Coming Closer

The eight-party leaders came together Saturday to discuss the impending issues afflicting the country. The meeting has been able to end the deadlock that weakened the process of communication and dialogue among the political actors in the country. For the last one plus months, a purposeful communication and dialogue have not been able to take place among the political actors in the country. There are several important subjects that lend impetus to the peace-building process. Major decisions have to be taken to clear the confusion and end the uncertainties to consolidate peace and harmony in the country. Several low intensity conflicts and tensions have erupted in different parts of the country. These have given rise to a number of confrontations tending to vitiate the current political situation in the country.

The Madhesi issue and similar demands and subjects raised by the Janajatis have to be addressed to bring about normalisation and peace in the country. The Madhesis have expressed their disenchantment and disappointment over the current framework of state structuring and power sharing arrangements. The agitation looming over Madhesh and voices of discontent coming from that part should be tackled through dialogue. In the same vein, the Janajatis have demanded that the state should take their voices into account and redress their grievances with a sense of justice. It is in the interest of peace and democracy that the government is seeking to establish a channel of communication and interaction with the Madhesis and Janajatis. The panel headed by senior minister in the coalition government Ram Chandra Poudel has been working to overcome the problems and address the issues through mutual appreciation of national interests.

Moreover, the date for the polls to the constituent assembly has to be decided and announced soon. As the eight-party leaders have agreed to further the process of dialogue and negotiation, it is expected that the impending subjects, including fixing the date for the polls to the constituent assembly, would be decided through mutual concurrence and understanding. A positive sense of mutual dialogue and negotiation would alone contribute to institutionalising peace and democracy. For this, the political actors need to join their hands in a constructive spirit.

Source: The Rising Nepal, May 28, 2007