HELLO NEPAL

Childish act It has been a childish play for the so called High Level Political Committee (HLPC) to amend the Interim Constitution (IC) as and when needed to suit their taste. On the other side, it seems that the President is dancing to their tune as reported to “Prez nod to poll ordinance” (THT, 19 September Page 1). Earlier, they had agreed to retain the CA number to 491 after facing wide criticism from the public and the President had accordingly given his approval. While signing the agreement with the Upendra Yadav led agitating parties, they had agreed to increase the number of CA member to 585 from 491. Now, the number has been increased to its old number of 601. What a shame on these so called big parties who seem playing with the future of New Nepal? The ongoing political situation does not seem favourable for the second CA election that will be held in free and fair manner. CPN-Maoist led 32 parties alliance is in the mood of disrupting the election by any means.

The Himalayan Times 13 September 2013 Mistakes It is really sad to read the news report “Govt starts process to elect 601-strong CA” (THT, 12 September, Page 1) at such a time when the people had strongly criticized the huge size of the erstwhile CA that failed to give new constitution. It seems that this was simply a political game that the major political parties had played with the like-minded party that was made a medium to increase the number of CA from 491 to 601 for their own political sake. They have completely undermined the sentiments of all the common people who had shown a big concern of the effectiveness of this huge CA. It has been another blow to the people who wanted to see a small but committed and effective CA. It does seem convincing that the second CA will also be successful in drafting the new constitution looking closely at the current political differences among the political parties. The big four had knowingly or unknowingly made a blunder of

The Himalayan Times 6 September 2013 No more blame game It was not surprising to read the news report “601-member CA structure to be retained: HLPC” (THT, 5 September Page 3) as it was expected that the big political parties , who are in the HLPC sooner or later, would agree to increase the number from the originally agreed upon number of 491 among them. They were simply playing the game to put the blame on the other small parties for increasing the number. It’s not the small parties who benefits from retaining the old CA number of 601. Looking at the ongoing political drama, it can be easily guessed that the second CA, if it’s held, would simply remain nothing more than a platform for pocketing the perks and benefits of the CA members hitting economically hard on the people’s heads who contribute directly or indirectly to the central treasury. It is pity to see that the big political parties directly undermining the common people’s wish to see smaller number but effec

Foolish idea Federalism for Nepal is nothing but to fragment the whole Nepal into pieces and rule the country using divide and rule policy of so called big political parties with the support and interest of external powers. I am not against the federalism. For a small and poverty ridden country like Nepal, it does not suit and is not applicable. Nepal simply needs to revive the decentralization policy and implement it effectively following the same concept of 14 Zones, 75 districts and 5 development regions. That’s it. Why don’t the intellectuals with this understanding and background raise their voices against the federalism? What you say?

The Himalayan Times 30 August 2013 Doubts Time is running fast for the government and so called big parties for timely addressing the demand of Adhikari couple who are on hunger strike for a long time and have been refusing medical treatment at the Bir Hospital as reported in “Couple on hunger strike seeks action” (THT, 29 August, Page 2). It is a pity that these old parents have been forced to stage fast unto death seeking justice from the state against the brutal killing of their younger son in Chitawan district during the ten year long Maoist insurgency. Before the Adhikari couple had taken such a bold step, none of the concerned agencies, human right activists, civil rights activities and political leaders had shown any concern for their plight. What a pity? Does the Regmi led government have the guts to give justice to the Adhikari couple? Why they didn’t book the culprits as soon as the writ petition from the couple was submitted to the concerned offices