Martyrs Remembered

PRIME Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, addressing the special function organised at Sainik Manch, Tundikhel to mark Loktantra Day on Tuesday paid heartfelt tributes to the martyrs, reiterating that national integrity, mutual amity and consensus would help realise the dream, intent and duty assigned by the martyrs. In fact, the sacrifices made by the martyrs and the people's spontaneous participation in Jana Andolan II were the bulwarks on which success was achieved for the reestablishment of democracy and the reinstatement of the House of Representatives. That paved the way for further political developments to take place in the past one year since the successful people's uprising. Prime Minister Koirala also made it clear that the historic achievement had been possible only through the relentless struggle of the people and underlined the fact that the gains made cannot be hijacked by anyone. This commitment to safeguard and further the cause of democracy are justified as now sovereignty is vested in the Nepali people, and the supremacy of the people has been established. To celebrate the first anniversary of Jana Andolan II, various programmes were held throughout the country including processions that had the participation of people from all walks of life. In the mass meetings organised, the focus was not only on the achievements made but also on the shortcomings that have been seen, including the delay in announcing the date for holding the constituent assembly elections.

On the same occasion, a mass meeting was organised by the civil society, which had played a significant role during the April revolution, at Basantapur Square. Various political leaders stressed the fact that the movement for full-fledged democracy had continued till the goals were achieved. They also spoke of the need to face the challenges standing in front of them. In the forefront lies the holding of the CA polls that will draft the constitution, which will be all-inclusive and set a new course for realising the dream of a new Nepal. It has been a year since the new dawn began with the success of Jana Andolan II, but there is disgruntlement over the slow pace with which the government is moving forward. But there is agreement that the transitional phase is one of the most difficult times that a country has to pass through. In this the need is for unity among all the democratic forces and consensus on issues of national importance. If this exists, then a small delay cannot cause much harm. The most important thing at the moment is for unity to be maintained among the eight political parties so that the regressive forces are neutralised and cannot raise their heads against the gains of the people and the country in the past one year.

Source: The Rising Nepal, April 26, 2007