Reflection Time

TOMORROW, Baisakh 11, marks the first anniversary of the success of Jana Andolan II. The people's movement last year was the expression of the people's will and determination to end the authoritarian rule and establish people's supremacy and democracy. The loktantra that has been established with the great sacrifice and struggle of the people is getting stronger. The occasion is being marked with a variety of programmes highlighting the role the political leaders have to play and create an all- inclusive democracy in the better interest of the people and the country. Dwelling on the subject, Minister for Peace and Reconstruction Ram Chandra Poudel, at a compliment sharing programme organised by the Nepal Tarun Dal in Kathmandu Saturday, stressed that the leaders of the eight political parties should impart a meaningful message on the occasion of the first Loktantra Day. This, he said, was needed to assure the people that the country was heading towards achieving the goals that had been set earlier.

As regards the confusion of the Constituent Assembly election date, Minister Poudel said that it would be sorted out at the earliest. Looking back at the achievements made, they have been significant, but more is to be done to materialise the dreams and aspiration of the martyrs and the people in general. Though there may be some concerns regarding the slow pace of the political development, it can be assured that the country is heading in the right direction with the unity forged among the eight political parties. It is also necessary that the agreement and alliance of the eight parties must be kept intact while at the same time forward looking decisions are the need of the day. In this direction, the leaders of the eight political parties, the interim government and the legislature parliament must be ever vigilant so that the gains made so far remain, and further initiatives can be taken for the days to come. The need for greater vigilance from every sector of the society is necessary to thwart any attempt from regressive elements to disrupt the peaceful process that is taking the country on the path of all-inclusive democracy and lasting peace. As the people are the ultimate beneficiaries, they must also contribute from their respective walks of life to work for institutionalising loktantra.

Source: The Rising Nepal, April 23, 2007