END POLITICAL CRISIS
The Kathmandu Post
8
January 2016
END POLITICAL CRISIS
It seems that the political and
constitutional crisis that has been prevailing in the country for the last four
months may end soon considering new progress made in the formation of a task
force representing Samyukta Loktantric Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) and major parties to
forge common consensus on contentious issues of the new constitution (“Morcha
forms panel to hold consultations” 6 January, Page 1). It is high time for
both the agitating and major parties became serious and sorted out their
political differences concerning provincial boundaries, electoral laws,
citizenship laws and proportional and inclusiveness representation cited in the
new constitution.
SLMM is consistently insisting major parties
to come forward with clear positions on their 11-point demands especially
related to redrawing provincial boundaries. But, time has also come for SLMM to
be sensible and flexible in their demands to unlock the ongoing political and
constitutional deadlock. However, representatives of three major parties should
play more proactive role for creating favourable and trustworthy environment to
successfully hold consultations with SLMM representatives for coming to common
understanding and position on the contentious issues.
The country and its people have suffered a
lot out of this chaotic situation caused by major political parties’ political
egos and stubbornness. On top of that, India’s unofficial trade blockade has tossed
fuel to it making the situation more painful and unbearable. It is heard almost
everyday from PM K P Oli, his ministers and other senior political leaders that
this trade blockade will end soon (“Blockade will be lifted soon, says
Deuba” 6 January, Page 4). This hollow announcement has been repeated since
this government was formed three months ago. This ambiguous claim should be
immediately stopped so that the people would not have to live on false
promises.
Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharajgunj
