STATE OF CRISIS

The Kathmandu Post

30 October 2015

STATE OF CRISIS

The promulgation of the new constitution has resulted hardship faced by the people since the last two months due to the Tarai unrest (“Mr. Oli’s winter challenge” Nepal and India, 28 Oct, Page 07). The leaders of the big three political parties saw the devastating earthquake as an opportunity to draft and promulgate the constitution undermining the voices of disgruntled groups. As a result, the country is facing an acute fuel crisis along with the shortage of essential goods that have been blocked from entering Nepal by the Madhesi protesting close to various entry points.  Also, India is equally to be blamed for imposing an undeclared trade embargo on Nepal to exert pressure on the government of its smaller neighbour to address grievances of Madhes based political parties.

Before promulgating the new constitution, around 40 people had already lost their lives in confrontation with the security forces. However, the power hungry leaders of big three political parties moved ahead without considering the consequences of promulgating the constitution in such a situation. Their political egos have now pushed the nation towards social, economic and political crisis. The government is losing billions of revenues due to the trade embargo. Most of the restaurants, hotels and other business organizations have closed due to unavailability of petroleum products.

Black marketing of petroleum goods has become rampant in the cities. Hospitals are struggling to run their services. Schools all over the country could be closed for indefinite period of time until petrol and diesel are again available in the market. The government is trying to make an arrangement with the Chinese government but the consequences of that will only be known in the coming days. In this depressing state of affairs, one can only hope that the government will settle the political and constitutional problems at the soonest possible.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj