confusion everywhere

The most prevalent reaction to the agreement reached between the seven-party alliance and the Maoists is confusion. In all camps.

The government does not know what to say or do. Different members of the government have opined differently. But the most common answer is, we shall study the accord and release a statement in due time. And indeed a government that is so out-of-touch with reality and with public sentiment ought to ask for more time. For what is at stake here is the institution of monarchy itself.

The seven-parties too fare no better. Already factions within the leftist parties are saying the agreement is a big compromise, that it fails to address the fundamental issues that gave rise to the insurgency in the first place. I am sure there are segments inside the Maoists who feel the same way but conceal it carefully as of yet, the guerilla group being more disciplined than the rowdy parties.

Elsewhere, Bimarsha editor Mr. Baidhya continues his fast-unto-death until democracy is restored, a very unwise demand if one wants to stay alive. He said he would quit fasting if other journalists started a relay-fast, a very wise demand indeed. But will it be heard? Bimarsha is a fringe newspaper, though with substantial following, and the big dogs at Kantipur and elsewhere couldn’t care less.

Today is the big day in Pokhara. People have walked long distances to reach there, some camping out it nearby hills when night fell. Others have managed to pass through the tight security and rampant abuse of the soldiers. Still other held a naked procession (I assume they were wearing underpants or something beneath the waists though it was hard to tell from the picture in Kantipur).

And lastly, the UN has said it will do everything within its reach to help with the peace process. Which makes one wonder how far they can reach.