GRAB THE OPPORTUNITY
The Kathmandu Post
1
January 2016
GRAB THE OPPORTUNITY
The level of frustration of the general
people has gone up very high, with the recent attack by the local people on the
Everest Gas Depot at Kirtipur being a case in point. Considering this, it was
relaxing to read the news report that the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha
(SLMM) is considering to withdraw border protests (“SLMM mulls ending border
obstructions” 30 December, Page 1). Time has definitely come for them to
look for other alternatives to express their dissatisfactions against the
constitution rather than continuing to blockade the trade points with India.
The disgruntled parties have every right to
stage protests in a peaceful manner to show their grievances. However, the
protests in Madhes have been violent. Over 50 people have lost their lives
during the agitation. Both the ruling and agitating parties are to be blamed for
these human casualties. The political parties need to have serious and sincere
dialogue over the constitutional and political issues rather than showing their
political egos and strength. So far, they have not been able to come to
consensus on these issues and will not able to do so if they continue to flex
their political muscles.
However, the deliberation on the amendment
bill in Parliament has given some hope of consensus which is only possible if the
ruling, opposition and SLMM put their sincere effort.
Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharajgunj
