Nepalis are Stupid
Got your attention? Good.
Once again, Prachanda steps up to a podium and proves that each and every Nepali is a Moron.
In his latest statement, the Unbowed One reiterates the fact that the Maoist movement will go on without compromise and without hesitation. Only the "form and front" of the "struggle" has changed as a result of the Maoists joining the government. He further says that his party was following the dictum of Mao Zedong that struggle does not end even if the party joins government.
Oh, and isn't it nice that we finally have a "unified" government that will allow us all to work together? Not according to Prachanda who slaps Girija in the face by ridiculing his remarks. Gathering steam, Prachanda says of Girija: "He said that he has mainstreamed terrorists but it is clear that the coming days will show who has (mainstreamed) whom," Prachanda said. He also termed seven parties as spineless, according to Nepalnews.com. Funny how he doesn't discount Girija's labeling of the Maoists as "terrorists," only that they refuse to be classified as mainstream.
Stupid Nepalis.
During every step of this process, Prachanda has been unbowed, uncompromising and unwavering in his Maoist ideology. What ridiculous sliver of unfounded hope leads us to believe that he would ever change his ways? When given to speechmaking, he's never once failed to mention that should the peace process not fall into his vision of the Maoist master plan, he'd take his guns back into the hills. At least he's honest about it. Plus, the government, world community and especially Ian Martin have given in to his every demand, so what better outcome could possibly emerge for him should he change his ways at this point?
Lazy Nepalis.
We keep hoping. It is a lazy fool's hope. It is based on no past record of cooperative behaviour from Prachanda and no level of intelligent research or theorizing. It is just hope. Hope is for lazy people who don't care to do the real thinking necessary to find a real solution.
*
Nepalis are even too lazy to read. All the warning signs are and have been plain to see. Anyone with a pen and half a brain has published an article outlining Nepal's potential for disaster with this unholy alliance with Maoism. Blogdai has been writing for years about Prachanda's inflexibility. All I get in response is that the Maoists "must be brought into the mainstream." Idiots. Can we finally see that the Maoists chaffe at being brought into ANY mainstream? They want to BE the mainstream. Blogdai defies any of you to prove the contrary.
Nepalis are stupid. Be offended and be angry.... nothing else seems to get you to think.
-=blogdai
posted by blogdai @ 4/07/2007 09:35:00 AM
125 comments
125 Comments:
Blogdai: you have simply outdone yourself with this post.
I don't think Nepalis are stupid. In fact I take offence at that statement.
Now if you would have said Nepalis are apathetic I would agree with that. I don't think the majority of the Nepali people like Prachanda or believe the Maoists. But it's just that there is no leadership and no one has the authority to stand up against these thugs. But it's not because the people are stupid.
Bhudai Pundit
I completely agree with Mr. Pundit. Had there been a good leadership, non of these scum bags would have had a chance. And that isthe difficulty for the people at the moment.
Apathetic AND Stupid.
Also, incapable of taking any criticism.
***Ducks under the barrage of abuse hurled in his general direction.***
not long ago there existed another erudite who gave us divyagyan that nepalis are fatalist. now we learn that we nepalis are not only fatalist, bahunbadi but also lazy, stupid, moron!
yes, nepalis are stupid. but not you, sir. you're an exception. you're the sole visionary; the one that sees beyond the obvious and that too not from inside the country but from sat-samundra pari. but these lazy, stupid, bastard nepalis dont even give a damn to such a prophet. door-darshi scholar haru ko kadar nahune yo desh. maybe thats why you futurist are making your future in a country where your caliber counts. but even then i salute o erudite! for your concerns, time and energy to the country of your birth. but one day will come when the bhedas too realise that there was this prophet who cared for the country and some day will erect your statue in some chwoks. lage raho, date raho blogdai!
“Nepalis are stupid. Be offended and be angry.... nothing else seems to get YOU to think.”
Yep! You have been cheerleading for years, it’s time you put down your pom pom, and go home and give a rest to your aging bones. Why do you presume that no one is doing anything (mostly thinking) but you, just because things are not going your way? I agree things are not going the way it should for anyone for that matter, and seems to be going even worse in the future, just because you throw your geriatric tantrums doesn’t mean they be fixed right away.
Who do you mean by YOU in your above statement? A few hundred visitors at your blog? Or rest of the country, or anyone who doesn’t align with your ideologies?
Am I offended? No, not at all, definitely I am LAZY, and I am STUPID, more than that I am NEPALI. But, I am stupid enough to see your pompousness too.
blogantagonist,
C’mon man, the fierce one goes around saying things depending on weather. You give too much credibility to the guy with thick moustasch. I am sorry but you are inadvertently making him more popular by day. I suppose Nepali stupidity has rubbed on you too blogdai. What’s the scoop, you doing too much hanky-panky these days? Warned you that it was contagious!
Who cares about other people’s perception of Nepalis. They are ALL that is being said above and much more. We are what we are because of who we are. So there’s valid argument on all sides.
Anyway, the following is for that pestering anon dude.
Enjoy my last response man. Feel free to take it wherever for here; I am DONE.
Your supposed ‘wall of rationality’ came crashing down long ago when you dropped your Mercedes analogy. And the reason I ‘sound like a broken record’ is exactly because I always try to bring you scattered-brains back into the right framework of discussion.
>>You do not just empower, the basic thing is HOW- communistic?
For the nth time, in simple English, repeat after me: “if you FIRST give access to people who don’t have access that would be the FIRST step to empowering.” Everything follows from there.
The ‘lure of capitalism’ you say?! Tell me, how do these unskilled/uneducated laborers fare in an extremely skilled, competitive and globalized market economy like India? Have you read testimonials of unskilled Nepali laborers who are in places like Iraq, Malaysia and elsewhere? How many of these attain the ‘good life’ or the proverbial American dream? Are you a Nepali version of farced ‘flat-earther’ like Friedman? Hogwash!
>>By the way do you know what is the productivity of farming land in Nepal and consequences of India's bumper crop effect in Nepal?
Bhitri madhesh and the outer plains of Terai have over 90% arable lands. I don’t care about the consequences generally; I know the reason behind those consequences specifically: bad governance and worst economic policies by SPA after 1992.
Right, free market – the answer to our predicament; the ferret wheel of our time, only, you and I are the ferrets in that experiment. BTW did you know Monsanto has started patenting seed – crop seeds? Imagine, if you can, the repercussions of that on global food supply. There’s a healthy dose of free market in action for ya!
-wiping the illusion of free
You said it right, blogdai. I am included. The attitude of " if you ignore it, it will go away" is case in point. The gel haired demon keeps on pounding his real intentions but we the "stupid" keep on giving benefit of Doubt. I guess we deserve it.
As for Free's (useful idiot) mumbo, jumbos - all I can say is "up yours."
Take up the guns and fight off SPAM...or else be prepared to go back thousands of years in history.
b said:
I completely agree with Mr. Pundit. Had there been a good leadership, non of these scum bags would have had a chance.
B, a people only gets the leaders it deserves. That, in a way, is Blogdai's entire point. If we were not stupid, and apathetic -- at least Mr. Pundit recognizes that -- these "scum bags" would NEVER have got a chance.
Tame the Maoists
The Pioneer Edit Desk
Koirala can’t ignore this task
Despite the formation of an interim Government in Nepal, under the leadership of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, of which the Maoists are now a part, internal conflicts in that country, largely instigated by Prachanda’s thugs, have not ceased. On the contrary, recent developments suggest that Maoist muscle-flexing continues unabated. Obviously, the interim Government has quite a task at hand, not the least of which is the restoration of rule of law, for which the Maoists have scant regard, before the elections scheduled for June. This is a task complicated by the fact that the Maoists, now part of the Government, have not ceased their criminal intimidatory acts. For example, a day after the Maoists joined the interim Government after much haggling, some of their cadre issued an extortion notice to a higher secondary school constructed with Indian assistance. Earlier, the Maoists have targeted Indian businesses and Indians working in Nepal’s hospitality industry, daring Mr Koirala to act against them. The situation in the Terai speaks volumes about Mr Koirala’s ability - or willingness - to rein in the Maoists who have decided to cut Madhesis out of the political decision-making process and deny them their rightful share in both power and resources. The Madhesis are being discriminated against for the simple reason that they have refused to toe the Maoists’s anti-India line to which Mr Koirala, it would appear, has succumbed.
But if Prachanda and his armed brigands, whose murderous ways have now been legitimised by their inclusion in the interim Government, believed that they could browbeat the Madhesis into submission, they have been proved wrong. This week there has been a huge protest mobilisation by the Madhesis against the “Government’s repressive policy”, which caused the closure of the Terai plains. This comes in the wake of a blockade, carried on for the last two months, of the main trading points between India and Nepal. Unless Mr Koirala makes it a point to override Prachanda’s objections, which flow from his vision of a homogeneous society which will genuflect only at the altar of Maoism, and reach out to the Madhesis in a meaningful manner, he may end up spending most of his time fighting a blaze that, sooner rather than later, will scorch Kathmandu. In any event, by now there is sufficient evidence to prove that the Maoists have not kept their part of the deal - brokered and celebrated by the current regime in New Delhi and certain bureaucrats in South Block who are eager to do the bidding of their political masters - which has been provided by the UN observers in Nepal. Prachanda’s armed men still roam around without any hindrance, flaunting their ill-gained legitimacy as partners in power in Kathmandu, as the decrepit leaders of Nepal’s once mainstream parties watch helplessly.
Ouch. Hurts, don't it? Are we starting to think yet?
-=BD
Not really Blogdai. Didn't I just say Nepali people are apathetic?
Bhudai Pundit
A little distance away, 17-year old Kishore Santosh from Laxmipur says much the same.
“I am illiterate, how would I know what a constituent assembly is.”
(Annapurna Post, 3 April)
He might be illiterate but he is the educated one.
We get leaders like Prachanda and Koirala because the educated idiots in Kathmandu think they can govern.
Ask, Kishore and you will find out what happened to Nepal's commitment to the Jomtien Conference in 1996 and five year plans to provide EFA.
That's Nepali politics for you and I agree with you Vlad -you get the leaders you deserve.
If you get given the job you want and you do it badly -who is at fault? The person or people who appointed you or are you at fault for taking the job?
Yes! Taken one step further, an informed populace can make good political choices and hold government accountable for their actions.
Since we have very few informed citizens, who's at fault? The very least a half way capable government can do is provide information to its citizens. It has never even crossed girija's mind, I'm sure. In fact, he'd rather keep nepalis stupid so he can tell them what to do.
Or, is it the responsibility of the citizen to take charge of their lives? Is Bhudai's comment on apathy correct and we are getting what we deserve?
People in nepal do not understand the power and control that citizen activism can bring to a national government. They've been taught, through observation, that violence and taking to the streets is the only option.
to eliminate the stupidity, we need to find new leaders that instil a sense of trust in the political process to citizens. And the first way to gain trust is through information and transparency. Without these, we will remain stupid.
-=blogdai
Of course I am 100% correct with regards to my comment about apathy.
Think about it. The Nepalese people on the whole have never really had to come togeather as a people to fight for anything. Since the unification of Nepal there has been an autocratic monarch. After that 1990 bhoudal or democratic movement where like 6 people (indifferent bystanders died) we had 'democracy' which was if effect another type of dictatorship. So the average Nepal mind has no idea what this citizen activism you describe is. That's why Nepalese on the whole have no nationalistic sentiment. Really we are just so indifferent and apathetic. It's no so much stupidity but just plain indifference.
Bhudai Pundit
By the way if King G was devious and keen on channeling his force to create rakus, he could have but till date he has not yet done so. Just place yourself in his shoes for a minute. He has been lambasted and accused of all the misdeeds from Terai to Massacre - they have made him devil incarnate but in the better interest of the country he has kept quite mum. Would you have done that?? He has demonstrated sagacity and magnanimity is such a duress. I do commend him for that. Lets not forget to tell the truth in these times where propaganda and lie are held in high regards.
It bedevils me to see comments that heaps a blame on one by ignoring the bigger picture and other more nefarious actors involved. To tell you the truth, we are culpable to bring this kind of situation. Can anyone deny the fact that 8 party rule is not Authoritarian? If in democracy, how can a party get seats in the assembly without fighting an election ( so gun power is enough to secure coveted seats), and how can 8 party decree and make law that only suits them? Its a height of parody and by the look of it we are buying it blind.
We are more fractious than ever, we no more believe in Nepal but in caste, communities and creed. Who can say this will bring the ever lasting peace in Nepal. India has done what British taught them- divide and rule and like monkeys we are fighting amongst ourselves by building a culture of inward looking society whose existence depends on my people, my community and my regional autonomy, not NEPAL.
This wonton trend to burn ourselves out of existence is getting more and more aggressive and oxygen comes from people like YCL, Terai tigers, and JTM. In the end we will be fighting for nothing, really. Wake up dudes and dudettes before it slams in your face.
yes blogdai got that right, nepalese are stupid. somebody above in his/her comment said that not everybody likes prachanda; and yes that is true but what good does it hold to have that he is represented in the interim government of so called people of nepal. it seems that the people of nepal are only the violent people who take it to the streets for every little thing.
Nepal is doomed. a country where there is two army and two law despite of having one government can only be doomed and nothing else.
YCL!!! now what in the world is that. Miss Nepal incident is something significant that i wish the nepalese understood. The basic right of civil liberty is in question.
it is a straight fact that everyone knows..... maoist are a top because of their gun and the failure of the representative of the people after 46 saal. King G for all his fault is nothing but a scapegoat of their bad deeds as well as the hope of people that if there is no monarchy the maoist would put their weapon down. Being the father of Paras didnt help a lot either and the controversial palace massacre.
Maoists will take this nation down. nation down = people down. the nepal nautanki is tooo much now.
Blogdai, your "Nepalis are Stupid" post is rather pretentious, to say the least. I tried to read your profile, but there is none. Who are you to judge Nepalis is such a categorial manner? I wonder if you are an expatriate Nepali, who's looking down on the Nepali ampitheatre, perched on your emperor's chair?
So according to the game plans of SPAM...there are 2 parties in Nepal...SPA and M...
SPA consists of Seven Parties...and M consists of rebels...And then SPA and M join hands together. But wait, SPA and M are opposition parties. And within SPA there are 7 parties who fight with each other. But no no, SPA is One party and M is another One party. But hey, SPAM is one party. So ummm, okay, there is Democracy and in SPAM democracy all parties are together but divided and divided to be United!
I am kind of confused!
Vladimir,
Why are nepali people stupid? Because they do not come out on the street against the maoists or the spa? Why should they? What would then happen? Why do they need to oppose the Maoists? What is wrong if maoists do come to power? What is wrong if they take over? what is wrong if they decide to kill a few rich people to feed the poor? Why do the poor nepali need to oppose that? Oppose the maoists and support who? If you are suggesting that since people always get the government they deserve (in nepal's case always the incompetent and corrupt spam), are you then suggesting we should give up? Are you then suggesting that there is no hope for us anymore and hence, Nepal should be handed over to a more compentant bunch?
b, you imply that the maoists will feed the poor by killing the rich. That is the most simplistic hogwash I have ever heard. Communist regimes usually kill the rich AND the poor to solidify their 'proletarian dictatorship'. Think about how many poor the Khmer Rouge killed in Cambodia.
I think B is being sarcastic. Just making sure you aren't barking up the wrong tree.
But B doesn't bring up a good point nonetheless. For a poor frustrated Nepali man who has been constantly dissapointed by all leaders they might look at the Maoists as a hope. It's seems hogwash to us but look at it from their prespective.
Bhudai Pundit
By the way, have you guys heard Mr. Pasang ( one of the top leader of Maoist) categorically state that Nepal is on process of Sikkimization. Tck,tck- didn't I say so, long ago.
Yeah, Maoist giving up private property. Its like saying hyenas eat grass. Such a sham, No wonder WE ARE STUPID.
As for Monarchy- it ain't dead yet, just look for sign of resurrection as these SPAM shoots itself in its foot pretty soon. India may be the culprit but we are the stupid ones to let them shove us from behind. But many of us still feel wondrous for a being a whore of India and all the goods they have done in the name of Loktrantra- guess only thing India forget to put on was condom- now the plague (unruly, lawlessness, sectarian violence, extortion and killings) is spreading like wild fire.
Hey the supporters of SPAM can be found here in the following report. The report comes from SPAM mouthpiece Kantipur. Now you know why the poor Indian Muslims died in the Mob and Goon movement.
Nepali citizenship lures Indian hordes
BY AMAN KOIRALA in Sarlahi & BINOD BHANDARI in Biratnagar
Sarlahi / Biratnagar, April 10 - Yunus Miya, a local in Sarlahi district, has filed a case at the District Administration Office (DAO) against Harun Shesh of Laxmipur Kodraha VDC-6, alleging that he helped his son-in-law Rahidul Rahaman, an Indian national, acquire Nepali citizenship certificate by preparing fake documents.
One of the evidences Miya submitted at the office against Shesh is the invitation card that the latter distributed during his daughter's wedding ceremony. Miya has demanded cancellation of Rahaman's Nepali citizenship certificate and stringent action against Shesh and others for helping an "Indian national" acquire Nepali citizenship.
The invitation card Shesh distributed has Vutahi village of India printed as the address of Shesh's son-in-law. The wedding ceremony was held on February 10.
Miya claimed that people were involved in "selling Nepali citizenship" in the name of distribution to genuine Nepali people.
Confirming that a case has been filed, Hom Bahadur Khadka, an officer at DAO stated they would start investigating once they completed the distribution.
In Biratnagar, a huge number of "unfamiliar faces" have lately started gathering in and around several bordering villages in Morang district after the government team arrived for distributing citizenship certificates. Also, some Indian "brokers" have intensified their activities in border areas.
Setting up tents in various places, some strangers, whom neither locals nor any of the eight political party representatives recognize, have
gathered and are active in acquiring Nepali citizenship, said locals.
Some Indians have enlisted their names at the index form of their relatives who live in Nepal. They either try to influence political party representatives in their favor or threaten them if the latter refuse to support them. Indian brokers have threatened a number of VDC secretaries for refusing to sign fake documents, according to some VDC secretaries. Some Indians who could not acquire Nepali citizenship even after spending money, locked up some local leaders and VDC secretaries in the area.
Indians spend a minimum Rs 2,000 to 20,000 to influence Nepali authorities, sources said. Bali Ram Yadav and Lekh Ram Yadav of Kisangunj district Teragachh Bhoda Panchayat of India acquired Nepali citizenship certificates from Jhurkiya VDC, said VDC sources. They spent Rs 5,000 each to acquire the citizenship with their certificate numbers 053012/1002 and 053014/1003, sources said.
Thousands of Indian nationals acquired Nepali citizenship certificates from Katahari, Jhurkiya, Majhare, Govindapur, Amardaha, Dainiya, Sorabhag, among other bordering VDCs, sources claimed.
A group of "brokers" that included some Indians, locked up local leaders of eight political parties and the VDC secretary at Govindapur VDC office on Monday after they were "deprived of citizenship certificates" after they had spent money for the purpose and "completed all necessary procedures". They were later released.
Meanwhile, sources claimed that over 1,000 Indian nationals acquired Nepali citizenship certificates from Amardaha VDC alone. The Indians spent over Rs 2 million for the purpose in the VDC, sources disclosed.
Ram Prasad Ghimire, Assistant Chief District Officer, stated that the administration would start investigations after April 13 as they had received so many complaints of such irregularities.
Posted on: 2007-04-09 21:25:48 (Server Time)
BD, you say "a poor frustrated Nepali man" may look to the maoists for hope and I see your point. But average Nepalis do not see the true colours of communism. They think that the maoists are just another political party. Now, as campaigning for the CA intensifies, it is up to the SPA, the other political parties, concerned media, the civil society and people who are aware like you and me to educate the masses on what communism really means and why it is not the solution for Nepal.
I am not at all saying that maoism can be any kind of hope for the Nepalis. But what are the Nepalis to do? Nepalis living abroad can have an objective view towards the future of Nepal. They can think in terms of Nepal being stable in twenty years time. But we want the future now. We want security now. It is all right for NRNs to live in the US and claim all Nepalis are stupid and that they should make more sacrifices for the future of this country but the reality here is different. We are affected by every traffic jams, every bandhs announced, evertime the garbage is not picked up, everytime someone is kidnapped by the maoists, every time some one is murdered by the maoists and so on and on. Yes, it is ok for the NRNs to claim that democracy is the best system and eventually we will get a good leader even when that eventuality may never come. But for us, we want the prosperity for ourselves aswell not jus for our children. I say get rid of this democracy if it is not going to be for me. And i really hate it, when people say in democracy we will eventually get a good leader.
When the maoist claim that they are going to feed the people by taking from the rich, it does not really matter if it is true, does it? Because the poor have nothing to loose any way. When you are desperate, you start believing in lies they sell you.
First, so many of the people on this blogsite itself, supported the alliance between the spa and the maoists and now you want the maoists to be tamed? How many posters had warned about the probability of this situation arising? Is not this the natural consequence of the actions taken by the SPA, India and the US? Now, you want to stop the maoists, but how and at what cost?
And why should the poor people of Nepal support the SPA and not the maoists? Do you really believe that maoists lies are worse than SPA betryal? The poor people know that the spa can not lift them up to the level of the rich people but they also know that the maoists can bring the rich arrogant bastards to the level of the poor people. Now tell me, if you were really poor and desperate, who would you choose?
Mr. Horatio,
This is where you miss the point, i think. Who do you consider average Nepali? Someone who thinks like you? And what is this nonsense about civil society creating awareness among the general Nepalis about the pitfalls of communism? Dont you already know who these civil society bastards are? As far as Mr. Pundit is concerned, there is only so much he can do. even then, what do you want done, do you want civil society people and people like you and Mr. Pundit to go around telling people how bad communism is? You are going to ask them to reject maoism and embrace SPA or Monarchy? I don't believe that the majority of the Nepali people sincerely believe in the Maoists but do not underestimate the power of denial and intimidation. a year ago everyone apposing the maoists were labeled royalists but i guess the time has changed...again. Now, anyone who does not oppose the maoists are termed stupid and even undemocratic. I guess we have travelled a long way since the king stepped down.
In some ways, it is almost like the nigerian scam where someone in africa claims that he or she would like to give away US$25 million to you. A lot of people do not believe in these kind of spams but do you know how many people do? It is nonsensicle to think that some one whould give away such large amount of money to a total stranger but when you are desperate, greedy and hungry it is hard to tell right from the wrong which other wise would have come naturally to you.
The following from http://ohnepal.wordpress.com
This news will astonish some non-Nepalis…except Nepali people themselves. The Maoist terrorists went to the (illegal) Election Commission to register themselves as a party on Monday (09th April, 2007) but they could not get registered themselves because two of their comrades “Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’ and Barsha Man Pun ‘Anant’ did not have citizenship certificates.”
Now, how could anyone go to the Election Commission without being a Nepali citizen? How could a person try to be elected as a politician in Nepal without even caring for getting a Nepali citizenship all his life? Perhaps he didn’t fit the ‘criteria’ to be a Nepali? Perhaps he is a non-Nepali by nationality? This baffles you? Nevermind.
No citizenship? No problem. You desire to take part in sham Elections in Nepal? You have the blessings of SPAM Government and foreign interference in Nepal. So, “The two leaders acquired Nepali citizenship certificate from the District Administration Office of Kathmandu on Monday.”
How nefarious can things get in Nepal? Everything that is happening there is a virtual sham. The Maoists and SPAm can do anything and everything there and the public is just clueless and helpless. The Indians and the UN have managed to get their way in Nepal…we have another Sri Lanka (civil war torn country) in the waiting!
B, the "average Nepali" is not someone who thinks like me! He/she belongs to the 80% of those living in rural areas, 52% illiterate, 40% living under the poverty level, and is politically naive. His/her political awareness must be raised considerably if the CA elections are to mean anything. I concede that the Nepali civil society in general is a leftist stooge; you are right about that.
vHoratio,
I think you live that majority changes societies but instead it is the minority. The people who go out on the street risking their lives to change a system are not average people like you or me but instead they are from the minority. They are the desperate ones. They are the ones who have nothing to lose. I believe that groups of minority change the societies not the majority. Like you saw in the april revolution, it only took about 10% of the total population to get out on the street for the king to step down. Now, the media claims that the whole world (including Nepal) has turned in favor of republic in Nepal.
And honestly, i dont believe that the ca elections going to happen. even if it does, it is not designed for the people of Nepal. The PM goes to SAARC summitt and declares that he took a gamble with Nepal with her people as hostages, you must really be an optimist of an extreme kind to actually expect anything from this ca elections.
And Mr. Horatio,
If you are so aware, why dont you explain to me what CA election is? Because even i am unaware of what it really means and what really is at stake?
B, I sense a challenging note in your response. I am surprised that you are not aware of what the CA elections mean. Maybe you belong to the "average" majority that I was talking about. I am not sure that the CA elections will be held on 20 June as scheduled. It may be held later or even not at all. The main ramifications of a CA if elected are (a) It, unfortunately, is expected to decide the fate of the monarchy; (b) If the maoists gain the upper hand in coalition with other leftist parties, we may see the beginning of what Lenin did to Kerensky's CA in 1919; (c) No matter how imperfect, it will be the first time in 8 years that there will be an elected government in Nepal. Yes, the minority may be responsible for change instead of the majority: that exactly is the problem - then it is not democracy!
But what exactly IS a constituent assembly?
They can't really decide the fate of anything because they will have no power to enact laws and will not be able to check and balance corruption on the parliament side.
Under the new constitution, the CA has no defined powers. All we seem to believe is that we have to have a CA election and then things will happen. Well, what is supposed to happen when a group of people with no constitutional powers takes office?
-=blogdai
Sriman B,
Instead of posting your utterly senseless polemic here and elsewhere, why not pick a printed document on CA and try reading for a change. if you don't know what's in it, why freaking argue for or against?
Nepalis are indeed STUPID.
Dear b ko baa baa black sheep,
I was looking for documents on CA elections and could not find it. Maybe even you can help. And for your information i am not arguing and even if i was what is you fcuking problem.
I am not even sure if most of the political leaders know what it is. I have certainly not heard any leaders talk about it's process inpublic.
We are stupid and are famous for "running with the wind." CA or the assembly is nothing but a farce- made up by unmandated group and TERRORIST.
Now is the time to group against these "stupidest" by us all 'stupid" to correct the wrongs. Please,please people read what went in Cambodia (during late 60s and 70s) before we give in- we got lot to lose.
Anon, you say "now is the time to group". Who are you asking to "group"? The bunch of Nepali expatriates who frequent blog sites? The (Royal) Nepalese Army, who are the only ones with the clout to do anything? The minority who are categorized as "royalists"? Who? Please get real!
Blogdai, to answer your question above, the common understanding of a Constituent Assembly is a body elected with the purpose of drafting, and in some cases, adopting a constitution. So it is an interim measure to come up with a constitution that will make our new democracy rule by law and not by men.
A free and fair elections with what's happening in Terai is really not fesible. But since the Maoists have threatened to start a 'fresh struggle' (whatever the hell that means) if the polls aren't held on time I think the CA elections will go on forcefully. It seems to be as if the Maoists are really banking on scoring in the CA elections. However, they may have a suprise waiting for them. They already lost a major constituency (Terai) and the congress party may unite which is bad news for the Maoists. The question really then is even if the CA election occur and the results don't please the Maoists then what? Will they accept the result and behave themslves?
Bhudai Pundit
Stupid statement #1: How can this CA come up with anything since I've just told you that Girija's new constitution stipulates that only the parties can pass laws and weild power. Do you think any input from the CA that goes against party wishes will wind up on any new constitution? For god's sake, let past behaviours be you guide and learn to think.
Stupid statement #2: Still hoping that the Maoists will "behave themselves" is what keeps them vicious and in power. When have they ever behaved? Get past the idea of hope without any basis in past practice.
Stupid statement #3: (Working backwords through the thread now) How is this powerless CA supposed to "decide the fate of the monarchy." Where did you get this since it has never once been posited as a potential function of the CA?
Started looking backward and was overwhelmed by stupid statement candidates, so I'll give up for now.
-=blogdai
The CA will draw up a constitution to revise the interim constitution, obviously.
SPAM has repeated over and over again that the first item on the CA's agenda is to vote on the future of the monarchy; a simple majority will decide the monarchy's fate.
Where have you been, Blogdai? AND STOP CALLING NAMES!!! The way you are carrying on, you may very well be branded the STUPIDEST NEPALI!! Do get off your high horse.
If the CA election do go ahead successfully it wouldn't be a powerless CA. It would effectively have the mandate of the people and hence they would have every right to decide the fate of the monarchy. However, it remains to be seen if the CA election will happen in the first place.
Bhudai Pundit
What is the actual purpose of this election?
To chose the PM of a country? To chose the government of a country to run the administration? To chose a government that will decide on the fate of Monarchy? To decide on Monarchy? To bring the Maoist into Democratic fold? To end a 12 year long civil war?
How can One election chose so many important things? This is ridiculous!
Now if these elections are to be held...then only the 8 parties will be taking part in it...so only the 8 parties will be the winner...and the 8 parties wan't to abolish the monarchy to have a Free Say and to make 'Naya' Nepal...so what are they waiting for...why so much of drama? After all these 8 parties are the Be-All and End-All of Nepal.
Isn't it time to have a National Referendum on Monarchy so that every Nepali has his say...this because the Monarchy is the Single Most important and Unifying factor of Nepal. Even before having elections on Monarchy...isn't it time to have a Referendum on 'if people trust SPAM and what they do'?
Questions will be best answered by SPAMmers themselves.
"Mr. I know everything Blogdai,"
#1) What do you not understand about "Interim" in the "Interim Constituion?" The new constitution you are refering to is the "Interim Constitution," which is a temporary constitution till a new constitution is written after the election.
#2)I do not like Maoists and they should be defeated. They have already lost almost all the support in Terai. Half the seats will go to Terai. They will have to compete with the parties in the Hills. So there is no way that they will win the majority.
Maoists are still initimidating and extorting. However, this is a hell of lot better than when they were killing 10 people per day a year ago. Now they are in the Govt, they will have to to be accountable and answer to the public. Just take the example of that Woodland Hotel guy. Prachanda had to apologize. Maoists lost. What Maoists did was bad. But in the end it hurt them with all the negative publicity. This was not possible a year ago during King's rule since they would run away to the jungle. They cannot run away any more. It is still not good, but it is not as bad it used to be.
3)If I understand you correctly, you are asking where CA will get its power from? CA is powerful because it will be elected by the people. FYI, in democracy power derives from people. Let me ask you where does the monarchy get it's power from? How did the previous constituent get it's power from? After all a group of people appointed by the King and parties wrote it. People had no say in it. At least the new constituion will be written by the elected body.
GM
BlogDAI[sic],
Well, what is supposed to happen when a group of people with no constitutional powers takes office?
Where art thou to ask the same question, when king took power unconstitutionally? Oh! Sorry, you were busy singing his praises (i read your earliest posts). Come off your pretence of concerned citizenary, looks like your conscience only bites your ass when things are not going your way. Grow up old man!
Selective memory lapses? Man, you are phoney.
Agree with Anon 9:59,
When King G created RCC with the prosecuting and judicial power, when the previous constitution had no such provision, Blogdai had no problem.
When King G appointed himself Chairman of the cabinet, when the constituion did not have any such position, Blogdai had no problem.
Now that we are in the process of electing a body by the people to write a constitution, Blogdai has problems?
Blogdai, take off your mask and come out! You are a hypocrite!
so how does this ca election work? So, if the elected body decides that democracy is longer in the interest of nepal can they get rid of democracy then?
And GM, if king was working outside the boundaries of the previous constitution, why did the spam feel the need to change the constitution. He was already powerless in the previous constitution if he was working outside the boundaries. The SPAM could have just taken away the army from the king and that would have solved it. I do agree that the king did make a fool out of all SPA leaders but nothing more.
People like GM and his sorts are off their rockers. They find solace in extortion and kidnapping because the Killing is controlled. Man o' man- the habit of looking for a light in a tunnel called SPAM is mind blowing.
Logic that CA will be fair and Maoist will lose big time in the election is like mother of all "Stupidest" comment. Do you think maoist are betting on a fair election?? and you suppose they do not know, what you know? Sorry Forrest Gump- it ain't that simple and learn to discern reality rather than what you think or hear or suppose.
No wondwer Maoist and SPAM are riding a wave created by "useful idiots" who think they know more than the real Pol pot( gel haired demon and tongue waggers called SPAM). This kinds attitude stinks to high heavens and in Nepal
HM King Gyannendra was working inside the Constitution of 1990 that was written by SPAM. Period.
Second, I am amazed at this person called GM who is trying to compare the past atrocities of Maoists with present. Now that the Maoists are in government we can't even know who is dying and who is not. His point of argument is absolutely ridiculous. Our own people are being killed or kidnapped or extorted by SPAM and we are not reporting it because of the fear of being killed. Earlier Maoists and SPAm used to kill in the rural areas (which was indeed bad). Now they kill everywhere. Have you counted the number of people that have been reported to die in 1 year of King Gyanendra's rule and 1 year of SPAM's rule? Go out and do your counting first.
Earlier when SPAM did it, it was terrorism. Now when SPAM is doing it is government action. It's truly a Government of Terrorists. Nothing more, nothing else!
Anon 1:41, I agree with you that HM King Gyanendra's initiative of Feb 1 2005 was within the 1990 Constitution. What I find completely baffling is what was he trying to do? He had to let go so easily in April 2006, after just over a year. I feel he let down badly those of us who supported him. He lost an opportunity to really make a difference for the country. I remain a supporter of the institution of monarchy, but not of any particular monarch.
Just to clarify my previous post...a constitutional or even a ceremonial monarchy in the framework of a multi-party democracy if ok by me.
So what do you guys say?
Can the elected body decides that democracy is longer in the interest of nepal can they get rid of democracy then?
Is this at all possible after ca election? This is what i don't understand. Is this what the maoists mean by unconditional ca elections?
May be horatio or even Mr. Pundit can enlighten me!
Horiatio,
This is anon 1:41.
I completely agree with you that HM King Gyanendra couldn't live upto our Big expectations. He tried a bit, but then the bloody Indians (HRH Sonia Gandhi and commies of India) came into the picture. Or else I am pretty sure Nepal would have been progressing by now. We need a Hitler to get rid of bastard Maoists and corrupt politicians.
The main thing that should have been done to have a really Strong Media Spokesperson. You know a shrewd media spokesperson. And there should have been tactical ploy to play with international people. The problem was King allowed UNHCR to open office in Nepal during his 1 year term...and UNHCR came back to haunt him bad. Many such problems.
The big mistake was the absence of a Media spokesperson who handles shrewdly - internet, Tv and radio. Plays the game like chess.
SB Thapa and Kamal Thapa are good enough for the Panchayati days. Now the battle is fought in different place. And the above 2 don't know the rules of new chess.
Let's hope people like us can get together to frame a better Media Policy and strategy.
a proactive media = an informed populace = no more stupidity!
-=BD
Look let's get something stright. IF there are free and fair CA elections that CA should/will have every right to re-write the constitution and thereby decide the fate of the Monarchy and make any other constitutional amendments! The big question is wheather a free and fair CA election can even take place in Nepal with all thats happening. Under the present circumstances free and fair elections are out of the question.
And I also disagree with GM's take on the Maoists. The Maoists have stated or threatened that they will start a fresh struggle if the elections are not held on time. Firstly a threat like that is totally unacceptable from a political party. Secondly the Maoists seem so sure they will win a majority in the elections which I think couldn't be further from the truth.
The question then is if the Maoists will accept the results of these elections and behave themslves. I tend to think NOT. By what we have seen I doubt the Maoists will accept anything other then a total victory. Then what? I know Prachanda is not keen on going back to the jungles. I am guessing he will just unleash elements like the YCL and other militant groups and disrupt the country perpetually.
Under ideal circumstances a new CA should/could write the constitution but all our discussion is moot given Nepal's situation.
Bhudai Pundit
An ideal situation is where a constitution mandates precise powers for the CA. This constitution does not.
The big fundamental mis-interperetation in all of this is that you all hope for things like a "people's mandate" and say that the CA will decide the fate of the monarchy, form a constitution or re-write whatever; BUT unless their voice carries a constitutionally mandated percentage of legislative weight, it is worthless.
Yes listen to the stupidity. We can't wait to see all the things the CA will do. You are all so enchanted with the idea of any form of popularly-elected body that you fail to see the phony tokenism. Worthless. Absolutely worthless. That's what your little CA will be without constitutionally granted and explicit powers and without a credible third-party to assist in the enforcement of such powers.
Look, suppose we even get to a CA election. Suppose the Maoists never stick their influence into village balloting and bully their way into such an assembly, and suppose, just suppose such an assembly gets to Singha Durbar and decides to vote on something. Then what? Do you think Girija will just roll over and let a bunch of political outsiders share power?
Show me where in this new constituion it says that Girija and his cronies even have to LISTEN to what a CA says. Forget popular mandates, this is politics. Nothing will get done that doesn't fall lock-step into Girija's plan. That's why he gave himself and the parties the sole, exclusive power to enact laws, introduce legislation and alter the constitution.
Girija was never going to hold a CA election--he still may not. The only reason we are even getting close is that Prachanda is placing the old man under tremendous pressure. CA election promises were just another Girija red-herring to get Maoists on board and to placate world scrutiny.
Establish citizen trust in government first. You are all trying to polish a car that has no engine and no wheels to begin with.
-=blogdai
lets get real. The setup we have is 8 party syndicate. And time now is not for casual gentlemen or women. When rogue takes over, rogue we gotta be. Talking about finer points is futile.
The demon keeps on thrashing his belt and Girja keeps jumping up and says how high. So to expect better system of governance, or normal democratic practices, or even to enjoy basic fundamental rights of a citizen- freedom, individual rights and security is foolhardy. Getting this fact straight, will be the turning point not something in between. When its wrong,its wrong. If you believe that SPAM is wrong then say so, why nitpick on issues which has no bearing at all. This is where all the fault lies.
Someone asked me what can we do in times like this. Many, I said but we need to change our attitude and work style. We cannot fight back unless we act like them, be like them and do like them- counter insurgency.
I absolutely agree with 10:40.
And who are to constitute the "counter-insurgency" forces, may I ask?
I agree that Nepali are stupid.
They don't know waht they are doing
Keshab, what the heck are you talking about? Explain yourself.
Blogdai, I read carefully your last post. Your concerns are certainly warranted. But if the CA is constituted to draft a new constitution (that is the purpose of a CA, by definition) Girija will not have much to say. Besides, he may not live to see the CA!
"The meeting of the eight party leaders summoned to discuss the letter by the Election Commission (EC) stating its inability to hold the polls on stipulated time has ended inconclusively, Friday evening, at Baluwatar." (NepalNews.com, April 13)
And so the politicking goes on...clearly the Interim Government cannot do anything without the agreement of the SPAM leaders...
Nepali people are politically stupid, illiterate and naive.
On government:
Those who can govern choose not to do so because they can earn good money through an honest living and those who can not govern choose to govern because they are uneducated and prefer to earn money through a dishonest living.
On the people:
Those with a keen interest in politics do so because it is for their personal gain and those who close their eyes do so because politics is always what other people do.
There, said it!
I feel better for getting it out of my system. Now, back to counting my rupees after a hard days labor in some government office where income is generated not from employment but from abusing it.
In total debt to the political system.
A diplomat.
I do not know if CA election will take place this summer or not. However, it is essential to have a fair one soon.
Girija, Prachanda, King, everyone will have to accept the the result. This constitution will be nullified when the constituion written by CA is complete.
What are you talking about when you say that present constituion does not mandate CA? The last constitution was killed by the King when he abused it to grab power.
King also enacted laws, created non-constituional bodies, etc. You did not say word. Why do you have problem now but not when King did it? You always ignore this question.
Election is essential to move forward. The first step is CA election to write the constituion. They need to quickly write constituion within months. The second step is to elect a new govt.
Yes, the King took over and created laws and groups. Governments do that. The King did it constitutionally under article 127 of the constitution of the time. It was his duty in fact. It is not the same as some outside body being elected with no provision for how much or how little power they will have if elected.
Girija and the King will have to accept what result? Where in the interim constitution does it say they have to accept ANY result from the CA? Nowhere, that's where.
Who will enforce it and hold them to it anyway? You? What power does a CA have in the event the current regime refuses to listen? You guessed it, under this constitution, NONE. You think the supreme court is going to step in? Forget it. girija has marginalized their powers under the new constitution as well.
And who't going to tell a bunch of newly-elected neophytes how to write a political document? They're going to rely on Girija's input, that's what.
This interim constitution says nothing about power or even the exact formation of a CA. Get it through your thick head, it's a token gesture. Powerless. Girija gave himself and his cronies ALL the power, period.
Stupid, stupid, stupid.
-=blogdai
ALL THIS DISCUSSION ABOUT THE CA elections is MOOT.
I don’t know about you all but I have had enough of this sham of a peace process.
“50 locals injured in a Maoist’s attack” - nepalnews.com
Girija Babu must give the Maoists an ultimatum to STOP such activities immediately otherwise I SAY LET’S PUT THE MILITARY OPTION BACK ON THE TABLE. I am sick of this BS from the Maoists. These Jungalis are never going to improve.
Bhudai Pundit
Dear Blogdai and fellow bloggers: Happy New Year 2064!
Bhudai, I can only surmise that your comment urging a military solution is borne out of the frustration which we all share. However, let us not suggest anything rash. Let us still give peace a chance. Not by appeasing the maoists, but by taking the higher moral ground and exposing them for what they are.
Today's news is a case in point. While the King and Girija have appealed for peace and democracy on the occasion of the New Year, the maoists are now hinting that the Interim Government should immediately declare Nepal a Republic if the CA is to be postponed as recommended by the Electoral Commission. This indicates their utter disregard for the democratic process and their continued adherence to rule by the mob. It is likely that they will hang themselves by their own folly. And not a word from Mr. Dahal re the New Year! Don't the maoists even recognize the Nepali New Year?
>>Yes, the King took over and created laws and groups. Governments do that. The King did it constitutionally under article 127 of the constitution of the time. It was his duty in fact. It is not the same as some outside body being elected with no provision for how much or how little power they will have if elected.
Yes, except that Kings ALSO abide by laws that are created, bring the RIGHT people to create groups – not the same old AUTOCRATIC architects of their father’s era! But how conveniently did the King invoke article 127 of the same constitution which later he suspended. He absolutely killed the process that itself allowed him to do so in the first place. He was STUPID – like blogdai himself who continually justifies the MOST STUPID person in Nepal – STUPID enough to dig his own grave in which he later had to crawl in April 2006.
>>Girija and the King will have to accept what result? Where in the interim constitution does it say they have to accept ANY result from the CA? Nowhere, that's where.
The logic, my goodness! Here’s a hint:
You either DO NOT accept the current interim constitution absolutely, or if you do, then you accept the clauses in it, primarily decisions that come out of CA Court. And that such CA Court will be created so that concerns of enforcement – like the one you raise, and many others are addressed accordingly.
However, for the purpose of interim constitution and the role of courts, the following, clause 4 of Part 10 under ‘Judiciary’ mentions the relevance and distinction of CA Court and Supreme Court:
“Except on the matters which fall under the jurisdiction of the Constituent Assembly Court, the Supreme Court shall have the final
power to interpret this Constitution and other prevailing laws.”
>>This interim constitution says nothing about power or even the exact formation of a CA. Get it through your thick head, it's a token gesture. Powerless. Girija gave himself and his cronies ALL the power, period.
Wrong again!
The ‘power’ – in the interim period, is vested on the PM and his Council of Ministers. And parliament-legislature by 2/3 majority can vote off the PM also. What else do you need? Why, do you think some of that power should have been spared to G instead? If you are talking about the ‘people’, then CA is exactly the process that allows the transfer of power back to the people and judiciary which is where we are trying to get at.
Duh!
BTW Happy New Year to you too.
-no shit it’s free again
"He was STUPID – like blogdai himself who continually justifies the MOST STUPID person in Nepal – STUPID enough to dig his own grave in which he later had to crawl in April 2006."
I have been saying this till becoming blue in the face.
Gyanendra is a fool, idiot, moron etc. People always assumed he was a shrewed businessman and so that would somehow translate into this ability to govern. Wrong! He isn't even a shrewed businessman because all his business ventures are handeled by Prabhakar Rana. Even then all those business ventures flourished under all the protection he enjoyed as Prince of Nepal.
He was never groomed to be a King, He is highly uneducated and arrogant. Still he had a chance.
Bhudai Pundit
2/3 of Parliament? You mean 2/3 of Girija's cronies? 2/3 of the same corrupt people who've been running nepal into the ground? What else do I "need?" I need for you to make some goddam sense with your worthless point. If parliament were freely elected and accountable then your 2/3 number would means something. They are not. It's like saying that the jewelry thieves union can vote themselves out of an easy heist that would make them all millionaires. Same situation, same liklihood. NONE.
forget the king and quit beating that dead horse. he's a moot point. Get off it Bhudai. You were so nicely on track for a while.
Only Parliament has the power to enact laws and change the constitution. Did you read that? Parliament put themselves into power without and election and the CA is simply a way for them to stay in power while giving people the feeling that they have an electoral voice. Let me ask you this, is there any provision for terms, elections or limits on parliamantary power in this constitution? Not on you life.
This CA can write a better Baghavad Gita for all I care. It is up to girija and his cronies to decide whether or not to accept what they write. That's what your interim constitution says.
And thanks for the briefing on the interim constitution, but what in God's name are you trying to prove with this CA court crap? Does the constitution spell out what exactly the jurisdiction of this court is? And didn't you just MAKE my point by saying the supreme court has final say over constitutional matters? Basically, the CA can write what it wants but the Girija-diluted and influenced court will have the final say. So, do you think the CA will get away with creating anything that calls Girija and his crooks on the carpet or makes them share power or limits their terms of office?
Look, simply regurgitating lines from the interim constitution and pretending that it proves some major point is a useless fool's folly.
What you've quoted says nothing about a constitutionally mandated cooperative environment where all houses have defined and proportional powers. They "could" form a means of enforcement. They "could" form a CA court. Right. These idiots in parliament can't even agree on the wording of a letter from the EC saying they can't hold elections on time. Basically, Girija's boys failed to agree on what to call their election failure--pathetic!
Look, the little constitution may say lots of things. But make no mistake, it is designed and crafted so that no mechanism is or can be put in place to jeopardize the permanence of this corrupt parliament.
-=blogdai
Okay this whole discussion about the validity of the CA is a waste of time given where Nepal is heading.
“Maoists reactivate parallel local governments, issue life threat to IDP”
-nepalnews.com
“DEO says his abduction a warning against CA polls”
-nepalnews.com
“Only declaration of republic can save 8-party unity now, says Prachanda”
-nepalnews.com
Where are all the so called peace loving, John Lehnon singing bloggers who keep insisting that it takes ‘time’ for the Maoaists to change. Now why will they change? Declaring a republic will save the 8-party unity? WTF.
Say we even declare republic tomorrow then what? We are going to back to square ONE because the Maoists aren’t going to act any different. What incentive is there of giving Prachanda any concessions? I am getting sick of this. The SPA needs to seperate from the 'M' and issue a strong ultimatum.
Bhudai Pundit
Free you were ranting so I got rid of your comment to save your dignity.
What happened to you? How did this become such a personal thing? Issues don't provide enough stimulus?
You still failed to refute what I said and you're getting more psychotic by the posting so take a break, think and come back.
We propose many specific avenues and ideas for specific ways to improve the situation in Nepal here on blogdai. People don't seem to either remember or have the patience to research our blog and get up to speed. Rather take to the streets and shout, I guess.
Stupid.
-=blogdai
May I humbly suggest that the word "stupid" or any other name-calling be banned from this blog site for at least a month. Let's talk sensibly without lowering ourselves into the gutter of invectives.
blogdai,
i did get a chance to glean at free's comment before you took it off. And, I thought they were well formed arguments with substantial research to back up his claims.
I agree, it's your blog, and it's your perogative to edit what you see fit.
But of all people you should understand better the voice of dissent should be heard.
While i am at it, there was a pertinent comment by Bhudai Pundit the other day, and again it was well argued, has valid points, and demanded some replies from you on some hard issues. After few hours, i see the comment is taken off the post.
well, i don't agree with most of your politics, and you don't agree with rest of the Nation, but that's fine. As long as the discussion is within the norms of civil discourse, they should be given chance to be heard.
AND I HOPE YOU DON'T TAKE THIS COMMENT OFF OF YOUR BLOG.
Blogdai,
Why not put those comments by Free and Bhudai back. Let the readers be judge of them, if in any way they were compeletly out of line with the ongoing discussion.
Let it be a democratic process, shall we?
>>What happened to you? How did this become such a personal thing?
Why, what was PERSONAL in my last post? That I said, just like Prachanda's royal conspiracy you see Girija conspiracy everywhere?
Grow up. You take the liberty of calling the whole nation full of stupid people. That is a more personal jesture by any standard.
Weren't you the one who was arguing that Nepali populace be informed? So what happened, was it TOO informed for you that you took away the whole post?
>>We propose many specific avenues and ideas for specific ways to improve the situation in Nepal here on blogdai. People don't seem to either remember or have the patience to research our blog and get up to speed. Rather take to the streets and shout, I guess.
What research? All your blog has provided so far is nothing other than SPAM bashing and G justifying. Nothing substantial has come out of this besides false rumors and overblown paranoia about the government. Even Paramendra Bhagat's blog is more creative than this.
Give me ONE plausible idea, WITHOUT astraying off on SPAM, that you would utilize to improve the situation WITHOUT violence.
Any sane person, after spending some time in this blog would question if it is any portal for vibrant dialog or simply a personal blogsite full of blogdai clones where things get regurgitated by the big dai himself while rest of them go quack quack quack.
What a joke!
-free
free,
I agree with you. I also agree with most of what you have to say. However, like I mentioned before the way things are going we won't even get to a CA election. The Maoists are back at reinstating their parallel government, the SPA won't declare a republic (rightly so since it should only be done after CA elections), the YCL is going beserk etc.
Whatever your political inclinations are at this point the only viable solution I see is to issue an ultimatum and demand the Maoists stop their behavior or resume the military confrontation!
How much long can we live in this interim state?
Bhudai Pundit
At this moment, the options are:
Option 1) Maoists start behaving. We bring Madhesis and Janajati to the table. Then have a CA election and writ the constituion. This is the best situation.
Option 2)Maoists and YCL keep on going beserk and SPA stay in the Govt. CA election is not held. NA seperate itself from King, SPA make military threat.
If Prachanda is wise he will listen because he has nothing else to give. On the downside, he will have to go to jungle or jail, which he does not want to. If he wants to fight from the jungle, his forces will be weaker than before because we roughly know what to expect.
i) We now know who the Maoists are. UN has the database of all the soldiers. We've seen all the leaders on TV. So it will be harder for the leaders to hide in case of a war.
ii) We roughly know what weapons they have. They are not as illusive as before. So we have more reliable information to fight against them.
iii) Maoists have lost support in Terai. Madhesis will fight against Maoists. So the army has to focus in the hills.
iv) Support of SPA to the army means better intelligence. Separation of NA with palace, means many people who are against king but do not support Maoists either will support the war.
Option 3) Maoists and YCL keep on going beserk and SPA stay in the Govt. CA election is not held. NA does a coup and installs King G as the Head of Govt. We see a repeat of April Movement and protracted war.
What are other options? I think Option 1 is the best but impossible. Option 3 is the worst. I think Option 2 is practical. What do you think?
GM
I like option 2.
Bhudai Pundit
Well mr. pundit,
our viable solution has already changed in a year time. Dont worry the maoists wont go back to jungle. They have already made secret deals with india and spa to not change anything in nepal. the monarchy will remain, the spa and the maoists will remain just aswell. Talk about national unity. The maoist leaders are just pretending to be dissatisfied. They will never leave the parliament now, no matter how provoking we might think situations are.
Yes, i am ready to quit my job too and express my solidarity and loyalty to the SPA. The army will fight the maoist on spa behest for another year and they will have another agreement which will mean a slap on the army's face. The maoists will be declared martyrs. The innocent nepalis who would have lost their lives in the mean time will be forgotten. And this blogsite will be filled with enthusiats from abroad preaching to us about the wisdom in negotiations and the unimaginable consequences of war. We will once again talk about inclusive democracy (include all corrupt leaders) and again people whose lives are not affected will tell us that eventually we will have a life. Eventually democracy will start producing honest leaders. If it does not happen then, people will get out on the streets again asking for the king to come back and save the nation.
You guys (including the spa and the international community) are treating Nepal as if she was a guinea pig with all your experimental ideas. Yes, why not! why not start a new war and finish these goons off even if it means another 10000 nepali lives. Specially if you guys are safely residing in safety of US of A. Why not start another war, what a great thought! I marvel at the convinience you exercise your thoughts. A year ago, war as a crime and now just when the maoists are in a position to hit anyone and at anytime you think we should start a war. Now, the na will be more competent, better trained, friendly towards villagers because our god father GPK gives them the order instead of G. Yes, maybe now the na will even help villagers plough their lands.
We can not start a war now,no. Not that i believe that there will be the need to as all strings are pulled by india. The thing to watch out for instead would be the terai and janjati violence. It is going to itensify. Sadhvana, if it is careful might emerge as strong enuff to challenge stronger parties. India i am sure will push nepal further into chaos by intensifying terai violence. I know it is not india's fault but our spa leaders are responsible but then you want the same spa leaders to have the army on their side to kill more nepalis, dont you?
Ah! Mr. yadav, that's just the point. blogdai does not believe in democracy in the first place.... Only stupid 'rabble' are the ones who shout their throat hoarse.
Its slippery when wet- That is Nepal. Now, on to some Free advice. Democracy does not mean Rights only- such as right to incite, defame, and disparage. Grow some brain, people. List of option is not the answer as well. There is only one option- if you think 8 parties are wrong then wrong there are, period. And to act as think tank what should be and can be is out of our realm. It resides in Sonia's bedroom and her Brown Shahibs in South block.
The illusion of Nepal by Nepali, for Nepali and from Nepali is just an illusion now.
We speak of democracy as if it is an license to speak & act with abandon-it ain't. Free you senses first.
As for solution for this never ending saga (interim), designed in India and overseas, no end is in sight because it DOES NOT address the core issue of a common Nepali. So learn to live with it and spare your two pence worth of murky comments.
YOU gotta read & soak up:
No King? No Nepal
Sunday, 15 April 2007
-Kanchan Gupta
-The Pioneer
It’s now official. Well, as official as it can get. The much-anticipated election to Nepal’s Constituent Assembly, scheduled for June 20, is off. The Election Commission of Nepal (what would aspiring democracies do without Indian models to ape?) has said that it requires at least another three-and-a-half months to organise a free and fair poll. That means an autumn election, unless it is delayed further.
Never mind the public posturing of the so-called ‘mainstream’ parties, including the Nepali Congress. Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, totally clueless about what’s happening in his country - even if he knows, he’s unable to do anything of consequence - and his colleagues will heave a huge sigh of relief. The only person who will be upset is Chairman Prachanda. He will now have to wait for sanction to march into Narayanhity Palace and declare, "Off with the King’s head," before hoisting the Maoists’ blood-soaked red banner atop the abode of Vishnu’s living avatar.
These are grim thoughts as Nepal celebrates its New Year’s day and King Gyanendra, fast running out of options to prevent the famed plumed crown from becoming just another item on display in Kathmandu’s National Museum, makes a brave attempt to reach out to his detractors by urging people to "strengthen the institutional development of democracy". That’s a noble thought on the first day of Baisakh. But deep within the King and his detractors know, as do members of Prachanda’s fan club at AK Gopalan Bhawan and South Block in New Delhi, that Nepal’s bumpy ride to democracy has hit a nasty roadblock.
One of the reasons put out by the Election Commission of Nepal for delaying the June 20 poll is that "the peace and security situation has not yet improved in the country... with at least 60 people killed in ongoing ethnic unrest in the south". Apart from being an understatement, it hides the fact that the Madhesi resistance in the Terai is not the only reason why peace and security continue to elude the people of Nepal.
The Maoists have not complied with the terms of last year’s peace accord and card-carrying, gun-toting lumpens continue to harass the rich and the poor, especially those who have any connections with India. Prachanda, who is accompanied by personal bodyguards with weapons that should have been in the UN’s custody, is as belligerent as ever. The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) may have joined the interim Government, but "it has not abandoned the People’s War", he insists. That war has cost 13,000 human lives, but is yet to satiate the Maoists’ lust for blood.
Meanwhile, Mr Koirala, having entered into a compact with Prachanda, now finds himself riding the proverbial tiger. He can’t take on the Maoists to put a halt to their depredations. Nor can he negotiate an honourable deal with the Madhesis lest that enrage Prachanda. So he has a situation on his hands that is largely of his own making. He has tried to distance himself from the mess by letting his Home Minister, Mr Krishna Prasad Sitaula, deal with the crises, most of it instigated by the Maoists. But this has not really worked because Mr Sitaula is putty in the hands of Prachanda. Word is out in Kathmandu that Mr Koirala has left it to Mr Sitaula to pander to the demands of Prachanda so that he is not scorched by the blowback.
Of course, that’s wishful thinking. While there has been no let up in Maoist savagery, the Madhesi agitation against the oppressive ways of the current dispensation in Kathmandu has gathered strength. After clobbering the Maoists - 31 of Prachanda’s men were killed in retaliatory violence on March 21 - the mood in Madhes is upbeat. Suddenly, the Pahadis who rule Nepal from Kathmandu appear to have ceded enormous ground to the Madhesis in the Terai. This is bad news as it could mark the beginning of a clamorous demand for self-determination by half of Nepal’s population.
Mr Koirala believes he can wash his hands of the problem and blame it on others. Last weekend he met former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to bitterly complain about the RSS and the VHP fanning the flames raging across Madhes, spread over Nepal’s southern plains. It is immaterial whether Mr Koirala’s tale has any substance or it has been scripted in South Block and cleared by AK Gopalan Bhawan. What is material is that the Government of India has failed to read the writing on the wall: Half of Nepal is up in arms against the ‘institutional democracy’ that is being propped up in Kathmandu with more than a little help from busybodies in New Delhi. If backing the Maoists in their rapacious march to Singha Durbar was strategic folly, ignoring the plight of the Madhesis is strategic disaster:
It’s akin to burning the only bridge that now links India and Nepal culturally, socially and politically.
The Pahadis, among them Prachanda, disparagingly claim that many of the Madhesis - comprising Maithilis in the eastern region, Bhojpuris in the central region and Abadhis in the western region, apart from the Tharus, of the Terai - are immigrants from India who used the 1950 Treaty to settle down in Nepal’s food bowl. As evidence, they cite the rapid increase in Madhesi population: In 1954, Madhesis were 35 per cent of Nepal’s population; by 1981 they comprised 52 per cent of the population; and, according to the 2001 Census, their numbers add up to 57 per cent of the population.
It would be facetious to suggest that there has been no migration across what is an open border. Also, Pahadis have been migrating to Madhes in search of land and jobs. Even if we were to discount immigrants - both from India and the non-Terai districts of Nepal - the Madhesis would comprise at least 48 per cent of Nepal’s population and are a majority in 39 of that country’s 75 districts. These are conservative estimates. Given their demographic strength, it is only natural that the Madhesis should demand a system that ensures them appropriate representation in the proposed new regime. Instead, they have been assured of nothing, not even citizenship cards. Racial and ethnic prejudices that date back to Prithvi Narayan Shah’s 1774 campaign continue to dominate politics and policy today.
Nobody is willing to look at today’s realities, nor is there any attempt to break with the past when teaching Hindi in schools in Madhes was forbidden by decree. Mr Upendra Yadav, who heads the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum, realised that it was stupid to dream of a homogeneous Nepal and thus broke ranks with his former mentor, Prachanda. Tragically, Kathmandu’s puppet politicians are yet to realise that after derecognising Narayanhity Palace to please the Maoists, they cannot have one, united Nepal.
Option 2 above is unrealistic. If it comes to it, the maoists will not go back to the jungles. They will start urban guerilla warfare, with the death count soaring and the entire country in shambles.
As for the madhesi issue, let's think of an analogy. The hispanic population in the US continues to grow. Suppose a time comes when they make up almost 50% of the US population, will the US Government secede autonomy to New Mexico, Southern California and Texas? Let's face it, madhesis are of Indian origin. They look different. They speak different languages. They dress differently. They are the result of the open border with India and the close cultural, religious and political ties between Nepal and India. Of course, they (the ones who hold Nepali citizenship, which by the way should not be sold) must be adequately represented in Government. BUT, they must also accept the fact that they are now Nepalis and not Indian-clones.
"It had been observed that a pure democracy if it were practicable would be the most perfect government. Experience had proved that no position is more false than this. The ancient democracies in which the people themselves deliberated never possessed one good feature of government. Their very character was tyranny; their figure deformity."
-- Alexander Hamilton
"Between a balanced republic and a democracy, the difference is like that between order and chaos."
-- John Marshall, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
"I have long been convinced that institutions purely democratic must, sooner or later, destroy liberty or civilization, or both."
-- Thomas Babington Macaulay
We use democratic principles to guide our discussions here. We are not, however, a purely democratic forum. Those always turn into shout-fests that result in a loss of readership.
blogdai's function is to moderate and keep the discussion moving in a direction that is consistent with the thread. Bhudai wanders around the subject more than occasionally and free, while one of our best posters, will confuse less astute readers with a regurgitation of unrelated facts. Free, you did NOT prove how any function of the CA would work. Come back when you can do more than hope parties will follow that worthless interim constitution. The thread's I've deleted are similar to the one's that have re-appeared from free and Bhudai. There now, democracy? Free, in full froth is making assertions that are all over the map, so you all be the judge. Prove Free's assertions and help out a fellow poster. Go ahead, prove how simple editing of a comment is now somehow against the idea of an informed Nepali populace. Go ahead, prove that I've done nothing else but "justify" the royal position here at blogdai. Go ahead, prove that the only ideas we espouse here are violent and anti SPAM (Start with our "What We Must Do") columns. Friends, and especially Free, you've got to learn to take a little criticism if you're going to move forward. You just can't make any progress if you flip-out when the going gets challenging or when someone calls you "stupid." Use criticism to enhance and build a stronger position. This column was meant to be an exercise and an experiment in that regard.
So, for the sake of blog thread unity, we choose the republic model of representative speech in our posts. Make or dispute points that forward the discussion and increase understanding or you will be questioned first, then edited. Take your tangenital points and phony eruditions elsewhere.
Madhesi's, as a case in point, are practicing the only form of democracy they know: public agitation. does this bode well for a unified Nepal?
GM: Option two is not practical, it is, however, probable.
To all: the repeated use of the word "stupid" will continue until we raise anger and consciousness to a viable. Level. I told you in the main post that you should be offended and angry; wouldn't that signify to you that blogdai's antagonistic tone was a purposeful gesture designed to trigger a thoughtful response? Or is it just "ooh, blogdai called me stupid so I'm mad.." Some of you DID get it, however; and for that I am encouraged.
The rest of you are just stupid.
-=blogdai
horatio:
Everyone over-estimated the Maoists. If the RNA was a half decent institution they should have been able to deal with the Maoists back in the day. Assuming the Maoists handed over most of their weapons and the majority of their cadres are already contained in the camps the task should be alot easier. Have you ever heard of how the Shining Path in Peru ended?
Bhudai Pundit
HERE DELETE THIS!
>>2/3 of Parliament? You mean 2/3 of Girija's cronies? 2/3 of the same corrupt people who've been running nepal into the ground? What else do I "need?" I need for you to make some goddam sense with your worthless point.
ANY point that differs from yours is a worthless point. If stupidity is the cardinal sin then you are the greatest sinner.
What corrupt people, where are the charges? Where are the convictions? What happened to the commission that was responsible to oversee the ‘corruption’? Go on making stories to suit your propaganda which is no different than that of Prachanda. Prachanda sees royal conspiracy everywhere; you see Girija conspiracy everywhere. Give it a rest, it is getting REALLY old.
>>Let me ask you this, is there any provision for terms, elections or limits on parliamantary power in this constitution?
Unbelievable! Yes, there are – in roundabout way. I am not here to decipher the whole constitution for you. The preamble clearly states that the interim constitution ceases to be in effect when the new constitution is framed by the CA. And until recently, the date for the elections of CA was set as June 07, and that such elected members would represent the cross-section of Nepali society.
Further, it clearly states that term of parliament expires once the CA meets, which means the parliamentary powers will no longer rest on them, which means such terms, limits and elections to power would be clearly defined in the new constitution.
>>but what in God's name are you trying to prove with this CA court crap
That there is distinction between the CA Court and Supreme Court; that Supreme Court – which you accuse of being full of ‘Girija’s cronies’, DOES NOT have jurisdiction on the matters of CA or the decisions coming out of CA. In fact, specially appointed independent CA Court will overlook and enforce the CA decisions.
>>And didn't you just MAKE my point by saying the supreme court has final say over constitutional matters?
NO! I just showed you the distinction I made where SC DOES NOT have jurisdiction over the outcome of CA; it has jurisdiction only on the interpretation of the interim constitution. When the ‘interpretation’ and verdict themselves are on forming the CA whose outcome falls on CA Court’s jurisdiction, your unnecessary paranoia has no basis.
Focus on Prachanda and the Maoists instead, they want to bypass the process and call off shots altogether by declaring republic without people’s mandate. Your fears might actualize there in most likelihood. Otherwise you are wasting your time barking up the wrong tree at the moment.
It is what it is. Given Nepal’s political history, there are only three forces that can possibly take charge. Of the three, one is almost a universally recognized and self-professed non-democratic group. The remaining two don’t get along. One IS trying to put the broken pieces together. As a result the other one that is left is almost being rendered insignificant now.
It almost seems like you are waiting for an avatar to come down and save us. If you so much think SPAM is not working for Nepal, why do you shy away from proposing that which will work for Nepal, NOW, and given the choices – in absence of an avatar, what is left, G?
The urgency is NOW; there is no time to educate and inform the 60% of illiterate Nepali populace about the CA. So what IS the big idea, big brother?!
-free
Mr. Pundit,
we can only fight the maoists (militarily) only if they are willing to fight. My assumption would be that they will not pull out of parliament. At worse, they will start another agitation in the valley. But there will be no opportunity to use the army again.
My understanding is that the demise of the Shining Path occured in small part to Abel Guzman's hubris--not unlike our own Babu Ram--but in large part because of opposition infiltration in the ranks.
You can do this in Peru because movement and consolidation are easier due to larger swaths of flatter terain-- outside of the Andes of course. Peru's Road infrastructure was and is superior to Nepal and allows larger, more coordinated gatherings whereby unknown faces can blend in more readily. Nepal's geography makes such infiltration unlikely if not impossible.
All Maoist cadres are localized and all Maoist cadres seem to act autonomously or Prachanda wouldn't have to keep apologizing for each individual atrocity committed.
Lots of criticism in a repulic-structured blog. The key is not to shout until you get your way, but to find out what works and what generates the most responses. Individualistic threats, put-downs and unrelated comments do not pass muster usually. All must stand the test of relevance as established via the moderator, who, in our case tries to keep most posts moving forward and centrist. On a national level, elected representatives do this and this helps to create A unified national voice or political ideal that estimates the overall wishes of each elected representative's constituency.
On a blog level, blogdai estimates this center position by editing those comments that don't move forward and don't seem to attempt to benefit the readers at large. Gimme, gimme doesn't work here and will be deleted.
On a small shout-out, watch Budai Pundit. He gets edited from time to time but doesn't complain and usually follows up with a comment like the one above: insightful and to the point. He moves forward and has learned how to play the democracy/republic game. This is how concensus is built in nations and this is how one debates in a democratic society.
-=blogdai
-=blogdai
Bhudal, you cannot "assume" that the maoists have handed over most of their weapons and that most of the so-called PLA is in the cantonments. 3,000 weapons were handed over. How did 30,000 militia fight with just 3,000 weapons?? It makes more sense to assume that the maoists still have plenty of arms available to them. Also, the active maoist political cadres are not in the cantonments. They are still out there, a constant threat to the general populace.
The Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path) still exists. They have been greatly weakened, but as recent as December 2006, Peruvian troops were being dispatched to counter their guerilla activity.
You armchair analysts really need to take it easy. Here, one more piece of hot stuff for you to chew on and one less thing for blogdai fans to worry about. Don't lose your sleep over it though.
Looks like the Honorable Girija - the father of modern Nepal is on a roll, not to everyone's liking but he is.
Decision on republic soon: PM Koirala (NOT DEAD!)
Go to Kantipur for detail.
-worthy source of info
the old man is feeling pressure from Prachanda. If you'll remember, girija proclaimed loudly that, under no circumstances would Nepal be a republic (See: blogdai, Sabotage!)
Republic means representative government. Republic also means some form of regional autonomy. both are concepts that Prachanda can control in the field. THAT is why Prachanda is threatening to return to the bush if CA elections are not held, and THAT is why girija keeps delaying them.
We have said oh, about a million times, that the Maoists are banking heavily on a strong-armed presence at the polls. They want to take over the government through the CA and may very well do it through election day intimidation.
girija's deal with the devil has come to roost. The problem is, AS FREE HAS CORRECTLY POINTED OUT, the unrelenting juggernaught of Maoism. blogdai would also posit that the Minister's unrelenting juggernaught of incompetence has played the greatest role in giving Maoism its current momentum.
So, back to square one:
THE MAOISTS MUST GO!
-=blogdai
Let's see how stupid we look today, shall we?
Maoist ministers walk out over dispute. Seems they don't want to be held personally responsible for their ministerial actions.
Maoists disrupt a parliament meeting. Seems they don't approve of being scolded for attacking a UML cadre.
So there is your "mainstream" maoist: not a whiff of policital saavy and acumen. The politics of guns has evolved to include the politics of parliamentary disruptions and walk-outs.
Please, please tell me again how they must be brought into the mainstream?
And oh yes, tell me how wonderful everything is going to be with your little CA election. Girija and the boobs in parliament can't even agree on a response to the postponement and Prachanda is offering to pull his apes out of cantonment to "assure" the CA elections are held.
For two years I've been telling you that this was going to happen. TWO YEARS.
Get ready for a maoist Nepal, people. Sorry, I mean "stupid" people.
-=blogdai
It may be premature to "get ready for a Maoist Nepal", Blogdai. It is reassuring to see NC leaders (Poudel, Sujata, even Girija) beginning to show some spine and tell it like it is to the Maoists. The Maoists, along with UML, have been accused today of behaving like opposition parties. It's high time SPA stops groveling at the feet of Dahalji and his comrades. I don't have much faith in the SPA either, but they've all we have for now - unless we want the (R)NA to take matter in its own hands.
Ho:
I agree with you there. The SPA are all we have at the moment. And it is a little encouraging to see Girija and Sujata (whom I loath by the way) take a stand against Maoists. I think the Maoists are just becoming desperate now.
Bhudai Pundit
Well, even if the spa is all we got, that does not mean we stop calling them idiots. Now, let us see who's got big balls, prachanda or girija because i think about a year ago politics in Nepal has ceased to be about Nepali people.
B:
Politics in Nepal has NEVER been about the people!
Bhudai Pundit
After all is said and done- the audacity of people like us to accept second option or better of the two smacks of "Lazy and "stupid" traits we are known for.
Now don't jump the gun, hold it. It takes a lot to be man from cry babies, its not that easy but why cannot we " like minded" who believes in Democracy (respecting other rights) as well with a zeal to do something for this mother land initiate a movement. For a start lets find a common ground where we can all make a stand and then give it a name, and formulate a charter and invite and impress other to join us (to do the right thing). It takes a determination and now it is worth it coz the very essence of Democracy and our existence (liberal) is at peril. I am not trying to sound too pessimistic but rather than punching keyboard and listening to varied ideas from going for second best and mainstreaming Maoist- I have had it.
It only takes one effort and a kick start to realize a big dream. Its time to be proactive and be involved rather than wise crack from a distance and anonynomity. What you say!
Anon 11:09, who exactly are "people like us"? Mainly expatriate Nepalis who can do little from outside the country? Do tell us concretely how we can "walk the talk".
P.S. Bhudai, please don't address me as "Ho". I do admire Ho Chi Minh as a nationalist but I have no wish to be called by his name.
Weaknesses of law enforcement agencies responsible for Gaur massacre: OHCHR
Uff! Can these morons be any WRONG?! Fcuk! It is like saying 'we are poor because we aren't rich'. What prevents these foreign apologists from saying that it was EXCLUSIVELY the fault of separatist movement called MPRF led by a former terroroist himself - Yadav, and his former boss Prachanda. This is the WORST case of disgruntled employee not getting severance from his bandit-boss.
-speaking freely
Indeed, just read the piece below and see where we stand in the scale of stupidity by still giving SPAM benefit of doubt.
India’s Dangerous Drift On Nepal
By Dipankar Biswas
One year after its lackadaisical response to the deepening political crisis in Nepal, India remains as ambivalent as ever. As a result of the Manmohan Singh government’s vacillation, New Delhi faces a far greater threat on a vital frontier.
Superficially, Nepal has gone some significant changes over the last 12 months. The monarchy, long the pivot of anti-Indianism, has been defanged – and may be on its way out. The Maoist insurgents have abandoned a decade-long spree of murder and mayhem to join the political process. The mainstream political parties, traditionally friendly to India, have been leading what could be a major transformation of the state.
At a deeper level, Nepal is in a worse mess than it was under King Gyanendra’s direct autocratic rule. Madhesis, residents of the southern plains who form over half of the country’s population, feel disenfranchised. Their movement for a greater say in shaping the new polity has been rebuffed by the Maoists as well as select groups of hills people who have monopolized the state. Indigenous groups in the hills, too, are disenchanted with the way the “new” Nepal seems to be leaving them behind.
The parties in power – the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) that emerged against royal autocracy and the Maoists – remain united only because of a threat of renewed palace assertiveness. The Nepali military, by most credible accounts, remains loyal to the monarch. Ordinary Nepalis are growing increasingly alienated especially by the rise in crime – abductions, extortions, intimidation and so forth – not necessarily linked to the Maoists. There seems to be some fondness for the sense of order royal rule supposedly provided. The fickleness of Nepali public opinion is so legendary that it was on account of this that the SPA and the Maoists have put off the constituent assembly elections.
Even if the peace process had progressed naturally, it would have been small comfort to India. After last April’s uprising, New Delhi has gone a long way toward assuaging Nepali public opinion. Apart from pledging a billion-rupee-plus economic aid package, the Indian government has demonstrated unprecedented keenness in revising the 1950 Peace and Friendship Treaty, which many Nepalis have opposed as unequal. Yet the same constituency that had been demanding a more mature and relevant relationship is now propagating all manner of canards on New Delhi’s intention. The first thing the Indian government must shun is to try to win the Nepalis’ hearts and minds.
Yet Indian planners and policymakers are obsessed with Nepalis’ suspicions of India. This is a monumental misreading of the public mood. The underlying contradiction in the Nepali psyche becomes instructive here. The monarchy and the military – the traditional pivots of the Nepali state – remain the focus of public opprobrium. Anyone with a rudimentary understanding of Nepal knows that, without these two traditional institutions, the country would lose an independent identity. Yet the very people spewing the greatest vitriol against the king and army are among those making the loudest noises about Nepali sovereignty. In private conversations, more and more Nepalis can be heard lamenting the opportunities they have missed in a modernizing world in a futile quest to exhibit their non-Indianness.
The Nepali state may be able to survive the monarchy, but only as an amalgamation of ethnic, regional and various other sectoral fiefdoms. This is where the threat to India is the greatest. Yet, a year down the line, New Delhi seems to have reviewed the role of the monarchy. There is widespread belief on both sides of the border that New Delhi would eventually acquiesce in an influential role for the monarchy in the interest of stability. This would be a recipe for disaster.
The pro-monarchy elements of the Indian foreign and security establishment are in a deep slumber. Chastened by its misadventure, these quarters contend, the palace might recognize the value of friendship with India. This is an option tested almost two decades ago which failed miserably. After the 1989-90 stand-off with India, King Birendra was forced to cede absolute powers to a democracy movement India firmly stood behind. After the restoration of democracy, New Delhi sought to open a new chapter in relations with the monarchy, under the illusion that the authoritarianism of the Panchayati Raj was responsible for the anti-Indian strain.
The BJP government tried hard to conciliate the palace, but failed. The Indian Airlines hijacking in 1999 and the riots against patently false rumours attributed to Hrithik Roshan were only the tip of the anti-Indianism the palace fomented. In death, Birendra is remembered for having “granted” his people democracy instead of “compromising” with India and prolonging his autocratic rule.
Simply put, India cannot afford to trust the monarchy. The alternative is worse. The political class – irrespective of ideology – becomes inherently hostile to India when its interests so demand. When India was playing the dominant role in uniting the SPA and the Maoists in late 2005, principal leaders of both Nepali fronts had no problem encamping in New Delhi. Once in power, they began raising the India bogey, especially in terms of the revived interest in cooperation in water resources.
The Maoists have been rather candid in asserting that their warming up to India was only a tactical move. Apparently, that succeeded when India released C.P. Gajurel and Mohan Baidya from prison. Facing a growing Maoist movement in large swathes of the country, India had a national-security stake in mainstreaming the Nepali Maoists. What New Delhi overlooked was the gains the Chinese reaped from this development. Beijing is reported to have been in secret contact with former rebels. This is significant because the Chinese have always supported the palace over pro-Beijing outfits.
It is noteworthy that it fell upon the Chinese ambassador to break with tradition and present his credentials to Prime Minister Koirala instead of the king. What must not be lost sight of is the timing. Beijing emphasized this switch after Koirala appealed for China’s inclusion as a full member of SAARC at the recent summit in New Delhi. Beijing played its cards very adroitly on the eve of the anti-palace uprising. While New Delhi was fumbling for coherence, China dispatched a senior leader, former foreign minister Tang Jiaxuan, to woo Koirala and other opposition leaders. It is believed that Tang, while recognizing the political party’s traditional ties with India, set firm limits to Chinese tolerance.
Pakistan, too, has changed its tactics in Nepal. The ISI, in tandem with the Gulf monarchies, are funding anti-India Islamic extremism in Nepal. Although Muslims form only 5 percent of the Nepali population, more than 90 percent of them live along the border with India. While Pakistan pleads peace with India, Islamabad is using the Nepali Terai as a springboard for anti-India subversion.
India should stop expecting easy choices on Nepal. Full and formal integration of this vital region into the Indian union remains the only viable option. This may seem unbecoming of the world’s largest democracy seeking a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. Yet it is the only one that makes sense in terms of India’s national security.
It is the likes of Mr. Biswas that confirm India's imperialistic ambitions in South Asia. Does he not realize that 'integration of Nepal into the Indian Union' will be a major thorn in India's side? Nepalis across the board will denounce this and, instead of just a communist guerilla movement, Nepal will be like Chechnya to the Russians - except with much greater success!
On another note, today's NepalNews informs that the YCL has started a campaign to seize royal properties. This brings back memories of Mao's Red Guards and the Cultural Revolution. Nationalizing excessive royal properties is fine - but not by the YCL, not outside the Government framework! Beware SPA and all democratic forces in the country!
The article is plain old sub-continent biased tabloidism.
Lots of "could" and "might be" type languange.
Blogdai opines that Mr. Biswas is pining for a job with the International Crisis Group. This stuff is right up their alley.
-=BD
It is a freaking good analysis of the situation - presenting its side of the argument in rather bold manner.
Nepalis have this love-hate relation with India and everything Indian. They freaking admire India's growth and development but fail to accept its sigificance in changing global environment.
Political leaders and rebel groups alike have USED Indian political generosity to their advantage while constantly perpetuating a sense of anti-Indian politiking for their own benefit. Monarchs have stayed at a distance from India's involvment but have used such as a platform for nationalist cry - protecting itself by asserting Nepal's independence.
Neither have been capable of utilizing Indian advantage to benefit the general population of Nepal. Nepali people suffer when leaders are at cross with India; Nepali people suffer when leaders are sharing beds with India. The point is, Nepali people have suffered regardless of India's involvement/distance from Nepali politics.
The solution is two sided:
It is time for Nepali people and Monarchy to recognize India's beneficial influence in Nepal's politics. In addition, it is time for the Indians to realize that Monarchy is a vital institution to stability in Nepal, whose absence may not only destabilize the country but the whole region as well.
Without concerted effort from India AND Narayanhiti, I see no permanent stability in Nepal.
-feel free to disagree
One squeek out of Narayanthiti right now and the Maoists will start to foam in their mouth and intensify their demand for a republic.
I don't understand why the SPA are so gutless. Public opinion by and large is on their side. I have seen Sujata Koirala speak up against the YCL but I fail to see why people like Papupati Rana, Deuba and others are so slient and scared of the Maoists.
Bhudai Pundit
Feel free to disagree- your comment does not give any chance for disagreement, you are right. Now communist are grouping up, the only recourse for relevancy for Congress and parties like RPP is to ally with Monarch. If they fail to do this then just wait for the 1917 Bolshevik styled take over.
Love it or hate it, India is a neighbor we cannot do without. We need to formulate a strategy whereby the paramount concern is stability and give and take benefits. The hue and cry against India is really our weakness brought on by so-called=leaders who do not have fig of policies or a foresight. They take when they need it and shout against when they feel slighted. Cry babies.
Monarch became a victim of over reliance on nationality, SPA became snake in the grass to grab power by any means, and maoist put on hold their real intention to gain credibility to usurp power from SPA. And India played part in all. Just imagine if all Nepali side had played as one- there would be no India praising or hating only Nepal as sovereign country who could write its own destiny.
By the way This Interim Assembly sole purpose was to conduct CA- now as it is deferred- it holds no legitimacy, does it not?
Or is just a document of agreement set and agreed by 8 parties to run Nepal in continuum. Speak of Democracy and Loktrantrabadis, sure would have fooled me. Does autocracy ring a bell.
CA formation/election/idea is a good theory and blogdai has supported it since day one.
Problem is, the concept is destined for failure. Hold the elections and Maoists take advantage of our weak government and coerce the rural vote in their favor. Why do you think the Maoists are so adamant about these elections? the realize there will be NO effective poll supervion and they can act as they pleast.
Second, girija doesn't want the polls because it would mean he'd probably have to go so he'll put them off indefinitely. Problem is, he looks autocratic and inept in doing so.
Damned if you do, damned if you dont'
-=blogdai
The situation is very weird and political parties and Maoists seem to have gone crazy. They are hurried to declare republic as if their 10- years -war and 21- days- movement was just to throw the king out of his throne. And as if bringing republic will solve everything like a wizard’s spell. The social and economical problems are scaling to an imponderable limit while ones in the hot seat are busy with their political issues. The fear of secular war, which was never ever thought of even in the nightmares, is growing up but the SPAM is only working for the ‘Mission-Republic’.
The most ironically shameful thing is that these people who guarantee the political freedom and speech approach inhumanly to the ones who are in favor of monarchy. The royal-supporters are manhandled and abused openly as if they are criminals and cannot express their views. Can it be a democratic act? Everybody should be free to express his or her views and political agenda unless it is of a terrorist/Unlawful nature. Yesterday when Maoist websites were barred by the government, which was then illegitimate party, the media (incl. Kantipur) criticized the act and called for withdrawal of the ban while now, not even a single newspaper condemned the attack on RPP leaders and cadres in their editorial, not even Kantipur.
. Why should we approve the automatic ordinances, decisions, bills, elections et al. from the government which self-proclaims to represent almost entire population? Let people decide what they need, whether it is constitutional monarchy or republic or anything else. Let everyone speak fearlessly what they want and let others hear what they say too.
So let us have a common portal, say a forum, where we can discuss how can we contribute to the
Nation’s problem as we are also the significant citizens of the country. Here everyone whether they are republicans or staunch monarchists can express their views, along with good reasonings, not just whimsical arguments full of predisposition. Lets act fast. Let’s act now.
Sunday, October 28, 2007 Nepali Congress under Koirala: The Great Betrayal (Courtesy: Dr. Bipin Adhikari)
Betrayal , as a form of deception or dismissal of prior political commitment, is not uncommon in politics anywhere. However, the fact that Prime Minister G. P. Koirala, with 65 years of active politics, is capable to do it is something that comes not just as a surprise to the activists and voters of Nepali Congress, but also as a shame.
As a reform-oriented centrist party, the Nepali Congress has been on the frontline of politics and democratization since it was established in 1947. From the beginning it enjoys the support of the modest, democratic and non-communist voters of this country. They nurtured this party through decades for its commitment to soft politics and institutions based on Westminster model, the principle of national reconciliation as the strategy of Nepal’s independence and survival, and representative democracy.
Shift in Policies : Now there is a new edition of G. P. Koirala, which has challenged these ideals without allowing discussions – and without any working strategy and national direction. He has taken for granted that what he decides is the decision of the nation.
This is not all. Koirala has also cajoled this country - already deeply wounded for its faith in representative institutions – by upholding that those parties who think differently should not have access to the Parliament, and should have practically no opportunity to contest the constituent assembly elections. He has made sure that people who differ with him within the Congress have no voice in the public. In all these betrayals, and maneuverings to ‘republicanise’ Nepal by hooks or crooks, who knows it more than Prime Minister Koirala himself how outrageously treacherous he has proved to this otherwise proud democracy and a country of profoundly nationalist people. Since he approved the India-initiated 12-point understanding in New Delhi last year, Prime Minister Koirala has ignored the agenda of the Nepali Congress. He has also fully stopped the line of communication with the rank-and-file of the Congress.
Most Nepalis are stupid. All are lazy that's why they get work only as Pales or whores in our India.
Without us you bastards would starve. You depend on Indian charity to live but abuse Indians and call them dhotis. Nepalis are the most ungrateful bastards in the world.
Totally agree the nepalis are fucking idiots. Their lazy, stupid and think so much of how intelligent they are. By using their bare hands to perform tasks that normal people use machines to do.
Personally I think their all fucking Flintstone fuckwits. If they love their country so much, why don't they fucking go back & live there, reason why not, it's a fucking mountain.
Hey nepali idiots be real, grow up and fuck ur shit culture. Btw fuck ur outdated music, why a 20's yo listening to nepali folk songs, u fuckwit.
You miss the point of the article entirely and show your ass in the process.
A Nepali would never do that.
-=BD
How many nepali people have you known? I work with 70 of them and they all are stupid... maybe there is a few smart ones but I have not meet one
How many nepali people have you known? I work with 70 of them and they all are stupid... maybe there is a few smart ones but I have not meet one
Blogdai...meet me somewhere...I will show you how we are....
As offspring if nepali perants, i may have escaped, not sure perhaps im still a dum nepali whereever i was born. I am therefore i do.
I must say most nepalis are very dum their backward thinking settling for second best, never questioning and blindly following has my pants in a twist. Id never say it face to face as the twats have the worst inferiority complex this universe has seen; you think you are the one? You r the oversmart, dont try to clever me just a few repostes from dum nepalis when presented with facts. The dum nepali electorate deserve their government. Paraniod inferiority complex rule the pysche
So to catch up. Nepalis are not stupid, but they are lazy. If the world treated you as a political basket case and showered you with free money, wouldn't you be? Nevertheless, the Nepalis I hang with would work any Westerners into the ground.
Nepali's dumb? Nope, you just have to call them that to get a response out of their lazy asses.
-=bd
Nepalis are super stupid. Half of them are thieves and half are robbers. if you don't believe me then go to a bus station in Nepal with your suitcase. Stare at the sky for a second and your bag might have become invisible . haha. Also now they are the dogs of china. THEY ARE STUPID, USELESS, GARBAGE,ROBBERS,DONKEYS,AND I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO CALL THEM MODERN STRAY DOGS.
beware commenters nepalis are robbers and might kill you . they are not trustworthy they like to attack from the back
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