Saturday, August 27, 2005

September 16: Sajha Buzz


Protest rally in NY City on 16th of..
Protest in NY City Part II ..
Protest Against Protest in NYC
Protest In NY City

Let send message to Our friends in Nepal that we are with them ...... I think all family are equal, people who support monarchy any firm are willing to reward one family with power and money when other familes go hungry..... Nepali people has to pay Paras 6.5 laks per kid/year ..... Paras oldest son gets 12.5 laks per year. For Paras, it is easy to be rich just have more babies ......

If you want to encourage more participation in New York and want to further the republican cause, do it my telling people about the merits of what a republic will do for the people, not by chastizing Paras and Gyanendra.

I oppose monarchy system. As I told you before I find monarchy system as discriminatory it is immoral and it is castism and racism. Since I believe we have outlawed castism and discrimination base on caste. Then why are we promoting caste system and discrimination for the head of state? I would oppose monarchy system even if god himself of king of Nepal. I don't have any trouble accepting Mr Gyanedra or Paras as head of state if they win the vote for head of state. I can accept anyone as head of state who wins election.

At what time you guys are protesting infront of the UN Building? I am just wondering if it is during afternoon, during my lunch break, then you may have an additional protester, RSVP. Or else it is too costly to use my sick day for Sept 16th, you know.

I would be protesting for Republican democracy with multi parties system. See I am not for any particular party or person. I don't even know who I would vote right now. But I would accept people's choice even if my person loose badly. Cause I would get another chance in 4 years to vote again.

You have poor mentality that the GORA (international monitors) to conduct the election. If you don't trust our own authorities to conduct the election, then how can you trust the person elected by you? Or may be in the initial stage you are going to elect some GORA (foreigners) to be first president of Nepal as well?

WHEN I SEE THIS WEB IT SEEMS THERE IS NO ONE WHO NEEDS MONARCHY IN NEPAL. BUT WEB DO REPRESENT PEOPLE LIKE YOU ALL NOT NEPALES . I HAVE SOME QUARRIESTO YOU ALL., DO YOU ALL KNOW WHEN MAOIEST PROBLEM STARTED ? IS IT DURING KINGS ACTIVE RULE? ARE OUR POL LEADERS CAPABLE TO ADDRESS MAOIEST PROBLEM ? WHAT WERE THEY DOING UNTILL 10,000 PEOPLE DIED? IS THAT JUSTIFIED TO SAY AGAIN THOSE PEOPLE CAN SOLVE THE PROBLEM? DIDN'T THEY GET CHANCE TO SO THEIR ABILITY? DID DEMOCRACY ACEPT PEOPLE MANDET FOR 5 YEARS DURING THE ERA SINGLE TIME? HOW MANY MID TERM POLE TOOK PLACE IN A POOR COUNTRY LIKE OURS? ARE WE READY TO HANDEL DEMOCRACY? WHERE ONE CAN BUY VOTE WITH 20 CENT. PEOPLE INTELECTUL LIKE YOU ALL SHOULD KNOW BEFORE SAYING SOMETHING. HOW MANY ELECTED MP ARE EDUCATED AND HAVE GOOD ATTITUDE. PEOPLE LIKE YOU ALL RASTRAGHATI HAD ALREADY LEFT US ALONE . SO DO NOT TRY TO CREATE MORE IRONIC DAYS TO US. WE ARE HERE IN OUR MATRIBHUMI WE WILL TAKE CARE AS OUR FORE FATHER HAS DONE. IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE WEATHER YOU ALL PROTEST ,CRY, GET MAD,BANG YOUR HEAD ON WHITEHOUSE, OR LALKILLA . KING AND WE CREATED THIS COUNTRY, WE MAINTAIN TILL NOW WE WILL TAKE CARE OF UNTILL ONE DROPE OF BLOD REMAIN ON US. WE WILL PROTECT MONARC BEFORE OUR FAMILY . WE DO NOT AFRAID WITH TERRORIST TOO. "BIRA BHOGYA BASUNDHARA" FIRANGI KO ADMA BAHAKANU KATI SANDARBHIK HOLA CHETANA BHAYA.

...we have been trying monarchy system more then 250 years so now time to try some new system. And that system is called Republican democracy. Let's give republican democracy time. You can't correct 250 years plus mismanagent in 10 years.

Isn't it a matter of shame that people who left the country in search of a better life are deciding things for the people and the country they left behind.

There was time for monarchy system. I am simply saying no one should be above the law. Everyone has to obey the law. As I told you I have no problem if Mr Gyandra stands for election and wins. I am saying head of state should be elected not selected. I am not telling to Nepali people what they need to do I am just demanding my right to vote for head of state of my choice.

Tell me something, what have you (yes you on a personal level) done for Nepal? We have always been vocal about yo bhayena tyo bhayena, we have not been able to back that up with any action. May be its time to close our eyes on who rides that black mercedes and just work around the system or with the system (even if its crooked) for the utlimate goal, which I believe is to better the lives of the people in Nepal. When we talk about how various republican states did well, we tend to overlook the French revolution and/or the great depression in the US and how they fought back with the system they had, not looking around the world and saying "hey, may be we need monarchy, as England seems to be doing so well." ....... If you are a Nepali, lets get together and shoot down the real target first. Maoists are the real and most significant problem right now. When our King (or any leader that's representing our country) is in a foreign land, he deserves to be welcomed not insulted! There's a saying in Nepali that means that issues regarding one's home stays in the house. What happenned to that Nepali in you? ...... Tell me one thing, how has this royal move, personally affected you (don't go bullocks on subjective issues now)? Again, its a shame we are wasting time in trying to bring about another political change.... the players are and will be the same, say it panchayat, democracy or (hopefully not) a republican state. ....... When you make statements like "In the world it has already proven only democracy could give people better life in the long run," make sure you give me some evidence. Because, there has been not proof of such unless you are talking about your mind which has proved such silly banter....... Last but not the least, its not "Mr. Gyandra," its King Gyanendra if you consider yourself a Nepali. Last time I checked we still have a King and some of us don't take anything else for that matter, and to answer your possible arising doubt, its not democracy in Nepal so you cant do/say whatever you want!

When the head of the state of India comes, Indians are proud how much it got the coverage. When the head of the state of Pakistan comes the same thing all over the US and in their country. And look at us the moronic Nepali with lobotomized brain! We go and protest when the head of the state comes. We call him names, we spill our frustration -sexual, menial, and what not - in front of the world. ....... Do you think Paravez was elected? Do you think all Pakistanis are happy with the state of their state? Indian primeministere is elected, yes, I agree. But, do you think people are happy with the rampant corruption, death by flood and what not in their country? Do you see them protesting infron of their motorcade? OF COURSE NOT. BECAUSE they are not as stupid as our "DEMOCRATIC" Clique here.

People who post here are very intelligent and smart but not a very good communicators. Most of Nepali it would be hard to understand Geo politics, micro or macro economic theory or other factors we talk here. Most people see things black and white. They understand when we say Paras kids and their kids should have same right over Nepal. They understand that it is immoral to give Paras oldest son 4235 per day while they have sent their kids to bed with almost empty stomach. I have seen lots of Nepali who have their kid In the USA, proclaim that now they have kids who could be president of the USA. But in the same time how could they tell their cousins in Nepal that their Kids has no right be head of state.

Paras ko chhora le line din ko 60.5 dollar ko katro dadh gareko. Sambidhan le diyeko subidha anusar khayeko na ho. Corruption ko kura gareko bhaye suhauthyo. Chappal chhap haru mahal ma pugeko sambandhi kunai gunaso chhaina, khali raja ko chhora ko talab ma matra ryal katne? Tesma monarqi lai kina gali garne, testo prabadhan bhayeko sambidhan ra sambidhan banaune lai po gali garnu paryo. ....... Teso ta President Bush le khane talab ra NY ko homeless ko arthik stithi pani compare garna milccha. Aba sambidhan le nai tyo bebastha gareko chha bhane ke ko tauko dukhairakheko? ..... Constitutional monarchy ma King does not have executive power. Executive power is vested on head of the government (Prime Minister). Teti kura pani nabujhne kasto lato raichha yo ta? Khali lato le bau bhanna napayeko jasto ekohoro lageko lagyai chha. 16 Sepetember ma ayera karaye bhai halyo ni. President huna ko lagi janadhar tayar garne ra vote magna ramro mauka pani milchha.Tes pachhi ta Paras ko chhora Chhori le khane talab afno bachcha harulai khuwaye bhai halyo!!!

Maoist wants people like you. You would do very good job for them on their hiring department. How could you try to justify for giving one kid 60 dollars (4235 rupees) per day and sending other kids bed hungry? Yes go tell those people who make less then dollar (less then 70 rupees) a day that we should pay one kids that kind of money, but we have to send your kids hurry. ....... Maybe for you 60 dollars /day is nothing. You might make 1000 dollars day. And I dun care how much you make as long as we don?t have to pay your salaries, but if we have to pay someone?s salaries then we have every right examine about it. We have right to know if our payment is producing result or not and if payment is like pouring water in sand then we have to stop paying. .... And paying monarchy is like pouring water in sand. ..... Answer these questions? Do you support job in caste base? Do you support job in race basis? Do you believe one family of Nepal owns Nepal and Nepali? Do you feel only one family has right to be head of state?

I don't know New York City well. that is why with sadness I have to refuge your invitation. But don't worry I would be In Rally AM

we will not let our king down. let war goes for 100 years but we will not let our king down .

Anti monarc, areyou a bastered,i dought. why don't you go for election around your family and neighbour weathre your father is really your or your mother has slept with somebody else . you think everything should decied by election isn't it. you idiote,look at kirgisthan elected president .tero bau haru elected bhaera PM ko pad samhalna sakdaina ta muji aija na ta ktm ma prisedent huna . ani dekhaula sala chor. .....anil shai ,sahako nam ma kalanka hosta, ta sala bhanji joi hoinas. bado domcratic bhachhas, tero kalo jhanda le lad.. pani nepardaina. i muji haru manis bhae po sabhya kura bolnu . jast lai tes tai dhidolai nistai. ......anti g , keta ho ki keti ,ki bicha ko paris. sala hijada. ..... rastghati lai jati bhane pani pugdaina yar . we will not let our king down. let war goes for 100 years but we will not let our king down . we nepalese do not belive fata palayan badi rastra ghati haru. des lai dukhda USA ma , santi bhae lootna feri nepal aulas chor ho feri.ek ek gari chak ma lat hanu parchha keti bhae pu ma sisno launa parchha. timi haru ko kuro sunyo ki ramro kura garne thau nai hunna.bau bje le looteko dhan le yha aies ahile sosan ko kuro garchas. ku chor nepal nalooti eha aipugekochas.ko rastra ko paisa le padhana ai ytai gaeba, rastra namari ma yeha ae bhane kohi chhas. huda huda sena ka bhagauda samet ko eha thulo swor re katiko aant radiko chhora haruko.

It shows clearly what kind of people support unsupportable system from any angle. Monarchy system in 21st is not defendable so you take refuge of filthy word to defend it

you want republic ,come here and fight for it . don't use bak chturai and try to get cheep popularity. you think people are taking it seriously? we support king because we love our country.king and nepal are Paryaya bachhi word for us . see mahedraagar, jumla, dang , kailali ,wherever HM visite . People are crying and dyeing to great and see him. So all these people are not Nepalese? all these people are asking HM for republic!!!!.only people in ktm pol party tatuharu and you all need republic not true nepalies. what a great people you all are,trying to represent our country staying over there and try to degrade our king whom we take as our pride and only hope remain.these are some reason why i use such words ke . Dont try to represent rotten political partys with the money of curruption. thats all i wana say. we are not that bad as we use words . it is because you all are trying to mislead nepalese.that is our concern. try only that game which you can win.chetana bhaya .

By the way our monarch is not for 21st century, it is for ever. until there is sun and moon remain it will be till then , HER DAI JAU NA. YOU PEOPLE ARE THINKING YOU CAN SAY ANYTHING BECAUSE THERE IS NO ONE TO WRITE ON BEHALF OF PRESENT SYSTEM , YOU KNOW PEOPLE LIKE US DOESN'T HAVE TIME TO DO ALL THEESE THINGS, IF YOU WANT WE CAN MAKE HUNDRED COMMENT PER HOUR.

Dear AM ,21 st century democracy is the wave we know that. Try to understand our geo-pol situation. yes you are right if our leaders were good matured and able to put national intrest at the top. we all are seeing what is their main intrest.They all of them can do anything which is tragic to our nation for their there vasted intrest to hang arround the chair. You just look all leaders. My respect for monarch is because it will never ever let the country down . let us see india they want to make us like bhutan ,main obstacle for them is monarch ,so they are planing all these thing which normal nepalese do not understand. if they can through monarch the army will be same as nepal police .( remember Achut Kheral and Krishmohan). These leader they can do anything which their master dhoti tell them . See mahakali sandhi. did we all protest in 2046 to bring democracy to choose leader to do such things for me ofcourse not. There are series of such things which is anti matribhumi ko intrest. You can say gagan and Narahari can do that think past Bal bhadur was maor democratic than these people when he got post he climbed some ones window. we have these type of people all along. What will be our future if there is nothing to check these people. you might say people will do that .but we have inocent people they are poor without education they are busy for 2 meal for their whole life.They can not react . we need monarch just to check these people ke .

I am sorry if I gave you an impression that I am will be protesting for Girija or Makune or gagan or narhari. I am not protesting for any of those nor I am protesting for Mao. I am protesting for freedom and equality. As I told you before I believe monarchy system it based on discrimination. It was established assuming that the King has supper power and he and she knows everything. But we all know now king is like you and me. He has desire to be rich and drink and party travel like normal people do. ...... Now the question arises if he is normal like you and me then why he/she would get power without any test. How am I tell a bahun and cherti that they are equal to so call lower castes at the same time I am ready accept that king and his family is above all Nepali ? Dear friend I wouldn't get any personal gain if king is there or not. May be I loose some in short term if we oust monarchy system but I would be happy to know in the future any Nepali could lead country and in the future we Nepali would have right to oust them by peaceful mean that is call election. I have been hearing same argument about geo political situation. We had to fight with UK because of it. We had to give our your people to fight in world war II because of geo politics . Rana didn't want to leave power for that too they gave the geo political reason. Panchyat was brought in Name of geo political argument.

The choices that you've presented are fine. But it would have been sensible if you had presented broadbased: Your choices are (that probably does not represent : (1) sacrifice the monarchy and bring the Maoist to the democratic framework, or (2) save the monarchy and go for a prolonged war. .......If you are not talking nonsense then you must add more choices: 3) save the monarchy (constitutional) and bring the Maoists in to mainstream; 4) defeat (politically and militarily) and dismantle the Maoists if they are not willing to join the mainstream(this may be least preferred choice as total dismantle is not possible); 5) take hardline approach with Maoists -Monarchy alignment (least preferred choice). ......If you are not talking the Maoists style of republicanism then I have no comments, but you and yor team's active participation to protest against RNA and campaigning to block the military aid to Nepal is more than sufficient to guess your intent and motive. Your views and action indicates that you consider Maoists threat less dangerous than Monarchy? Your interpretation of ordinary people and mine is totally different. You try to represent those who is in the street of Kathmandu, whereas I am talking about those living in the villages and every corners of Nepal. Just by interacting with handful of so called human rights activists and reading news from internet may not give full picture of sitaution of Nepal and I am sure you are well aware of it. ...... You are again talking nonsense about the priority of ordinary people. Their priority is peace. Obviously, if the "ordinary people" (by my definition - not yours) want republicanism then it is certainly going to come, no one can stop. Even the mainstream political parties are not yet ready to go for republicanism. It is the demand of Maoists party only and I am sure you are aware that their way of republicanism is not the one that you have perceived. ...... May be for you (who does not have to face any consequensces being in the USA) Maoists problem is not a priority, but back home it is a top most priority for all, even those fighting on the street, who have not even dared to initiate any action against Maoists when the maoists are killing or abducting even their own cadres. Maosists have not even allowed them to have freedom of movement in their constituency. ...... Best choice would be choice # 5; any other choices will prolong not only war but destroy the nation.

I didnt say anything about getting paid or the republican being Maoists. Don't come to me with a preconceived notion and most important of all dont try and use your head(s) to tell me what I am thinking and telling. It won't be fair on your part to be given such responsibility. ...... Don't teach me history too. I will make it easy for you. Just answer this question... if you want a 21st century remedy for Nepal, how come you use the events in history (of France) that certainly was not 21st century events? ...... Again, go back and fight your battle in Nepal. If you really are someone who you say you are, ie a well wisher for Nepal and Nepalese, be able to identify and shoot down the real problem. I am talking aboue people like you, who are neither here nor there, just making the system weaker. I think there was a name created for such people... was it mandale? remind me, will ya?

I hope enough protestors gather in NY to show G that there are enough Nepalese who believe in themselves, not an upstart claiming to be Vishnu avatar.

What hell does Vishnu ko Avtaar have to do with his job performance ? We are just waitning to see if he actually will quell this whole Mao mess and put the country back on track of progress and developement. He sacked the PM and took over..what ...umm.. last fall.....its not enough time to see results.. Unlike some of the impatient oppertunists who are hell bent on showing their face in NYC to PUT THEMSELVES IN THE MAP....so that PEOPLE KNOW WHO THEY ARE AND WHEN PAY UP TIME COMES ALONG ....THEY GET THEIR SHARE OF THE LOOT. THEY HAVE NO PLAN OF THEIR OWN...on how they are going to bring the so Called Republic GOVT.... at the same time trying to DISRUPT WHO IS ACTUALLY TRYING TO RESTORE PEACE AND ORDER IN THE COUNTRY.

.....whether Republicanism is a political solution to the Maoists problem or not. I have answered to two skeptic fellow posters who cited the Maoist insurgency in Bihar/UP to cast doubt on whether republic Nepal will be safe from the Maoist.... Had the cause of Republicanism taken up by the parliamentary parties, Maoists wouldn't have grown to become how strong they are today. Their insurgency, if at all, would have remained as insignificant (to threat the state) as Indian Maoist insurgency.

WHen the maonarchy is forced out, how do you stop maoists to come to power? Where is the democratic forces which will lead against maoists and monarchy? Nofw its the battle of gun between maoists and monarchy. The one with better fire power will dominate the other. ...... Untill and unless there is no democratic force ( with public backing) your democratic republic is not possible? But the question is who is ready to risk the life to get rid of monarchy and also maoists?

I have been reading all of you for quite some time now. The more I read each of you the more I get confused as to what the "Main Stream" is who the "Ordinary People" are and who the "INDEPENDENT Source" is. ......The other question is if King G's govt thinks it can conduct local elections within a year why not conducting an election for "Sambidhan Sabha" together with it? Whoever is elected for Sambidhan Sabha will draft the Sambidhan. If people want King the pro-monarchists will win and if they don't then pro-republic candidates will win. Lets give the ordinary people a chance to be heard, let them define who they are let them define what the main stream is and who the independent source is. ....... After everything is said and done none of the 12,000 (whether they were fighting for the king or against) Nepalese deserved to die just to save the King and the agreement of BS 2046/47. As for me I pledge to fly back to Kathmandu just to vote for pro-republic canditates.

Elections are MEANINGLESS unless and until they are firmly embedded in two key principles of democracy: FREE and FAIR. ...... With the Maoists terrorizing much of the countryside and the King's men doing the same to the rest of the country, the possibility of holding a FREE and FAIR elections in Nepal today is next to impossible. I personally would not opt for an election for the sake of one, if it is NOT to guarantee an outcome that is as genuinely reflective as possible of people's desires.

How the hell are you going to uphold democracy when you don't even have law and order ? If the cops and army cannot ..he he what makes you think that just saying democracy wil restore peace and order ? ha ha Unless you have a better idea ...just saying restore democracy is not enough!!!!! How do you reason with people when they are holding a gun pointing at you ? A good example is those Jewish extremists occupying the gaza strip....Isreal had to USE FORCE AGAINST THEIR OWN PEOPLE IN THE HOPE OF RESTORING PEACE(SOMETIMES MARSHALL LAW IS NEEDED TO RESTORE LAW AND ORDER....ONLY THEN YOU CAN RESTORE DEMOCRACY). Free and fair elections ? ha ha If the so called most democratic nation like USA has to resort to Supreme court for elections(remember chads ? and pregnat chads ?)...you think Nepal would have free and fair elections( Its OK TO DREAM POONTE) ?

I do not fully agree with your remark that election can not be hold FREE and FAIR. Even after 2047, none of the elections, whatever level it was, could satisfy everyone. What is most important is that such an election must have broader participation of people, ordinary people understand the procedure (not that voting for SUN means electing SuBaTha types of understanding), monitored and endorsed by neutral bodies and conducted by neutral authorities. That brings me to your first point suggestion, if you can't hold election, then what is the "starting point" to go to your second point suggestion (don't give me Girija approach of reinstatement of Parliament). Nevertheless, the second point option is much more feasible and practical approach as compared to one sided views given by NEPE. All inclusive "Interim Government" (Maoists must also be included if they are really committed for Nepal and Nepali people) made through Nepalese style "Loya Jirga" could be one option to initiate peace and reconciliation as Mr. Brahimi applied in Afghanistan and Iraq. Honesty, Integrity and nationalistic views are paramount prerequisite for that. If you sideline any key players, including Monarchy, then lasting solution may not be achieved. I want to remind again that ultimately role of Zahir Shaha (Afghanistan) and Noroddam Sihanuk (Cambodia) were crucial factor to break the ice in those countries. We do not want present monarchy to be thrown out and make the country Afghanistan and Cambodia for longer period then recall them to clean the mess. There are internal factors coupled with external factors for the Maoists to grow day by day. The Maoist insurgency in India is not a spill over effect of Nepali Maoist but it is other way round. Without moral, political, financial, material and sanctuary support from Indian Maoists groups (PWG, MCM etc), Nepalese Maoists would not have reached up to this level. Remember, when the Maoist started their insurgency in Nepal, (and then 7-8 years afterward), democratically elected governments were in power. Almost all major political parties ran the country (NC, NCD, UML, RPP, NSP etc) when this war/terrorism/insurgency was ongoing. The Maoists are changing their strategy to achieve their ultimate goal in accordance with political situation of Nepal. They are trying to gain the popular support of mass accordingly. When monarchy was strong, they said they had a working relation with monarchy. Now, when the monarchy is weak then they are throwing their "fishing rod" towards political parties. They played such games in the past with all political parties and now they are making parties and educated lots like you all to advocate on their demands. If you believe that the Maoist are sincere to back off from their communist ideology then that will be your very wrong prediction. They are just buying the time and slowly leap frogging. They have strong propaganda making apparatus even to influence western world. By saying all this, I am not telling that they should be ignored; they have to be dealt politically, militarily, socially, diplomatically (through India as they are getting support from that country in one or other) and informationally to bring them to mainstream.

First protest protest protest, then wave some flags, then protest more, and presto! There will be fair and A little nice democracy, then mao will come to their warm welcoming folds, there will a nice little republican state nesteled in tall himalayas and our poonte, nepe, and Anti_monarqi AND THEIR MINDLESS FOLLOWERS will live happily ever after. See it is that easy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is only us who don't get it. JUST A TEENIE QUESTION THOUGH - HOW EXACTLY WILL YOU DO IT? COME AGAIN???

We have at least one meeting point -- I also do not think re-instatement of the parliament that was dismantled 4 years ago would be helpful to our future cause. And yes, I would attest for an ALL PARTY INTERIM GOVT too, Maoists included. But before anything can happen, I still believe restoring the most basic rights of the people would only help to legitimize whatever shape or form the new interim government might come into existence. Freedoms of the press (in particular), expression, speech, etc., must be respected FULLY and WHOLE-HEARTEDLY. Here is where my personal fight against tyranny of the monarchy is at. Of course, after that I would struggle for the curtailment of special royal privileges and treatments as well. In the past the invitation to join the government have been rebuffed by the parties, and I must say rightly so. Any attempts to form an ALL PARTY government must be genuine and sincere, must avoid legitimization of the King's new arrangements, and, most importantly, it MUST be presented with a concrete plan to tackle Maoist problem non-militarily, followed by concrete plans to hold AS FREE and AS FAIR elections as possible once peace is restored. My personal stance vis-a-vis republicanism is that the issue should be left for the people to decide. However, one thing I am certain of is that we now do have a serious need to question the monarchy, and freely talk about it. Much to my comfort, I see that happening more and more. Let the people FREELY and OPENLY debate the relevance of monarchy in Nepal, and then they can choose to either keep it under a TRUEST form of constitutional monarchy, or get rid of it -- ABSOLUTE MONARCHY should be completely out of the question. Personally, however, since I see no prospects of Nepali monarchy being willing to desist from absolutism, I would go for a republic. If things change for the better in the near future, so much the better. The important thign is, I feel the time has come for the Nepali society to realize that we can live without the King -- we need to have self confidence -- INDIVIDUALLY AND COLLECTIVELY. We need not rely on "authority" to make decisions for us, i.e., empower ourselves. After that, if people desire to keep the monarchy as a SYMBOLIC geture of respect to our tradition, I can live with with. Otherwise, let us move forward without the King too.

All said and done, we need to bring the monarchy into constitution or abolish and aslo simulataneously deal with it. By their nature by now, you must have realised they both maoists and monarch will not give up. They will try to come into power. On the other hand, we have weakest democratic force, plagued with corrupt and inept leaders, who are good for nothing. What are you going to do about that? One thing at a time, I strongly beleive we need to make ourself strong first instead of taking on the power houses. Thats wher I differ on you. You seems to be too therotical and fail to provide implementation. I have seen some of the articles you posted. Some of the articles encourages emabargo on Nepal for which I am totally against. We need to be careful so that our actions do not inflict more pain on commoners. Instead of protesting ranting the theories, we could approach in a differnt way. Together we are strong, divided we are weak . Collectively the intelectuals living abroad could have a conversation with the king, and parties and bring them in the same boat. Analyze what really king tends to do. Make it transparent and enforce king for his words. I think maos are real enemey of nation at this time and we should solve this problem first. FOrce and diplomacy both should be used. Force so that they do not think the govt has given up, diplomacy for the peace deal. This musta be known by public.

As for the upcoming rally in NY, different individuals may join it with different agendas. That is all fine by me as long as I know in my heart that I will be there to raise a voice against REPRESSION, not even against the King per se, but against a feudalistic system of repression that he represents.

As long as the Maoists are armed, do not trust them. This is my mantra. And I believe this should be the mantra of those who have to deal with the Maoists. So the first and foremost thing for us to do is to disarm the Maoists. Anything that ignores or put aside this part is not really a solution to Nepal's problem. As a matter of fact, public has never shown any enthusiasm to political agenda that ignores the issue of laying arms of the Maoists ("bringing peace"). Political parties had been calling upon the public for supporting their hundreds of Nirnayak aandolan for "restoring democracy" for past three years and "restoring civil liberty" too since Feb 1 till recently, only to get cold shoulder from the public. (So here I disagree with Anil-ji's prioritization ) Only when the political parties started to talk about 'Constitutional Assembly' and 'Democratic republic', public showed a great enthusiasm by attending the political parties rally by unprecedented number (15,000-30,000). See the picture below from the mass meeting of seven political parties on May 27, 2005. This enthusiasm is open for interpretation. But one can hardly deny that it was also for a REALISTIC political way out (disarmament) for the Maoists. *** *** *** Forget about disarming the Maoists militarily. Forget about disarming the Maoists by the King or any coalition with the King. The existence of the Kingship is itself is what gives the Maoists their raison d'etre and legitimacy (of a freedom-fighter) and thus empowerment. Our pro-king posters are in denial of this fact. *** *** *** There is no GUARANTEE that the Maoists will lay their arm until their ultimate goal of 'people's republic' is achieved. So we can only think in terms of LIKELYHOOD. Now, the question is this- Which is more likely to make the Maoists agree to lay their arms for, Monarchical democracy or republic democracy ? This is the question of the day. And our pro-king posters are giving absolutely wrong answer. *** *** *** Acceptance to the Maoists in any case and reason should be made contingent upon their agreement to lay the arms and give up the goal of 'people's republic'. I am surprised to see that many pro-king posters are confused on this. I am against political parties initiative to talk to the Maoists at this point. The Maoists should be kept untouchable until they give up communist ideology. *** *** *** At this time, only power enjoying popular faith is "Nagarik Samaj". Ironically it is not a political institution per se. Politcal parties's old mandate has eroded. Nagarik Samaj (that includes political leaders and workers with agenda for change) has three wars at three separate fronts to fight simultaneously- with Maoists against communism and violence, with King against his political ambition and with the old leadership of the parties against their conservativeness and incompetence. Each war complements the other. So your strength is not diluted, it is rather further strenghtened. You get more strength to fight a brutal ideological war with the Maoists if you are fighting at the same time with the King to get rid of him or his ambition, and vice versa. You get more strength to fight the King if you are fighting without waiting with the inept and corrupt political leaders. In fact, if you can not say NO to Girija et al, there is no point to say NO to the King. You can make a theoretical point, but that does not matter to most of the people whose help you need to fight the King. *** *** *** Eventually it will turn out that we wasted our years by hoping and trying the approach of ARBITRARY compromise between the King, the conservative leaders and the Maoist. We should have talked about pure democracy and given them 'come to it or die' option to all political protagonists. Because that's what is going to happen eventually.

NC, UML And A Democratic Republic





It is so obvious major polarizations have been going on. If the two large parties were to hold general conventions and allow their cadres to decide on the issue based on one person one vote, they would very clearly opt for a democratic republic. Girija and Madhav Nepal can hold the tide for only so long. That is the ground situation.

The king has been bent on deriving solace from his small coterie of soldiers of regression. These conservative elements claim to speak for the nation - hence their repeated claims democrats are anti-nation - but it is not within their vocabulary to get a mandate from the people. Power is in the hands of those who have never contested elections. The few who have will lose if they were to contest elections now.

This stand-off can not go on forever. And the longer it goes on, more the king has to lose.


It will only take a few key events to trigger a mass precipitation, at which point the mood would swing wild and rapid, and then there will be no stopping the Democratic Republic tide. At that point you are talking about the crowd as an organism. This or that political leader will not be in any position to stem the tide.

In The News
  • Giri repays Rs 3.5m of loan Kantipur ..... an Indian national D S N Pandey had handed over a check issued in the name of Bank of India to NBL a few days ago. "The check was cashed on Thursday," said the source who added that Pandey has also agreed to own the total outstanding liabilities of Himalayan Plastics. Pandey's identity has been kept top secret ...... also agreed to clear the remaining amount within a period of 12 months through equal monthly installments ..... Credit Information Bureau, had at NBL's request, blacklisted Himalayan Plastics and Dr Giri along with two other promoters in 1997 after the company failed to clear its loan liability.
  • ‘NC faces a choice: Monarchy or democracy’ Kantipur ...... "NC is confronted with the choice of democracy or monarchy," says the paper presented by chief of the policy and program department of the party, Ram Chandra Poudel. The paper further adds, "It has already become clear that democracy cannot remain safe as long as monarchy exists in the country." ...... If the CWC endorses the paper, it will be presented at the general convention as an official party line...... urges the king to accept constituent assembly elections to bail the country out of the current crises..... the party adopt "social democracy" as its guiding principle...... there is slim chance of the CWC meeting amending the policy paper as "it is already soft in language and clear in its goal"...... more than 40 NC district committee presidents have urged the party not to get divided on the issue of republic, but simply drop the idea of constitutional monarchy from the party statute. They have also demanded that Girija Prasad Koirala be elected unanimously as the party president....... NC proposal for policy changes came a day after one of its major allies in the ongoing joint movement, CPN-UML, decided to direct the movement to achieve democratic republic....... some dissenting opinions coming from party leaders like Speaker Tara Nath Ranabhat. But they are not strong enough to redirect party policy........ Acting Executive Director of BICC, Chhatra Bahadur Rayamajhi, citing "orders from above" informed the NC that the convention centre would not be available to the party. NC had paid Rs.150, 000 on July 1 as booking advance and has already paid Rs. 16,67,000 as four-day charge for the convention hall...... NC is now preparing to hold its convention at the party office in Sanepa.......the BICC has been rented out to the government for SAARC Information Minister's meeting to be held on August 29 and 30. "The meeting was earlier scheduled to be held at Soaltee Hotel as it is a small gathering."
  • Ex-Indian PM for democracy in Nepal Kantipur ...... Former Indian prime minister Chandrashekhar has urged the king to immediately hand over executive power to the peoples' representatives...... According to a press statement released by Nepalese Democratic Youth Council in USA (NDYCUSA))- a New-York based organization of Nepalis in the US, the former prime minister has also urged the Nepali Congress Party to end intra-party feud and get united to face the challenge posed by the king's rule. He made the remarks while meeting representatives of NDYCUSA in the US, Friday. "The king has no choice but to give up his absolute power to its rightful owners immediately. Peace and order cannot be maintained until and unless democracy is fully gained," the statement quoted Chandrashekhar as saying during the meeting....... He also lauded the role played by the Nepali youth in the USA to restore democracy in Nepal.
  • UML decides to go for 'democratic republicanism' NepalNews The ongoing Central Committee meeting of the CPN -UML Thursday passed the political report presented by general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, proposing “democratic republicanism” as the main goal of the democratic movement of the seven parties........ democratic republicanism, through an election to constituent assembly calling upon the allies of the seven-party movement to push for it........ Mukunda Neupane, Bishnu Poudel and Krishna Gopal Shrestha, tabled their note of dissent......
  • Businessmen to organize peace rally NepalNews ..... organised jointly by Birgunj Chamber of Commerce, Bara Chamber of Commerce and Hetauda Chamber of Commerce, the rally will march from Pathalaiya to Birgunj..... newly elected president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandi Raj Dhakal...... The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) has blamed the government of failing to provide adequate security to industrial establishments in the wake of increasing Maoist attacks.
  • The govt. refuses to provide Convention venue: NC NepalNews
  • Missing former minister Sanwa joins Maoist: reports NepalNews .... Former Population and Environment minister and CPN- UML leader, Ambika Sanwa who was missing since the last seven months has joined Maoists ..... joined the Maoists willingly when he visited his house in Khoklang VDC, in eastern Taplejung ...... “Sanwa was extremely disappointed with our merger and split politics,” Nepal said, adding, “He stayed independent after UML party and its splinter group- the ML- was united.”....... According to Nepal, a huge mass that left UML in 1996 to join its splinter group- CPN- ML- never returned to the mother party though the parties united afterwards....... Appointed a minister for Population and Environment ministry, Sanwa was elected from constituency number 2 of Taplejung district representing CPN-UML party in the general election of 1991.
  • His Majesty visits Dang NepalNews ..... arrived in Dang’s Tulsipur by a special helicopter ..... thousands of ordinary citizens thronged to Tulsipur to welcome the monarch. The King walked on foot from the army Brigade in Tulsipur to the Zonal Administration Office and curiously conversed with ordinary men and women lined up on the road for his welcome.
  • Negative media coverage of Nepal affecting tourism industry: Pandey NepalNews .... Highlighting the importance of information as power ..... We all suffer from the negative publicity of our countries by powerful international media
  • Bangladesh prepares for SAARC summit NepalNews ....
  • King should stay away from politics: RC Poudel NepalNews .... “The royal regime is going in such a way that it has not even left any space whereby the parties could ponder upon their past mistakes and correct them.” ..... said the convention is going to be a major stride from one era to another. In his view, the convention would work out plans and policies for the restoration of total democracy in the country..... the Congress party, too, needed to exercise internal democracy, maintain transparency and make the election process fair..... “Democracy doesn’t give birth to heroes but it facilitates a healthy process of selecting leaders having equal ability.” ...... the parties would move ahead only after becoming clear about the bottom-line of the rebel side.
  • Supreme Court starts studying House revival case NepalNews .... the court would decide whether to deliberate on the case only after consensus of all justices of the apex court. A majority of the 11 justices must agree ...... chief justice Dilip Kumar Poudel and justices Kedar Prasad Giri, Min Bahadur Rayamajhi, Ram Nagina Singh, Anup Raj Sharma, Ram Prasad Shrestha, Khil Raj Regmi, Sharada Prasad Pundit, Sharada Shrestha, Arjun Prasad Singh and Hari Jung Sijapati...... Thursday’s discussion was adjourned, ordering the bench assistant to make a list of differences and similarities between the three SC precedents on house dissolution in 1994, 1995 and 2002. The apex court had reversed late prime minister Man Mohan Adhikari’s decision to dissolve the house in 1995 while it had upheld ex-prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala’s decision to dissolve the house in 1994.

Dialogue Is The Democratic Way

A Message From The Email Discussions

Nepalese are not begging any more. There is no question of DHUNGRO LUKAUNE.

Do you beg to the DAKA who just looted your house?

OR you want to punish him whenever & however you find.

I think, some of you still think that DAKA will return your looted money back to you, when you beg...If you think so, go ahead & beg to this 'so called mantriparishad ko Adhkshya' I am not for that.

Nepalese are already rising to crush him.. in a near future, you will find nobdy mentioning any name of that criminal and his institution. (that institution will no more be of Nepali's institution)


First of all, the mohi-magne-dhungro-lukaune metaphor has nothing to do with begging. Maybe you don't know a whole lot about Nepali villages. But mohi-magne is an act of a neighbor. People ask each other for mohi. It is not an act of begging, and not even an act of seeking aid, or an act of destitution. It is an act of social bonding.

So no, noone is proposing any form of begging from anyone.

Second, I vehemently disagree with 2/1. I have, more vocally than most, more diligently than most. On the other hand, I also try to understand.

It was not the king who dissolved the House in 2002. It was Deuba. Girija cornered Deuba withing the party, and Deuba looked for a safety valve. So half the people should blame Deuba, the other half should blame Girija. Take your pick.

Girija's response to the Maoist insurgency was always military, never political. Go back to 1996, to 2000.

And I think it has been cruel for anyone to suggest this king might have had anything to do with the palace massacre. Even kings deserve family lives, private lives.

As for Article 127. This king did not write it. As for using it, Nepal is in a sorry shape. If a full fledged civil war affecting 90% of the territory is not an emergency, I don't know what is. Nepal is near the top of the global agenda. Nepal is the most violent, almost failed state. Maybe Article 127 was meant for situations like this.

People like Girija Koirala and Madhav Nepal had the option to go for a Constituent Assembly and seek a political solution to the insurgency back in 2000. But they did not even entertain the idea.

2,000 lives are not enough, it has to be 12,000 before these democrats will finally come around to the idea of a Constituent Assembly. A dissolved, non-existent parliament is not enough, there has to be a 2/1 before these democrats will come around to really truly seeking a political solution to the insurgency.

And look at the utter lack of internal democracy inside the Nepali Congress. Should we blame the king for that?

Why am I saying all these things?

I don't want to falsely blame the king for things he can not rightly be blamed for so I can more effectively focus on things that he is responsible for.

  1. He has overstretched Article 127 to the point it has become a constitution in its own right. That is flat wrong.
  2. Since 2/1 he has lead an illegitimate government filled with people with dark pasts. That is objectionable.
  3. He has been the chief executive for the past seven months. The insurgency has not grown any weaker. He has made no efforts whatsoever to seek a political solution to it, which is widely considered the only viable way. In short, he has failed.
  4. The palace and the army have looted the state treasury. That is highly objectionable.
And there is the broad topic of peace making.

Yitzhak Rabin said: "You don't make peace with friends. You make peace with enemies." I don't mind your painting the king as a bad guy. But my point is that is precisely why we need to take the initiative for dialogue. I am seeking dialogue, as in political dialogue. I am not saying let's go hang out, chill out with the king, and forget the protests.

I want the protest rally to be the largest possible. But I don't want to close doors on the dialogue option.

Some of the things I might say to the king if I had a chance. Of course it would be in Nepali, although I am a little leery of all the grammar that goes with addressing a king: I might not get it right always. All that garibakseko, dibakseko stuff.
  1. Your Majesty, President Clinton has said in his autobiography about a long talk on global politics he had with Queen Elizabeth that if it were not for the circumstances of her birth, she might have had a rather remarkable diplomatic career. I think that might be extra true of you. I think you are an able person. But it is not about your personal qualities. It is not about you being more deft at statecraft than Girija Koirala or Madhav Kumar Nepal or Sher Bahadur Deuba. It is about democratic principles. You may not take and legitimately keep the executive hot seat.
  2. You have already so outstretched Article 127. Why not use it to reinstate the House so as to bring back the derailed democratic process?
  3. I think there is no military solution to the insurgency. But there is a ready political solution. Do you agree or disagree?
  4. If an interim government were to guarantee a constitutional monarchy, and the guarantee were guarded by the Supreme Court, would you then accede to the country going through a Constituent Assembly process? Because a Constituent Assembly is the only elections that can be held. No other elections are possible. And a Constituent Assembly is a good thing, it is a great thing.
And I would promptly report on the dialogue right here at this blog.

Generation Next
Mohi Magne, Dhungro Lukaune
To Meet Or Not To Meet
Opposition To The Idea Of Meeting With The King
Letter To Sharad Chandra Shaha
Mainstreaming The Monarchy

Generation Next

Look at these key figures:
  1. 63% chose constitutional monarchy while the remaining were split between the 22% who preferred executive monarchy and the 15% who wanted a republic
  2. ....... a thin minority of 5.5% respondents favoured a reinstatement of the dissolved HoR
  3. (51%) favoured framing a new constitution
  4. ..... suggested, by a clear majority, to go for a round table conference, interim government including the Maoists, and a constituent assembly
I first made mention of this poll at my blog entry Pradip Giri: DaMaJaMa on May 8. When I want to know where the people stand, this is what I go by for lack of something better and more current. Some of the key figures are as follows:
  1. ...... between July 1994 and October 2002. The House of Representatives was dissolved six times, special sessions of the parliament were summoned seven times, and the government changed 12 times
  2. 61% of the respondents feel that people do not enjoy equal rights
  3. 58% feel that everyone is not free to speak one's mind
  4. ...... that the people have the power to change the government they do not like is doubted by as many as 41%
  5. ..... courts scored highest at 30% respondents expressing very high trust in the institution, followed by the election commission (26%), local government (25.5%), army (25.5%), police (21%), civil servant (21%), central government (19.5%), parliament (17%), and political parties (14%)
  6. Nearly two-thirds of Nepali citizens stuck to democracy, with only 10% prepared to accept dictatorship in some situations
  7. 64% ‘strongly agreed' that the ‘country should be governed by the people chosen by fair elections', only one-fourth ‘strongly agreed' that the ‘country should be governed by the king.' The figure was even lower, only 11%, for army rule
  8. 63% chose constitutional monarchy while the remaining were split between the 22% who preferred executive monarchy and the 15% who wanted a republic
  9. (79%), affirmed the suitability of democracy in Nepal
  10. ...... opinion in favour of a ‘round table conference' is distinctly high, as 69% opted for it. Some 22.5% respondents suggested new election of the HoR. Only a thin minority of 5.5% respondents favoured a reinstatement of the dissolved HoR
  11. half the respondents (49%) favoured the formation of an interim government including the Maoists. 29% respondents were in favour of a new elected government. Those who stood for all-party government consisted 20.5%
  12. (51%) favoured framing a new constitution
  13. ..... suggested, by a clear majority, to go for a round table conference, interim government including the Maoists, and a constituent assembly
  • What The People Feel by Krishna Hachhethu .....‘king in council of ministers' in 1951, a combination of ‘sovereign monarch and elected parliament' in 1959, and recently ‘king in parliament' in 1990 ..... ‘The days of monarchy being seen but not heard, watching the people's difficulties but not addressing them and being a silent spectator to their tearstained faces are over.' ...... initiating a system of executive monarchy in contravention of the 1990 Constitution...... parties and leaders concentrated more on power politics and self-aggrandizement, breaching democratic values and norms, which in turn contributed to an intensification of political instability, anarchy and chaos...... between July 1994 and October 2002. The House of Representatives was dissolved six times, special sessions of the parliament were summoned seven times, and the government changed 12 times..... intensification of power-centric intra-party conflicts, defiance of party whips, disintegration of parties, horse trading of members of parliament, manipulation of constitutional loopholes, political intervention by the palace and the court...... 61% of the respondents feel that people do not enjoy equal rights; 58% feel that everyone is not free to speak one's mind. Even the minimal achievement of democracy in ensuring that the people have the power to change the government they do not like is doubted by as many as 41%........ courts scored highest at 30% respondents expressing very high trust in the institution, followed by the election commission (26%), local government (25.5%), army (25.5%), police (21%), civil servant (21%), central government (19.5%), parliament (17%), and political parties (14%)....... Nearly two-thirds of Nepali citizens stuck to democracy, with only 10% prepared to accept dictatorship in some situations; 28% said democracy or dictatorship did not make a difference to them ...... level of support for democracy in Nepal is comparable to that in a long-standing democracy like India and is much higher than many countries of Latin America..... 64% ‘strongly agreed' that the ‘country should be governed by the people chosen by fair elections', only one-fourth ‘strongly agreed' that the ‘country should be governed by the king.' The figure was even lower, only 11%, for army rule......... (79%), affirmed the suitability of democracy in Nepal...... When asked to choose what they liked most about a democracy, 68% chose freedom to speak and act, something they have been denied by the imposition of emergency in the country...... the king's intervention of 4 October 2002 ..... 84% surveyed Nepali citizens observed that things got ‘bad' or ‘very bad' after this intervention ...... 63% chose constitutional monarchy while the remaining were split between the 22% who preferred executive monarchy and the 15% who wanted a republic...... a clear residue of yearning for king's rule among the less privileged sections of society: among women, rural dwellers and the less educated....... support for abolition of monarchy goes up with education and exposure and reaches 29% among the highly educated...... the support for executive monarchy declines sharply with age: 35% of the elders support this idea while only 18% of the young and middle aged respondents are for an executive monarchy...... A majority of respondents, who come up with definite answers, suggested the need for a round table conference, an interim government including the Maoists, and a new constitution....... opinion in favour of a ‘round table conference' is distinctly high, as 69% opted for it. Some 22.5% respondents suggested new election of the HoR. Only a thin minority of 5.5% respondents favoured a reinstatement of the dissolved HoR....... 68% men and 71% women, and 70% villagers and 66% urban dwellers stamped on ‘a round table conference'....... a greater support to the round table conference than a fresh election of the HoR...... Choice to ‘round table conference' stepped up from 66% in hill to 72% in terai to 80% in mountain...... Support to the round table conference climbed up distinctly with the increase in education, from 60.5% (literate) to 70% (school level education) to 75% (higher level education)....... close to half the respondents (49%) favoured the formation of an interim government including the Maoists. 29% respondents were in favour of a new elected government. Those who stood for all-party government consisted 20.5%....... (51%) favoured framing a new constitution ...40% respondents suggested amendment of the constitution. Those who stood for retention of the present constitution without any amendment was very thin, a mere 9%....... Among the surveyed Nepali citizens who subscribed to a new constitution, the overwhelming majority (76%) supported the election of a constituent assembly....... accepted in terai by a substantial majority of 76%, followed by 74% in the hill region, and 50% in the mountain...... To overcome the nine-year long armed conflict, Nepali voters (among those who come up with a definite answer) suggested, by a clear majority, to go for a round table conference, interim government including the Maoists, and a constituent assembly ......... The king's claim to represent popular will and aspirations in the royal proclamation is not backed by any of the known and reliable instruments of public opinion like free and fair elections or a referendum...... survey offers little evidence to support the king's presumption about popular will...... King Gyanendra's action of 1 February is not quite in line with, if not directly opposed to, the way the people of Nepal think....... the coming days will be hard for the king.
Mohi Magne, Dhungro Lukaune
To Meet Or Not To Meet
Opposition To The Idea Of Meeting With The King
Letter To Sharad Chandra Shaha
Mainstreaming The Monarchy
Royal Family Pictorial

If the people's wish were to be done, this is what would unfold:

(1) The obstinate Girija should forget about the 1999 House. The 1999 House is dead. The 1990 constitution is dead.
(2) The monarchy is not dead. Those who want a republic get cancelled out by those who want an executive monarchy. 63% want a constitutional monarchy.
(3) The seven parties should revise their 4-point agenda, and adopt a 3-point agenda: (a) roundtable conference that would lead to a Maoist disarmament that might involve inducting some of their armed cadres into the state army, (b) interim government, and (c) elections to a constituent assembly that guarantees a constitutional monarchy.


Let me elaborate on that third point. Why? Because the people want a constitutional monarchy. And that is also the best way to neutralize an executive king and and send the army back to the barracks. If the support for the monarchy in any form or fashion were 20% or 30%, would I be saying the same thing? No. I consider it my democratic responsibility to respect that 63% figure. Just like I consider it my democratic responsibility to protect Gagan Thapa's right to be as republican as he might want to be. There is no contradiction between my two stances.

And, by the way, did you make a note of this: ........ courts scored highest at 30% respondents expressing very high trust in the institution, followed by the election commission (26%), local government (25.5%), army (25.5%), police (21%), civil servant (21%), central government (19.5%), parliament (17%), and political parties (14%)

Girija is a big reason why. If you were to ask, Girija Babu, if it is a choice between reviving the House and reviving democracy, which would you rather have? His quick reply would be: House! This man has taken democracy hostage due to his obstinate demand.

But I guess after 12,000 lives and a 2/1 coup, he did finally come around to the Constituent Assembly idea. That is progress. And for now we go by that.

And, yes, it would be perfectly democratic to hold elections to a Constituent Assembly where a constitutional monarchy is already guaranteed.

Friday, August 26, 2005

Mohi Magne, Dhungro Lukaune


I am the only person I know of in the democratic camp who has proposed a strategy, a protest program that can be put to work to succeed regardless of what the king does or not, what the political leaders do or not: Project Take Over Tundikhel: Draft 1 (August 8). My democratic credentials are second to none.

Every leader in the democratic camp has now come around to the idea of a Constituent Assembly. That is to say there is a broad agreement the 1990 document is dead. But I am the only one who has actually come up with several different drafts of a proposed constitution, those that retain a constitutional monarchy, and those that don't. My democratic credentials are second to none and they are of the creative, forward-thinking kind.

I am the only vocal, consistently visible person in the democratic camp who, right after 2/1, reached out to the Maoists with a proposed common minimum program of a Democratic Republic. So I am not someone who can be pinned down as a Monarchist, not exactly. (Sought eDialogue with Dr. Baburam Bhattarai)

Those are my credentials, and in the spirit of total, transparent democracy, they are like an open book right here at this blog.


My current proposals are to do with the king's visit to New York City around September 16. I started out by suggesting that although we should make the planned protest programs a grand success, we should make every effort to possibly meet the king and hold a dialogue.

I would like to expand on that. I think it should be more than one meeting. I am not sure of all the details of how long he will be staying, but if it is for a few days, why not take him around? To a few different cities. Arrange for him to meet as many Nepalis as possible. Why not?



Of course, I don't want to do too much homework on that right now, because I have not heard of anything from the royal camp that they might be interested, or that they even know we exist! Or that they know we are in the middle of this conversation.

But if it be forthcoming, I think we should take it.

It is the strategy of the democratic leaders in Nepal to convince the king to come around to their four-point agenda. Their strategy is not to bypass the king. And we are to just aid their efforts. How can you have such a strategy and then say you don't even want to meet the king! You don't want to meet the person who is central to your strategy of bringing back democracy in the country? That's a major contradiction, don't you think?

What do we have to lose through dialogue? Nothing. And we have much to gain.



What about conducting an open dialogue? Something that gets recorded in a video format, and then gets posted online? We make our case. And we listen to what he has to say.

For now I too think our total focus ought to be on the logistics of the protest programs. Because we are sure that is to happen. The dialogue is a small idea right now and only within our camp.



The biggest reason I am for dialogue is because I am a strong proponent of dialogue with the Maoists. And those possibilities are hard. Ours are much easier. If we can't do the easy version, what rights will we have to complain the hard work is not being done by those living and working under less favorable circumstances?

And as for George W. not meeting the king, that is his prerogative. But that does not influence me one way or the other on the topic of possibly meeting with the king. I spend much more time thinking about Nepal than George W. does. I take it for granted I know much more about the dynamics in Nepal than George W. Besides, he is not exactly my role model.

So I say, let's meet with the king if possible.