all, the people who framed the constitution are themselves clueless about sovereignity and the idea of power resting upon people. One group consistently exploits its position in power; the other consistently relies on violence and rule of terror to garner people's consensus.
-free
Mr. blogger: People came out in the demonstration at gunpoint? If they'd come to participate at gunpoint they wouldn't have dared fight the other gun-wielders. Besides you can coerce one to participate for one day or two days and not for 19 days.
for it was more than five million.
you tell me your estimation, how many nepalis participated. what percentage of them were coerced and how many came on their own.
Oh shit, 1:19, I no longer take the time for people like you. Demand everything and prove nothing somewhere else, will you?
9:02, well said. I wonder how many Nepalis will fail to notice that girija just gave himself, through this "interim" constitution all the powers that the King once had. Essentially, he's made the Prime ministership all powerfull.
It seems we've traded one Monarchy for another. Only the new one likes to compromise with terrorists.
-=blogdai
Everyobody is hellbent on the idea that a piece of paper called constitution - a proverbial silver bullet will change everything - that it will change the old habits and inherent behavior of corrupt-to-the-core parties and homicidal thugs getting their way around with guns. Cowherds!
It is a crisis of huge proportion; it is a crisis of rationality and sanity.
These idiots will keep changing constitution one after another - empowering themselves more and more while the hysterical masses delude themselves with the idea that any NEW constitution will provide free access to peace and prosperity without really working for it, leading them to a democratic utopia.
Changing constitution is not going to put food on your table; changing constitution is not going to put band aids on your wound; changing constitution is not going to put a roof above your head. That is where Nepal stands, and that is what Nepal's true existence is; that is the ground reality. It is hopeless to evoke the ethos of American, British, Russian and French revolution and project em on to Nepali experience without making serious attempt to follow by the examples of those events.
You can change constitutions all you want but unless you change the behavior of parties and terrorists, the irrational expectation of select few, and the realization that Nepal cannot be a ground for experiment of lunatic ideologues to throw their dice, no constitution is going to save Nepal.
-free
I agree with you anonymous. Now the eight parties claim that the king was sidelined because he did not care about the nepali people. What nepali people? who in the history of this nation has cared about the people? has the prime minister or the home minister travelled out side of the valley after the april uprising? How many time have they been to india and how many times have they even stepped out of the valley to take stock of the situation?
All these slip & slides will eventually lead us to bloodbath. I say this with heavy heart but I see no other recourse. Nepal is a country where a bandits can hold sway and nefarious design of Indians is given undue prominence- in a true sense, we are a Whore- and some are happy about it.
A defence Minister of India comes and invites head of Armed Police force- isn't this strange? For me it is. You can read anything on this issue but the truth of the matter is-this action illustrates how India thinks of Nepal-enslavement.
As for today's Bandh- need I expound it any further. They have gotten us by the balls and whenever they want it- they squeeze and we yelp.
Forget about comments to show off your academic discourse or insights- it does not hold any water. Rather than debating what is right and wrong or more Jeffersonian or Hamilton- Kill them bastards before they kill you.
Hey guys, why not even change the name of the country? Who named us nepali anyway? Nepal was not created by the people so why not have a new name as well?
Shri mân gumbhira nepâli prachanda pratâpi bhupati
Shri pânch sarkâr mahârâjâdhirâja sadâ rahos unati
Rakhun chi râyu eeshale prajâ phailiyos pukâraun jaya premale
Hâmi nepâli sârâle.
English Translation:
May glory crown you, courageous Sovereign,
You, the gallant Nepalese,
Shri Pansh Maharajadhiraja, our glorious ruler,
May he live for many years to come
And may the number of his subjects increase.
Let every Nepalese sing this with joy.
LONG LIVE NEPAL! LONG LIVE THE KING!
Down with terrorists!
Hi there,
This is to inform you and request your participation for an exclusive story 'THROUGH THE LENS OF BLOGGERS' due to be published in Kathmandu Infotiser, the leading and largest selling youth magazine of Nepal. Infotiser has been in the market for more than four years with a monthly circulation of more than 25,000 copies and the number is increasing every month. It has been actively advocating issues of youth interest and concern – from politics to entertainment, and from psychological counseling to sexual health.
Since we found it hard to contact all the Nepali bloggers individually, we have been circulating this request letter through the web asking for your participation. We know you have many thoughts on various topics. We know you want to share it and empower the fellow generation for the sake of a united voice, to change the future course of the nation (political or otherwise).
For its January issue, Infotiser is trying to collect the views of young Nepali bloggers spread throughout the world. We hope to receive your thoughts on one of the following topics:
• The concept of 'New Nepal' OR
• Why do you blog?
Your responses will be published in our magazine and also be put on our website www.infotiser.com.np.
We look forward to your response by 10 January 2007. Our magazine will go to the press by the 15th of January.
Thank you,
The Infotiser Team
(Please send in your views at infotiser@wlink.com.np. The subject of your e-mail should be 'blogger response'. For further details, contact Gaurab @ 977-4429816, 4429893)
(Please mention your full name, blogging address, and send your photograph too)
Visit Infotiser.com.np to know more about the magazine.
thank you but no thanks,
you can quote blogdai freely if you like, however.
-=
BD
Burn baby burn SPAM inferno- there is fire in terai, threats from Krantikaris in Kathmandu, and loss of sovereignity so obvious but SPAM are busy playing roulette. Welcome to Loktrantra- Nepali style where PM is made supreme and cohorts act as if they hold the answers fueled and dictated by Maoist.
So much for the theorist and wise men who screamed about the good of loktrantra, toed the line of maoist to demonstrate their lack of basic understanding of ground reality- now the judgement day is coming closer - just tell me who you gonna call- leeches.
According to (select) dumb masses and manipulating SPA-M, King/Monarchy has been the problem of ALL the ills of Nepal. The King is nowhere to be seen, but these idiots are still fighting amongst themselves. According to crackpot theorists who are willing to divide Nepal along ethnic and regional lines, centralized cohesive socio-political structure has been the problem in Nepal.
How freaking wrong could one get?
What we see in Nepalganj is only a precursor to a much larger inferno that is going to sweep Nepal and reduce it to ashes. Today it is Nepalganj; tomorrow it will be limbuwan or magarat or some "indigenous" group that is waiting to be realized of their greatly 'suppressed' heritage - which will only get expressed in the language of violence - as the one are seeing in Nepalganj now, cause that is all the leaders are capable of doing. That is all the Maoists have been doing for last 15 years - exploiting sensibilities of masses to get themselves into power.
It is unfortunate that in the land where Lord Buddha set in motion the wheel of dharma more than 2500 years ago, we see the wheel of violence, anarchy and chaos set in motion instead.
-free
I know this is a little off-topic but given that at one point the guy bugged the hell out of a lot of people here for his seemingly exaggerated take on the situation in Nepal (indeed, there was a whole entry dedicated to him at one point), however I received this email today which may interest some of you:
I am sorry to have to tell you such sad news via email. Michael Van De Veer died on December 19th at Queens Hospital in Honolulu. He suffered from an infection from which he could not recover.
Michael requested that no service be held. In his honor an "Out of the Box" fund is being established by KKCR, Kauai Community Radio. This fund will enable the expansion of the existing facility to include and support a news studio provisding a forum for free speech and to give a voice to the voiceless which Michael worked so hard to preserve.
Donations may be made to:
KKCR "Out of the BOx" Fund
PO Box 825
Hanalei, HI 96714
(www.kkcr.org)
Thank you.
Aloha nui loa, Wicki Van De Veer (Michael's wife)
Yes, we at blogdai are aware of his passing.
Just a few words: Van de Veer sought to further his opinions and inspire movement in the Nepali diaspora. For that, he is to be commended and saluted.
He also chose to air his views predominantly in the blogosphere, and for that, he willingly and routinely subjected himself to rebuttals, criticisms and occasional scorn. It was his choice. He never waivered from his positions even in the face of often withering countering to his arguements.
WE here at blogdai have followed Mr. Van de Veer's comments and documented his opinions thoroughly. To that end, we can say that our commentary and often harsh criticism of his positions were justified. But perhaps, that was Mr. Van de Veer's intention all along: to spur the debate and to somehow motivate a complacent and aloof Nepali populace towards action; any action. In that respect we can draw a philosophical kinship with Mr. Van de Veer here at blogdai.
Mr. Van de Veer gave Nepalis a good clear example of freedom of speech, expression and an individualized activist spirit that is nowhere near the political radar of those in power in Nepal today.
If not in letter, we should all, at least, attempt to follow the spirit of his activism.
-=blogdai
Very gracefully put blogdai; no one could have said that better. 'At least in writing/blog' blogdai reflects my sentiments.
I would like to take this temporary detour to address few issues that blogdai raises viz-a-viz Nepali sensibilities.
I think there is lot to be said about Nepali complacency towards things political and people of politics. I don't know where that stems from, but perhaps it has got a lot to do with how Nepalis see themselves in respect to larger world populace.
While 'talking' poilitics is our favorite past-time, we do very little to analyze and participate accordingly to translate thoughts into action, or carry out talks of idealism into practice of a functional society.
You have to realize that WE have only had exposure - in politics of corruption, betryal and murder for about last decade and half. We did not know how to react to such elements of destructive nature. We tried to find faults in various systems of governments, various people of association, various symbols of representation. In the end we find the easiest escapegoat and sacrifice it on the alter of public consensus and believe that we have attained our original identity - of Pahades and Madhesis; Magars and Gurungs; Limbus and all the rest of "indegenous" tribes that exist in Nepal.
To make a long rambling short, I believe there is a lot learn on principled position, on accountability, on justice, and above and all, in bringing sanity and rationality to the public domain which have been hijacked by select few pretentious defenders of liberty.
-free
correct and well said. What you have described is an accurate picture of the undertones that inhibit Nepalis getting a larger voice in the world.
It is accurate and totally unsuitable for the creation of any democratic form of government.
-=blogdai
Very interesting interview from peoplesreview.com.np
------------
Nation has to decide for our democracy: Shrish S. Rana
Shrish Shumsher Rana was one of the cabinet ministers in the King's government. Rana, a noted journalist turned politician, is a political analyst too. People's Review interviewed to Rana on contemporary political issues. Excerpts:
Q: You were one of the ministers in the cabinet led by the King. In fact that government had failed to tackle the political issues and the King was compelled to handover the power to the seven agitation parties. How do you observe it?
A: We cannot but accept our failures. We must also observe the events following in the light of the fact that the seven agitating parties and the Maoists surfaced outside the country to agree on the agitation within Nepal. We must also observe these events in the context of constitutionalism and democracy. We cannot in the process also turn a blind eye to our ability as a nation to decide for ourselves on our own democracy.
Q: Immediately after seven parties formed the government, some of the ministers including you were arrested by the new government on the charge of misuse of government fund. Do you accept this charge?
A: There were a lot of charges following the restoration of parliament regarding us, I would ask you and your readers to please go through charges leveled at me in the media (by whom? is a question I still ask), compare it to the notice issued me for my arrest by government as must have been made public after I went to court for justice and, again, go over the court’s decision favoring my release. You will find that my arrest and the charges of corruption were nowhere in sync. On the other hand, when asked about corruption by a journalist upon my release, my query turned to who was making these charges. After my interrogation by the Rayamajhi commission probing excesses, I was asked to come to the Public Accounts Committee where I replied to queries after which I have been given a notice asking me to cough up some moneys that were deemed, illegally, ill-intentionally and ham handedly spent by me as a minister. I have gone to court contesting this decision and will respect the fact that this is sub judice. I have neither seen such judicial respect by a section of the media or a section of politicians. I would, moreover, ask you and your readers to follow such media coverage from the very outset, the amount of money being discussed and the charges leveled. I would also ask the public to mull over the curious fact that these charges emanate and persist prior to, in course of and after the conclusion of the probe committee report which has yet to be officially made public. Nobody is asking of this prejudiced and loaded behavior on part of the media and so the purpose appears clear to me if not the lay public.
Q: The Public Account Committee had recommended the government to refund the amount misused by you. When are you going to refund that?
A: Your question is partially answered already. The case is sub judice, by norms of democratic and judicial behavior even you should not be asking this question since it has gone to court as you know.
Q: The government is under pressure to take action against those who have been accused by the Rayamajhi Commission for being responsible in the killing of 20 plus agitators. The government is likely to take action against those people holding the authoritative position during the royal regime. So, are you ready to go to the jail once again?
A: I can answer for myself. One can seek recourse to justice under the rule of law. If one cannot, are there options?
Q: How do you see the future of monarchy in Nepal?
A: One is aware that there are countries without monarchies. I find that the current debate in Nepal regarding the monarchy is lopsided. It has no future if the people decide against it and it is up to the people to retain the monarch. The key question is whether the people will be allowed to retain it given the lopsided discussions by monopolistic political organizations hell bent on tarnishing an institution that must remain sacrosanct for its very efficacy as an institution. If politics must compel a constitutional monarch to make political decisions will a ‘ceremonial’ monarch be exempted this arduous task? And if the monarchy be dumped all the woes of the country in order to give politics a clean chit will politics be productive after the monarchy is dumped? Bashing the king may be politically convenient today but by time it will have been judged an expensive exercise for the country, it will be too late.
Q: You know that the King restored parliament has passed the new citizenship bill. What will be its impact after its implementation?
A: I will leave it to you and your readers to come to conclusions. One thing though, what is the hurry? Why is the haste purposely precluding the much anticipated popular elections for a constituent assembly?
Q: What is your opinion on Nepal being declared a secular state?
A: The same answer would apply. On the other hand, my understanding of a Hindu state is a secular state. Why, at this stage rob ourselves of the benefit of this sterling national identity? If it is so that our laws prohibit proselytization, a simple correction of this legal aberration would have sufficed. One cannot but question the design.
Q: It has been often stated by some media that the King is very much unpopular amongst general people and there are rumours that monarchy will be abolished after constituent assembly polls. What is your assessment?
A: There is and has been a consistent attempt to tarnish the monarchy here. Its end purpose is around the corner surely. We have already discussed it.
Q. Late BP Koirala, in his moiré published recently "Raja, Rastriyata and Rajneeti" has predicted for nationalism and kingship. He has even said that considering Nepal's geo-political situation, monarchy is essential in Nepal. What could be your comment?
A: One can only hope that sanity prevails for sake of the nation, isn’t it?
Q: During the seven months of this SPA government we have not seen any pro-monarch demonstration on the street. When RPP-Nepal recently organized their regional conference in Pokhara, they were attacked by the student unions belonging to the seven parties and the Maoists which prove that the King's supporters are not in the position to politically counter the pro-republic force. How do you look at this situation?
A: While the king is the king of all Nepalese, Nepalese who want the king must now organize. Belated as this sounds, graduating from a mass sentiment to a political movement becomes a national compulsion refuting all the charges of the king dabbling in politics over the years at the expense of the political parties. What this will do to constitutional monarchism does merit thought though.
Q. Even after enough evidences of violation of human rights by the Maoists and the SPA activists, the international community as well as the human rights organizations have remained silent. Why?
A: My conclusion regarding the international community derived over its behavior over the months has been that their agenda in Nepal has defied all norms of constitutionalism, jurisprudence, democracy and human rights and theories of national sovereignty and independence. I can’t really blame them since they have their national interests functioning. It is we who must identify our national interest and work to strengthen it.
Q: If the pro-monarch people continue to stay quiet, how will the constituent assembly be in favour of the King?
A: A practical mystery isn’t it? For starters one must ask ourselves the relationship between the repeated demands to be in an electoral government and elections.
Q: It is said that the April agitation was the result of the failure of the then government in foreign front. Also it is assumed that the seven-party alliance was developed under the initiative of the foreign element. Likewise, an unnatural alliance between the constitutional forces and the Maoists had been possible under the New Delhi's coordination. It is also assumed that we have no role in our domestic politics as the foreigners are holding the key and the Indo-American alliance is acting in the country to remove monarchy. What is your opinion?
A: You have answered the question.
Q: It is said that during the April agitation the Maoists, disguised as seven-party activists, came on streets; pressured and warned the general people to participate at the agitation. Since you were in the cabinet that time, how did you evaluate the situation at that moment?
A: Had the media been non-partisan by and large they would have reported the terror component in the agitation which was later acknowledged by the Maoists themselves by their public admission of participation. As much as I am aware, the agitation was taken by government in its law and order perspective and handled as such under the prevailing laws of the land.
Q: As you mentioned that the April agitation was penetrated by terror. It was also heard that the seven parties and the Maoists were getting financial help by the foreign nations to intensify the April agitation. Did you have any information on those rumours?
A: I would be treading on dangerous grounds here, wouldn’t I?
Q: After endorsing the controversial citizenship bill, it seems, the government has also agreed for holding controversial extradition treaty with India. How do you see it?
A: Again, why the hurry?
Q. It is speculated that by supporting the "loktantrik" force in Nepal, India is trying to bring Nepal under its umbrella by using the seven parties and the Maoists. As the King didn't respond the Indian proposal, Indians changed their previous stance of two pillar system in Nepal. What could be your comment?
A: I can’t speak for India other than think it naïve that India would not pursue its national interest in its policies. It is we Nepalese who appear exceptions in the international community in this regard.
Q. Don't you feel that now Nepal has become an India dominated/protected country as all the political actors and even the UN representatives and the American ambassador are rushing to New Delhi for consultations?
A: What I feel is not what matters. What matters is how the nation feels and how it expresses its feelings.
Q. Tibetan refugees are happy with this "loktantra" as they have found Nepal a safe country to launch their political programmes. In this regard, how do you see the future relations between Nepal and China?
A: For the moment, I would wait and see how China cares.t
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My advice is to read each and every comment of the above interview carefully, specially the Indian part.
It just a re-affirmation of what we've been saying here for the past 2 years. India has always wanted a somewhat unstable nepal. It helps to reinforce and maintain nepal's dependence on its big brother to the south.
Was India's presence pervasive during the April demonstrations? You bet. These idiots in the Nepali Congress and the Maoists couldn't agree on how to tie their own shoes without Indian consultation and money.
-=blogdai
Why is the king staying silent?
How much longer will he do this?
me thinks ol' g. will let these fools wallow in their own excrement until they completely foul up Nepal.
They've gotten a good start:
-A new constitution that gives the PM more autocratic power than a monarch.
-Maoists curtailing press freedoms and thrashing journalists who speak against the "party."
-a very king-like appointment of ambassadors--unilateral and without a hint of consultation.
-cops beat up civil society demonstrators who stage a peaceful sit-in in front of Koirala's house.
Is it me, or has last April come back to bite the democracy Polyannas in the ass?
No, G. will wait. He still has the army. Koirala and the Maoists will use their copious egos and implode this farce of a coalition.
-=blogdai
Did you all check the Muslims protesting for Interim Constitution?
Now, the religion has entered into Politics of Nepal - full fledged...just like in India.
This will be a very very interesting phenomenon. SPAMmer terrorists are going from worse to well...more Worse.
Nepal didn't manage to progress because of Indian's neighbourhood and got (corruption, etc.) but maintained it's national identity and core values. Now, it has lost everything and taken up everything bad from India (I can't think of one good thing that India has).
Newspaper Clip- see if there is relevance to fiasco called Janaadolan:
Three unidentified non-Nepalese were intervening while efforts were being made to reach an agreement on an interim constitution at Baluwatar, Sahghu said.
They penetrated the eight parties.
As leaders of eight parties started discussions, they got in touch over mobile with the External Affairs Ministry. They were nakedly interfering in discussions, on orders. They were deputed.
Many leaders of eight parties were dissatisfied with the intervention in matters that would affect the future of Nepal.
Ashok Kumar Singh was very active. He penetrated the important and secret meeting to reach a consensus on an interim constitution. Singh was working on behalf of Indian intelligence wing RAW and Prof SD Muni.
The silence of Left parties who raise patriotic slogans at the open intervention of Singh and three other unidentified persons is amazing.
They were present throughout the day and night in Baluwatar 15 December.
Nobody protested their presence. They were photographed as leaders signed the agreement on the interim constitution.
These persons are permanently based in Baluwatar. They advise Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala on regular matters.
Be careful of what you read.
This is speculative and presumptive journalism.
For instance, how does the reporter know that these gentlemen telephoned an "Externa Affairs Ministry," and what proof does one have of Ashok Singh working this meeting on behalf of RAW?
We are all much aware of India's bolder assertion into Nepali politics, but until you have credible photos and statements, no outrage can be created.
Even so, what are Nepalis prepared to do if such claims are proven?
-=blogdai
Blog Dai- find me one media or media house or so-called- journalist in Nepal who are not "speculative or presumptive"- What was the gripe of Medical council,just couple of weeks ago?
Cannot act saint where all are sinner. But news report about actually four Indians (Baluwatar) can be substantiated. Unless it slams on our face, we tend not to see it- the problems is this.
Try to put down the claims and falsifying news of Indian Media house Kantipur that is working in Nepal...
by the way I haven't heard more news of Kantipur copies being burnt lately...last was about 2-3 months back. kantipur needs to be given this kind of treatment every 1 week.
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