Bringing back democracy in Nepal
Bhumika Ghimire
February 11, 2006
Unlike the belief some people have about democracy, I strongly believe that every country in this world should be a democracy. That’s the only way we can ensure that people can enjoy their rights and work together to build a strong and prosperous society.
What is happening in Nepal is certainly not right, I cannot believe that censorship, eliminating right to choose, right to be informed will help the King solve the Maoist problem. Neither does dissolving a government and establishing himself as absolute monarch. If the King is really serious about solving the Maoist issue, then his steps should have been different than what we have been seeing.
First of all, he should not have imposed media censorship, Shutting down newspapers, FM stations, phone lines and internet adds to the desperation people are already feeling. Shutting down phone lines, in my term, that’s brutal. People can have medical emergency, crime or what about anxious family members outside country trying to contact? Ok newspapers, internet were shutdown to keep off rumors, but what about the people’s right to be informed? Instead of keeping the public in dark, the King should have gone to the people and explained to them why he had taken the extreme step.What are his plans. News hungry people are more likely to spread rumors than informed ones.
Now that the king has done all that he shouldn’t have, focus should now turn on corrective steps. The first one I can think of is constitutional rights of the pole should be restored. Then the ban on criticizing the King’s move should be lifted. Let the people debate, lets the parties voice their opinion. Having a healthy political debate will help start the process of re-conciliation. After we can get the dialogue started, we have to bring the Maoist to the equation.Its better to start the talks with the Maoists as early as possible. Issue of election should be discussed during the talks. Let the Maoist participate in the election. I believe than if we are able to involve them in the political process we will be able to stop their violent ways.
I am very hopeful about Nepal’s future. Let us all be hopeful and work toward peace.
What is happening in Nepal is certainly not right, I cannot believe that censorship, eliminating right to choose, right to be informed will help the King solve the Maoist problem. Neither does dissolving a government and establishing himself as absolute monarch. If the King is really serious about solving the Maoist issue, then his steps should have been different than what we have been seeing.
First of all, he should not have imposed media censorship, Shutting down newspapers, FM stations, phone lines and internet adds to the desperation people are already feeling. Shutting down phone lines, in my term, that’s brutal. People can have medical emergency, crime or what about anxious family members outside country trying to contact? Ok newspapers, internet were shutdown to keep off rumors, but what about the people’s right to be informed? Instead of keeping the public in dark, the King should have gone to the people and explained to them why he had taken the extreme step.What are his plans. News hungry people are more likely to spread rumors than informed ones.
Now that the king has done all that he shouldn’t have, focus should now turn on corrective steps. The first one I can think of is constitutional rights of the pole should be restored. Then the ban on criticizing the King’s move should be lifted. Let the people debate, lets the parties voice their opinion. Having a healthy political debate will help start the process of re-conciliation. After we can get the dialogue started, we have to bring the Maoist to the equation.Its better to start the talks with the Maoists as early as possible. Issue of election should be discussed during the talks. Let the Maoist participate in the election. I believe than if we are able to involve them in the political process we will be able to stop their violent ways.
I am very hopeful about Nepal’s future. Let us all be hopeful and work toward peace.
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