Ambiguous Civil Society
The Kathmandu Post
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
The roles of self proclaimed Civil Society that evolved just a month before the beginning of Jana Andolan 2 has been quite confusing. No doubt, they played a crucial role during the April Movement by propping up the political parties in their fight against the autocratic regime. But of late, the civil society has been very indifferent toward the negligence of responsible political parties. It is visible that the major political parties are squabbling for the last two months for chairs thus spending valuable time for their own petty interests. This is a precious time when they are supposed to work day and night to give shape to the new constitution. The parties have been ignoring the implication of failing to implement the past agreements and act as per the schedule. The twelve point agreement that was signed between the then SPA and the Maoist has not been fully implemented. They have failed to unite for the common cause. As a result, there have been constant external political and diplomatic interferences in our national affairs as the country is passing through this vulnerable political situation. Don’t these issues concern the civil society? Where are the self proclaimed leaders of the so-called civil society? Are not they supposed to come to the “Mandala “at Maitighar to express their concern and exert pressure on the concerned on these issues? Are not these issues of more pressing importance than staging a drama of begging money for ex-king? The role of Civil Society seems ambiguous and biased.
Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharajgunj, Kathmandu
