END POLITICAL CRISIS

The Kathmandu Post

8 January 2016

END POLITICAL CRISIS

It seems that the political and constitutional crisis that has been prevailing in the country for the last four months may end soon considering new progress made in the formation of a task force representing Samyukta Loktantric Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) and major parties to forge common consensus on contentious issues of the new constitution (“Morcha forms panel to hold consultations” 6 January, Page 1). It is high time for both the agitating and major parties became serious and sorted out their political differences concerning provincial boundaries, electoral laws, citizenship laws and proportional and inclusiveness representation cited in the new constitution.

SLMM is consistently insisting major parties to come forward with clear positions on their 11-point demands especially related to redrawing provincial boundaries. But, time has also come for SLMM to be sensible and flexible in their demands to unlock the ongoing political and constitutional deadlock. However, representatives of three major parties should play more proactive role for creating favourable and trustworthy environment to successfully hold consultations with SLMM representatives for coming to common understanding and position on the contentious issues.

The country and its people have suffered a lot out of this chaotic situation caused by major political parties’ political egos and stubbornness. On top of that, India’s unofficial trade blockade has tossed fuel to it making the situation more painful and unbearable. It is heard almost everyday from PM K P Oli, his ministers and other senior political leaders that this trade blockade will end soon (“Blockade will be lifted soon, says Deuba” 6 January, Page 4). This hollow announcement has been repeated since this government was formed three months ago. This ambiguous claim should be immediately stopped so that the people would not have to live on false promises.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj