A Step Forward

IT is a welcome sign that the government talks team has initiated dialogue with the various agitating groups. The first meeting has been with the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NFIN). This shows that the government has kept its door open for negotiations. It may be worthwhile remembering that the various groups putting forth their demands had resorted to protests through bandhs and demonstrations. Seeing that the government is sincere about discussing and resolving their demands, the talks have begun. It is not that the first meeting itself will lead to the settlement of the demands but that it has begun is an indication that in the next few rounds of talks, appropriate solutions will emerge. The meeting with the NFIN held the other day discussed the modalities of the future talks. Dwelling on the talks, Minister for Peace and Reconstruction Ram Chandra Poudel said that the focus of the talks centred on the processes for the next round of dialogue. It is noteworthy that the NFIN has agreed to continue the dialogue. Minister Poudel also said that the government was ready to negotiate with all the agitating groups, including the Madhesi People's Rights Forum. He also urged all the concerned to make efforts to sort out problems for the cause of the nation, people and democracy.

This is certainly a bright lining in that talks with one of the agitating groups has begun in earnest. The government talks team also has meetings with other agitating groups lined up in the days ahead. This is very crucial in creating a conducive atmosphere in the country for the constituent assembly polls to be held in a free manner. The past months have seen disturbances in some parts of the country, which has made the life of the people difficult. Now the situation may change for the better with the agitating groups willing to sit for talks with the government. With positive indications coming from them, it can be hoped the next few weeks will be able to see some positive changes, with the contentious issues raised by the various groups being discussed and amicable solutions emerging. In this connection, the government well knows that the various demands put forth by the groups need to be resolved so that it will lead the country forward towards the goal of all-inclusive democracy and lasting peace.

Source: The Rising Nepal, May 7, 2007