Nepal Emergency II

What’s up in Nepal? You may be wondering, too. Unimaginable that on the top of the world, news outlets are down, communication is cut off and there is no word as to what is happening, really. A nightmare for Nepal’s emerging news media industry. The Indian media are having a level-field in shaping and spreading the word. If only the British media did not chip in, a little more realistic perspective would have been merely a dream. With the state of emergency and apparently a clampdown on a free press, how the native media would react, is only a matter of conjecture.

Newslook, as always, in such critical times, wonders what the future holds for the nation of Nepal. Well, now it is a Kingdom, more than ever.

This magazine, based in the U.S. (read: uncensored) and operated through personal volunteer efforts, has monitored news about the Himalayan region for more than 6 years. Here is another important development to monitor and to comment about. While this page does not reflect how the aggregate of Nepali media view the recent developments (impossible, given the circumstances), it does comb the perspectives of the international news outlets. In an interdependent world, and for a developing country like Nepal, what the world media say is often more important than how Nepalis think and view themselves. But important as it may be, such coverage is not always substantial or even accurate.

The world media is already likening King’s Gyanendra’s moves to the desperate efforts of a tyrant to hold on to power. True it may be, but it is not that simplistic. Even without formal “powers,” Gyanendra was more powerful than anybody else in Nepal, from Day 1 of his reign, which started in June of 2001. Many Nepalis, who consider the monarch their only hope, will rejoice that he finally showed the guts to defy world opinion.

Democracy in Nepal, for long, has been a matter of personalistic tussles, partisan interests and procedural obsessions. Little surprise that Gyanendra emphasized it, at least in his proclamation, as more of a matter of values and attitudes consistent with democratic norms—working together, despite disagreements. Unfortunately, for political parties, “working together” is an anathema, because it means a difficult task of tolerating the opponents’ views and reaching a consensus. The basest of democratic instincts—clinging to one’s preferred position and unwilling to compromise—have hurt Nepal, to the extent that the country has bled much in the past 9 years, since the Maoists launched their civil war against monarchy and a multi-party system.

King Gyanendra, at least, displayed some courage (perhaps much courage) in articulating his vision of a peaceful and prosperous Nepal where citizens’ rights were protected, not the whims and instincts of perpetually feuding political parties. However, one may wonder how he is going to create and work in alliances and how he is going to inspire a generation lost in wilderness and skepticism. Perhaps for tactical reasons, if not for genuine good, he suggested in his speech Nepal’s need to join the “comity” of nations, even as it struggled to root out insurgency and divisive politics. That alone may not be enough for power centers such as New Delhi, Washington and London, who see an end to democracy in the “tiny Himalayan nation.” If political conventions have their way, alliances are not normally made with “tiny” nations, but with giants. Fortunately for the King, China may come to his relief. But all said, 3 years is not an eternity and one doubts if the King will be able to pacify the “destructive forces” within that period and help restore the multi-party system, and of course an unrestrained press. It takes a lifetime to nurture good leaders--who will lead such multi parties three years from now?

The king evokes strong traditional values, and of course, an entrepreneurial zeal—evidenced by his several "innovative" political steps and past business ventures. He is resoundingly critical of political parties. However, he has not been able to mediate the opponents to resolve the problems facing Nepal. Time will tell if and how he displays a balance of qualities required of a democratic monarch. Very unlikely, critics and the international press would like us to believe. Much of the media debate on the King’s takeover centers on “principles” – that a constitutional monarch is not supposed to do what Gyanendra did. As George W. Bush, the leader of the Free World often says, history will judge it. Everyday historians, like this commentator, may not see any wisdom in a “unilateral” undertaking. But long-term historians may.

Conversely, political parties may show some leadership by forming an unlikely alliance. If that happens, Gyanendra’s courage could be lauded. But he could loose his gaddhi. Given the unpredictable and unempirical nature of Nepal’s politics, it is vividly possible that a few years from now Nepal’s school children may have to rote-learn an altogether different history—Once upon a time, there was a king who ruled Nepal... Chairman Prachanda led a glorious revolution... He brought "people's democracy"... He also introduced a more responsible press...

WORLD HEADLINES

Feb 02/05

• New king, new rules, News from Russia, Feb 02/05

• Saarc summit postponed, India not to attend, TP, Feb 02/05

• How the press see it, SMH, Feb 02/05

• Dozens of political leaders arrested, KT, Feb 02/05

• The King's men, VOA, Feb 02/05

• King to act as chair of cabinet, no PM, KT, Feb 02/05

• Indian PM not to attend Saarc to protest Nepal devs, Feb 02/05

• King closes borders, MD, Feb 02/05

• America criticizes, JapanToday, Feb 02/05

• Indian scholars opine on King's move, IPS, Feb 02/05

• Inida tried to dissuade king a few weeks ago, NP, Feb 02/05

Democracy Under Assault in Nepal

Writing in the Foreign Policy In Focus, Kanak Mani Dixit comments: “Rather than denounce the political parties’ inability to work together and opt for the takeover, it would have been a much more popular and realistic move for the king to have used his prerogative as head-of-state to bring the bickering parties together at this critical juncture, thereby defending rather than weakening democracy.”

• No-nonsense monarch, TOI, Feb 02/05

• Nepal gripped by political crisis, BBC, Feb 02/05

• State of confusion in Nepal, DPK, Feb 02/05

• King's move will benefit Maoist rebels, says India, FE, Feb 02/05

• A king stages a coup, Telegraph India, Feb 02/05

• Delhi largely responsible on Nepal crisis: Times, London, Feb 02/05

• Autocrat for some, Vishnu for others, Telegraph, Feb 02/05

• Long night in Kathmandu, IE, Feb 02/05

• Tourists say tension only in airport, IE, Feb 02/05

• Website advises climbers on way to Nepal, ME, Feb 02/05

• Annan calls for restoration of democracy, HS, Feb 02/05

• Emergency may deepen HR concerns, Reuters, Feb 02/05

• Tourists get refunds, cancellation, Times, Feb 02/05

• Maoists call 3-day strike to protest king's move, ABC, Feb 02/05

• Nepal tops google political news for the day, Google, Feb 02/05

• UN, US and others: Restore democracy immediately, HS, Feb 02/05

• China appreciates closure of Dalai office, Xinhua, Feb 02/05

• King confirms he'll attend Saarc meet, IE, Feb 02/05

• No intentions to interfere in Nepal: India, Feb 02/05

Text of the Royal Proclamation

Beloved Countrymen,
1. The Kingdom of Nepal was built on the foundations of the unification process initiated by King Prithvi Narayan Shah the Great. It is well known that to reign in accordance with the people's aspirations, our forefathers initiated revolutionary measures of historic importance, ensuring a bright future of the nation and her people. History is witness to the fact that both the Nepalese people and the King have, in unison, played decisive roles in each and every period of the Kingdom's process of unification, democratisation and modernisation.

2. Today, we have once again reached a juncture where, in keeping with popular aspirations, a historic decision must be taken to defend multiparty democracy by restoring peace for the nation and people. Even when bloodshed, violence and devastation has pushed the country on the brink of destruction, those engaged in politics in the name of the country and people continue to shut their eyes to their welfare. Tussle for power, abuse of authority on gaining power and unhealthy competition in fulfilling personal and communal interests at the expense of the nation and citizenry contributed to the further deterioration in the situation. There were attempts to flout the universally accepted rule of law in the name of politics. Our desire to ensure social, political and economic justice for our beloved people through the meaningful exercise of multiparty democracy could not be materialised. There was a steady rise in crimes against the nation and people, including destruction of development infrastructures constructed for the people's benefit. Whereas all democratic forces should have adopted an unified approach against terrorism, leaders instead continued their tussle for power, encouraging simple political workers to vandalise public utilities in the name of politics. Faced with this steadily declining situation, it is now time to bring to an end the ongoing acts of terrorist violence and pledge, in earnest, to fulfill the people's aspirations with the restoration of peace and security in the country.

Beloved countrymen,

3. Democracy and progress always complement each other. But, Nepal's bitter experiences over the past few years tend to show that democracy and progress contradict one another. Multiparty democracy was discredited by focusing solely on power politics. Parliament witnessed many aberrations in the name of retaining and ousting governments. Not a single House of Representatives was allowed to complete its tenure. Continuous confusion and disorder resulted in the obstruction of the democratic process. While the people's aspirations continued to be shattered and their trust trampled on, they became increasingly disenchanted with democracy itself. After being incapable of holding elections, there were conspiracies to form undemocratic governments, which would be responsible to no one. There was also a written consensus amongst all political parties on vacuuming the people's representatives out but they could not see eye to eye when it came to working together in filling this void. The participation and concurrence of political parties in making way for a form of governance, which negated popular representation, was against the people's wishes and norms and spirit of multiparty democracy. So, we appealed to all those who have faith in democracy with the intention of activating, at the earliest, the system of popular representation. We also met a number of times with members of the general public, senior citizens, representatives of the civil society and leaders of political parties in our effort to gauze the popular mandate and try to convince them of the country's requirements and people's aspirations. We reminded them that the only wish of the Nepalese people and friends of Nepal was to bring to an end the ongoing violence and destructive activities and return peace and tranquility to the country without any further delay. In order to conduct the general elections in an environment of peace and security, opportunities were given to leaders of various political parties to constitute the Council of Ministers, with executive power. But the situation did not improve. National politics was plagued by not uniting in running the government but opposing it on being ousted from it. No serious efforts were made to attenuate the real threat posed against democracy by terrorism in the form of a single-party autocracy. The habit of passing carefree remarks on matters of national security continued. Political parties were unable to display responsible behavior in augmenting the patriotic fervour of our dutiful security personnel, who are active round the clock in ensuring security of the nation and people. Multiparty democrats could not sincerely unite, with national interest as the focal point, to forever end the cycle of devastation being lashed out against the nation and people. Likewise, political parties also could not identify national priorities in keeping with the people's aspirations.

4. Throughout history, the Nepalese people never had to bear the burden of such terrorism, agony and exploitation. No democracy has ever had to go through such a dismal situation, where the innocent are punished by criminals, people whose property is seized and innocent children, women and the elderly who are mercilessly killed by criminals cannot receive any kind of protection from those who govern in their name and parties who claim to represent the people do not act in their defence. The nefarious designs of an individual or group, negating the wishes of the Nepalese people as well as the national interest and acting through sponsored mobs, cannot form our national agenda. Conscientiousness towards our responsibility to the future of the country and people has nudged us many a time. Circumstances have reached such a critical stage that it has now become imperative for us to take a decision in the greater interest of the nation and people in accordance with their aspirations.

Beloved Countrymen,

5. Nepal's independence, national unity and sovereignty are best safeguarded by the intimate relationship between the King and people. An Institution of Monarchy ever devoted to the country and people and a people with an innate love for their land is the glorious history of the Kingdom of Nepal, its present and also its future. In keeping with this glorious tradition, popular will as always remained the guiding light for Nepal's Monarchy. We are committed to social justice; totalitarianism and authoritarianism are entirely inconsistent with the Monarchial traditions of the Shah Dynasty. We are convinced of the fact that the Nepalese people have deep faith in and are firmly committed to Constitutional Monarchy and multiparty democracy. We believe that centralisation of authority is against democratic norms. We feel that a meaningful exercise in democracy can take place only when elected representatives at all levels are given their share in the governance of the country in accordance with the principles of separation of powers. It is our desire that, while no Nepalese should experience pain or suffering, every citizen should have unfettered access to social, economic and political justice. We strongly believe that the people should always feel that their wishes are being fully honoured and their interests completely protected in the governance of the country. It is our desire to ensure that the Kingdom of Nepal forges ahead towards the creation of a mature democracy and welfare society with the collective judgment, understanding and farsightedness of all patriotic democrats. We are confident that there can never be any differences among democrats on achieving the fundamental objectives of national welfare.

6. We have no interest other than the restoration of sustainable peace and exercise in meaningful democracy for the welfare of Nepal and Nepalese people. Monarchy is guided not by a cheap popularity but by the overall welfare and continued progress of Nepal and her people. Everyone should respect the people's desire for effective reforms. Let no Nepalese feel compelled to take up arms as a means of expressing frustration or disenchantment. At the same time, it must be ensured that every citizen has the opportunity to express discontent effectively without jeopardizing social harmony. It is clear that what the people want are a meaningful exercise in democracy, an effective market economy, good governance, transparency and a corruption-free rule of law. Our only wish is to guarantee our people's happiness through democracy, instill hope among the youth for a brighter future and to ensure dignity for Nepal amongst the comity of nations. Equal opportunities for the development of all our languages, peoples and their cultures alone can preserve and consolidate the Kingdom's distinct characteristics.

7. Contrary to the wishes of the Nepalese people, on whom sovereignty is vested, no serious efforts were made towards initiating elections to the House of Representatives within the year 2061 B.S. by maintaining, to the extent possible, peace and security. Instead of preparing the electorate and political parties for the elections and laying the necessary legal, managerial and technical groundwork, time was wasted on paying only lip service on the urgency of holding elections. As it is our responsibility to preserve our nationalism, national unity and sovereignty, as well as to maintain peace and security in the country and ensure that the state of the nation does not deteriorate any further, we have, by virtue of the State Authority as exercised by us and in keeping with the spirit of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal - 1990, taking into consideration Article 27 (3) of the Constitution, dissolved, effective from today, the current Council of Ministers to fulfill the people's desire for the restoration of peace and security and to activate soon the democratic dispensation. The Council of Ministers to be constituted will be under our Chairmanship. This Council of Ministers will give utmost priority to reactivating multiparty democracy in the country within three years with the implementation of effective reforms by restoring peace and security.

Beloved countrymen,

8. Only a meaningful multiparty democracy can be an effective means of governance by the people. A successful multiparty democracy alone is synonymous with people's democracy. Such a system, which is people-oriented, mature, cultured and refined, has been disrupted. Terrorising the innocent population, extorting money through intimidation, brutally murdering those who dissent, kidnapping students and perpetrating atrocities against teachers, making false promises to simple people and destroying development projects aimed at the people's welfare are crimes against the nation and people, which have to be brought to an immediate end. From now on, such crimes will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law. Our security forces have been mobilised to carry out their responsibilities more effectively to end terrorism and restore peace and security in the interest of the nation and people. All the organs of the state must remain alert in honouring and upholding human rights. However, it will be unfair to put the state and terrorists on equal footing. We are confident that all peace-loving Nepalese who have faith in democracy will, as always, continue to cooperate with the security forces in maintaining peace and tranquility.

9. We call upon all those who have gone astray, taking up arms against the nation and people, and those who are engaged in criminal activities against peace and democracy to return to the mainstream of national politics peacefully. Ensuring opportunities to freely express one's views with patriotism as the focal point, fulfilling one's aspirations and contributing to the welfare of the nation and people are the inherent features of multiparty democracy. We assure all those who avail of this opportunity to join the national mainstream that the state will give them opportunities and rights equal to those enjoyed by all our citizens, without any discrimination whatsoever; neither the people nor the law will tolerate any terrorist activities against the state or its citizens.

Beloved countrymen,

10. We would like to thank all the friendly nations who have generously supported us, appreciating our commitment to fight terrorism, as well as donors and international financial institutions that have rendered invaluable assistance in our development endeavours. Even the world's democracies are presently faced with the threat of terrorism, which cannot be confined within geographical boundaries. The world community has in fact realised that the more secure, stable and prosperous the smaller nations become, the more secure, stable and prosperous will the region and the world as a whole be. Nepal is, therefore, committed to eliminating terrorism in her own interest as well as in the interest of democracies around the world. Nepal aspires for peace - for herself, her neighbours and South Asia - and to rid the world of the threat to peace.

11. While expressing our unflinching faith in multiparty democracy, we would like to mention that economic and institutional reforms will continue. Efforts at reforms in the utilization of public expenditure and public service delivery will be made more effective. Banking discipline will be restored. Measures will be adopted towards the effective implementation of the poverty reduction strategy and the anti-corruption drive. Sustainable development is now our national agenda. No one will be allowed to jeopardize the people's security and the future of democracy. Nepal will not allow terrorists to use her territory against herself or against any other friendly nation. In our ties with other countries, emphasis will be laid on fostering constructive relations based on mutual benefit and pragmatism.

12. Corruption, which has been continuously spreading its tentacles, has not only cast a shadow over politics and administration, but has also obstructed the nation's march towards progress. Corruption has struck at the very core of our society, the result of which the common man's confidence in the laws of the land has been shaken. Therefore, in keeping with the popular will and to fulfill the main criterion of good governance, effective measures will be adopted to curb corruption, while ensuring that the principles of justice are not infringed upon.

13. It is our desire that democracy be a way of life, politics be conducted in keeping with democratic norms and values, people from all strata of society honestly adhere to democratic ideals and everyone be guided by the interest of the country and people. All Nepalese wish to see our country as a progressive nation, occupying a pride of place in the international community, where democratic ideals thrive in a peaceful environment. It is our belief that upholding human rights not only preserves and promotes democratic values but also enhances a way of life and civilisational values commensurate with the 21st century.

Beloved countrymen,

14. Our decision should leave no room for confusion amongst the security personnel and civil servants in discharge of their duties and responsibilities. Today, it is we Nepalese who must take an initiative to ensure a bright future for Nepal and the Nepalese. An independent press serves as the medium for raising the level of democratic consciousness. It plays a crucial role in the promotion of national interests. We believe that the press will make effective contributions in ensuring that democratic norms and values inspire our way of life as well as governance. We are confident that, with this in mind, all those who have faith in multiparty democracy will discharge their duties from their respective places and the people's aspirations along with the country's requirements will be realised through the shared efforts of all the countrymen.

15. Today, the nation has made a firm commitment and a decision has also been taken accordingly. The nation has taken a step forward towards democracy and progress, leaving behind violence, insecurity and conflict. At a time when the country is in the grip of terrorism, all those who believe in democracy and peace must unite. Let us, therefore, be inspired by our collective wisdom and guided by our national perspective. Any nefarious attempts at disturbing peace and security and hindering efforts at making democracy meaningful will not be tolerated either by the nation or people. Yet, in pursuit of liberalism, we should never overlook an important aspect of our conduct, namely discipline. This is also the thinking of the 21st century. We wish to repeat once again that those who cannot do justice to Nepal, those who cannot believe in the sound judgment of the people and those who cannot stand in favour of peace will stand condemned by the motherland.

May Lord Pashupatinath bless us all!

Jaya Nepal!