The Thaw in Nepal
02 Dec, 2005 · 1898
Lt Gen A M Vohra analyses the changes in Nepal's political scenario
The "Royal Coup" staged by King Gyanendra of Nepal on 1 February 2005 is a case of lust for personal power setting aside all considerations of the good of the country and its people. He dismissed the government of Sher Bahadur Deuba and replaced it by a cabinet of ten royalist members of a council of ministers under his own chairmanship. Since October 2002, the Monarch had appointed and dismissed there PMs. The February coup saw the entrenchment of the present extra constitutional arrangement.
Professionally conducted public opinion surveys show that the peoples regard for the King has plummated. Since October 2002 he has, ipso factor, been in total power; exercising the PMs powers and more. His feudal outlook is typified by getting his shoe laces ties, in public, by any army officer. He is personal isolation in Nepal is almost complete. Language press in the state show scant respect. There is little regard for or trust in his regime. Kanak Mani Dixit, the Editor of Himal, observes that the King neither knows how to lead a nation nor run a government. In addition, the stigma of masterminding the 'Palace Massacre' is hard to live down: it is a factor that will weigh with the people for a long time.
It is claimed that Maoists control 80 per cent of the country. The RNA (Royal Nepalese Army) has been able to prevail only in a limited area. Equally, the call of the Maobadis has not produced an uncontrollable response and on 3 September they announced a unilateral 'Cease Fire' for 3 months, 'for peace during the "Desain" festival season'. CPN(M) Chairman, Puspa Kamal Dahal alias Prachanda announced that, motivated by a deep sense of response 'to finding a democratic political way out' and satisfying 'the aspirations of peace of the Nepalese people… and doing away with doubts remaining in some circles about our movement'. This was a clear indication that the Maobadis were prepared for a compromise with the political parties. They demanded election for a Constituent Assembly and had decided to engage in open politics giving up "Revolutionary Warfare".
The political parties have had varied agenda but are united in their opposition to the King's dictatorial regime. A Constitutional monarch would be acceptable to them but the King is not willing to accept a ceremonial position. On the other hand, the talk in Kathmandu is for the establishment of "Ganatantra"; in which the King has no place.
Latest reports indicate that the Maoist and the political parties have agreed upon on a 12 point agenda endorsed by Kofi Annan, the Secretary General of the United nation. This envisages a constitutional monarchy. The Maoist demand for a Constituent Assembly has been accepted. In turn, they have agreed to give up their armed struggle and to place their arms under an international agency and to operate within the parameters of a multi-party democracy. Will the King see the rationality of the agreement?
It would be too much to expect an entirely smooth implementation of this agreement. The proposal to limit the role of the King to a constitutional figurehead is something that Gyanendra will not readily accept. The establishment of Constituent Assembly would be hopeful beginning. The process set in motion by the 12 point agenda will ensure that the armed struggle will end for the time being, the cease fire extend beyond 3 December.
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