No to bandh

The Himalayan Times

19 January 2015

No to bandh

It was a huge relief when the political parties once announced that they would not go for any kind of bandh in Nepal in the future. They kept their words for some time. Now, they have come back on the streets forcing the common people to abide by their forceful bandh. It is their right to air their dissatisfaction over the disputed issues of the new constitution with the ruling parties. However, calling bandh and using threats and violence to enforce them is totally against the democratic principles.

 Why don’t they seek other alternatives to show and express their concerns and dissatisfaction? Why don’t they use their common sense and act accordingly rather than forcing the people to stay at home? Any kind of destructive protests and bandh will directly affect the economic activities of the country making it more vulnerable. Why don’t the so-called political leaders realise this and be sensible towards the nation and its people? Why do they always want to play the destructive politics? They spent almost one year of the CA II in the name of forging consensus on the contentious issues of the new constitution. Instead of calling bandhs they should settle their scores on the negotiating table with the ruling parties.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj