By Ankit Thapa
People of our generation all remember what a pleasant place Nepal was, where people lived in harmony and felt relatively secure. We also know that corruption existed even during the Panchayat period.
But things changed drastically after multiparty democracy was introduced in the country, corruption practice became rampant and political parties increasingly resorted to violence, anarchy and frequent protests. This not only inconvenienced the general public but also contributed to divisions within political parties and among the people along political and communal lines.
This author vividly remembers those days when political protests became extremely violent and innocent people lost their lives. Yet nobody, or no political party, was held responsible for the violence, arson and suffering inflicted on the people—not only those who depended on daily wages for their livelihood, but also countless others who suffered because markets were completely shut down.
The situation worsened further after the Maoists launched their armed struggle and resorted to violence, even killing ordinary people simply because they refused to participate in their violent campaign. They killed many innocent civilians and security personnel, destroyed government infrastructure, looted banks, and extorted money from civil servants and industrialists by threatening them for personal gain.
It was a tragedy for the nation that this very party, along with individuals associated with its armed movement, eventually came to power following the signing of the so-called “Peace Agreement.”
I still firmly believe that another person played an equally significant, if not greater, role in worsening the situation even after the peace agreement was signed. That man was Ian Martin, who was appointed by the United Nations to oversee the implementation of the peace agreement between the Maoists and the government.
Today, hardly anyone knows, particularly in the Nepali media, where this man is based. But we can say with conviction that our own leader, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, and Ian Martin worked hand in hand, allegedly deceiving both the United Nations and Nepal. It is a matter of concern that a prestigious organisation like the United Nations would hire individuals whom critics have accused of such conduct for important positions.
Everybody knows that the two major festivals, Dashain and Tihar, are just around the corner, and that the majority of Nepalis celebrate these occasions lavishly. At this time, even the security forces warn people to remain alert to crimes that may occur during the festive season.
This is understandable, as many underprivileged and poor individuals may resort to various means to celebrate the festivals and make their families happy. It is therefore not surprising that crime can increase during this period.
Speaking of crime, if readers recall, even before the days of Ian Martin and the peace process, this writer had raised the question of what mostly uneducated young people would do in the future after having been trained primarily to fight, intimidate and threaten ordinary citizens as a means of earning money.
There were also reports that some such young fighters had absconded with weapons that had been provided to them during the armed rebellion. It is unfortunate that no experts, analysts or security officials adequately addressed this aspect, even after peace had been restored in the country.
Although the conflict ended, many people still do not feel secure. It can also be argued that criminal activities have increased to an alarming extent, a concern that even security officials have acknowledged.
Why don’t political leaders speak about this kind of development? Why don’t the so-called “media specialists” raise an issue that is troubling the nation so deeply?
Many ordinary Nepalis once thought that such criminal activities occurred mainly in India and other parts of the world. But today, we are witnessing similar forms of criminal activity in Nepal.
This is a serious failure on the part of our political leaders and the active cadres of political parties. More worrying is the fact that even schoolchildren are beginning to imitate violent and intimidating behaviour that they see in India and other powerful countries, particularly in the way smaller and poorer countries are sometimes intimidated and divided.
Some argue that this is a deliberate tactic employed by powerful countries to create instability, disturbance, inflation and division in poorer and smaller nations. It is therefore hardly surprising that we are witnessing an escalation of violence and criminal activities around the world.
Nepal, too, has not been able to escape these developments. They are slowing the country’s development efforts while contributing to instability and political chaos.
This is a time for all Nepalis to stand together and remain united for the sake of the nation. They must not allow themselves to be influenced by foreign powers or their agents within the country.
If this resolve cannot be achieved, Nepal too could become another chaotic and unstable country, as we have seen in many parts of the world.
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