Act Up, UN

The UN continues to act sheepishly – intervening too late, acting too hesitantly. Here is its chance to prove itself. The protracted civil war is about to end, and UN intervention is needed. What’s more, it has been called for. The Maoists have promised to disarm under neutral foreign mediation – be it the UN, or other respected INGOs (I think it has in mind groups like Amnesty International). But with the new NGO/INGO rules, it becomes impossible for groups other than the UN to intervene. Now I understand why the King’s government had made such a fuss about foreign involvement in Nepal, when it seemed to be the last of worries the government should have had, as clearly the foreign interests were merely watching from the sidelines as He continued to do whatever He pleased.

As for the seven-parties alliance, they should make it clear what they are fighting for – a constitutional monarchy similar to what we had after 1990, ceremonial monarchy (like that of England and Spain), or a Republic Nepal. I think the Maoists clearly want the third. If they settle for anything less, a militant faction within the party may not participate in the peace process. As it is, the propaganda instilled in their minds by the leadership seems to have an equally deep impact on the cadres as the leaders do.

A large protest is to be organized in Pokhara on Friday by the UML. The government has issued pamphlets in the name of Nagarik Samaj asking people not to participate because ‘unfortunate incidents’ may happen. It has denied road-permits to all public transportation to Pokhara, and warned related unions of bringing protesters to the city. Already, many people are said to have been stranded or sent back. However, UML claims at least 50,000 people will show up for the protests. In about a week (Mansir 17) the protest is to reach Kathmandu.

Right now though, all we people can do is sit and watch.