NO MORE SUFFERINGS

The Kathmandu Post

26 February 2016

NO MORE SUFFERINGS

It was a bit surprising to see the sudden end of Indian blockade last month that was continuing on the Nepal- India border points for the last five months. However, there were no official announcements of lifting the blockade from both the agitating Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) and the Indian government. Nevertheless, there was a speculation among the people that sooner or later the SLMM would have to withdraw their protest at the border points considering the gradual dwindling of their cadres at the protest sites. The dramatic opening of the Birgunj-Raxual border points had weakened the position of SLMM forcing them to concede that the general people had suffered more than the Oli led government.

However, at the new report it does not seem that they will remain passive in the days to come (“Protest on cards, but doors for dialogue open: Morcha” 24 February, Page 3). They have denied being included in the political mechanism which was unilaterally formed by the government a few days ago to make recommendations on federal boundaries within three months. This process, as opined by the common people, was made simply to complete the groundwork for PM Oli’s state visit to India.  The SLMM has its every right to protest against the discriminatory and unconstitutional move of the top leaders. But, such protest should be peaceful and meaningful so that the common people will not have to suffer as in the past.

On the other hand, it is yet to be seen as to how much our PM Oli, after having a “one to one meeting” with his Indian Counterpart, has been able to clear the political misunderstanding that existed between the two countries in the recent months. His assurance to PM Modi and the Indian political leaders to resolve the outstanding political issues with the Madhes based parties through dialogue and consensus will be closely observed in the coming days. If this assurance is not met, his state visit to India will remain simply a formality. Nepal and its people will continue to suffer from other political tactics of the Indian hegemony if Oli and other senior political leaders continue to show their political ego and act irresponsibly.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj