www.sacw.net
- April 5, 2006 > Citizens Action & Ideas for Peace in South Asia
An Open Letter to
Nepali democrats
Dear comrades,
We are Indians, and supporters of the Nepali people's struggle for
democracy. Rather than a bearer of a national identity, we speak as
world citizens who believe in the shared values and solidarity of all
democratic movements. What we have to say is urgent, because it is
painful to observe the agony of the Nepali people, especially the most
vulnerable, such as children and the poor. These humble millions are
caught in a political storm, whose contenders all claim to speak in the
name of 'the people' with little concern about the consequences of
their actions on the peoples' lives and livelihood. We are living
through an important moment, when a step back from deeply-held
positions can bring about far- reaching changes for the better. It is a
sign of hope that this seems to be occurring at the present time.
Friends, it is clear that the traditional Nepali ruling elites have
seized absolute power and continue to maintain this shamelessly, in the
face of national and international condemnation. It is also clear that
the absolutists will not understand or act upon globally accepted
ideals of human liberty, democracy, equality before law and
constitutional limits to state power. Despite their slogans hailing the
unity of the monarch and the praja, the ruling elite has no concern for
the welfare of its own citizens, millions of whom are obliged to work
in degrading conditions in India and other countries.
International Opinion
Except for the US, the dominant powers of the Western alliance and
countries such as India, have expressed their scepticism about the
intentions of the Nepali monarch or his potential for unifying the
polity. Even other autocracies, such as China who had previously
supported the monarchy are distancing themselves from its short sighted
and politically bankrupt acts. The latest statements of the US
ambassador express concern that a Maoist revolution would be a greater
danger to the people than an uncaring monarchy, although the evidence
indicates that the Royal Nepal Army has killed more innocent civilians
than the Maobaadis in the last 10 years. The American administration is
motivated by self-interest rather than principle. They are even now in
occupation of Afghanistan and Iraq in defiance of international law,
and have shown no love for democracy in South Asia where, over the
decades they have supported dictators and religious fanatics of all
colours. They support democratic movements when and where this suits
them, and contemptuously disregard democratic values when it doesn't.
Hence, while welcoming the warm words of certain Western leaders and
representatives, we should be sceptical of their intentions and the
stability of their commitments. In India, a wide range of Indian
political opinion supports the cause of democracy in Nepal although
there is support for the monarchy among some sections of the army,
bureaucracy, the old princely families and the RSS-VHP.
However, this letter is not addressed to the Nepali rulers, nor is it
an analysis of political opinion with regard to Nepal. It is primarily
an appeal to all Nepali democrats, including Maobaadis (who say they
have a new commitment to democracy), to recognise the current moment
for its great potential. The ruling clique is isolated as never before,
nationally and internationally. And the mainstream Nepali democrats
have come to an understanding with the Maobaadis, who for their part
have stated their support for an elected Constituent Assembly, and the
concept of multi-party democracy. The issues are becoming simplified,
and the enemies of democracy are becoming isolated.
The Opposition
The problem remains of overcoming mutual distrust among all the
mainstream democrats, of pre-empting the autocratic ambitions of the
Nepali Army, and of stopping the bloodshed. As regards the
parliamentary opposition, strong political will is needed to maintain a
self-critical approach to old ways of thinking and acting, to overcome
old animosities, and to maintain a dialogue not only among themselves,
but with millions of ordinary Nepalis who want a democratic republic. A
new vision is necessary, along with institutional and political
preparation for a constitutional order, and fresh initiatives towards
these aims - such as ensuring democracy within their own parties,
devising a plan of action for the Constituent Assembly, ensuring
neutrality, protecting citizens lives, etc. As for the Army generals,
one can only hope that some of them have the sense to see that
democracy is good for Nepal. There must be many army jawans/soldiers
and some officers, who would sympathise with democratic ideals. We must
welcome them and address them politically rather than push them away.
But above all, democrats must develop the confidence in their own
strength, vision and ability to engage with the Maobaadis to ensure
that they uphold the alliance. There must be a continuing dialogue with
them to encourage them to give up violence. Many Nepalis, while not
being Maoists themselves, sympathise with them, participate in their
activities, and have ambivalent positions on the question of "people's
war". This situation has been brought about by anger and helplessness
in the face of a selfish, autocratic and cruel governing authority,
with no vehicle to express grievance or seek social justice through
peaceful methods. We can understand the origins and force of this anger
but we must remember that (apart from the moral issues), if anger is
not restrained and harnessed, it becomes a spiral of violent revenge
and creates a political system that is the mirror image of one that is
overthrown. The pent up emotions and energies of the Nepali people can
find a more creative and optimistic expression in non-violent social
movements and activities which will serve as the foundation of a
democratic state structure.
The creation of democratic party structures, mass social and political
movements, and democratic civil institutions at district and community
levels, are the only foundations for a stable and viable democracy. We
may understand Prachanda's anger at the callousness of the absolutist
monarchy but we can also understand the fear and scepticism evoked
amongst democratic forces in Nepal when he says that he expects a
people's court to execute the king. Nepal has abolished the death
penalty and has an active and well functioning judiciary. Prachanda's
statement will undermine rather than help consolidate the process of
democratic unity.
The Urge for Peaceful Change
We appeal to all of you to think about the strong urge for peace among
your fellow Nepalis. People want an end to tyranny, but not at the cost
of so much bloodshed and cruelty. To kill a single person, no matter
how bad he is, without due process of law, violates democratic
principles. We cannot fight for democracy by using anti-democratic
procedures, or preaching autocratic values. We cannot complain that the
state indulges in extra-judicial killings and then do the same thing
ourselves. How can we encourage young revolutionaries to kill not only
the soldiers (who are mostly poor people like themselves), but also a
taxi-driver who violates a 'bandh', a telephone booth operator who was
forced to allow the Army to use his telephone, or ordinary bus
passengers, as in Chitwan last year? Is it enough to say, sorry, these
are 'accidents' and then expect the victims' near and dear ones to wipe
their tears and support the revolution? In late January, at Kathmandu
airport, we saw a young working-class Nepali woman see off her husband
- maybe he was joining a job in a foreign country. She was weeping
silently, and we thought how much more would be her sorrow if he were
to be killed in some encounter, some cross-fire, some bandh?
Friends, brutality operates in a cycle. The Army and police have been
brutal, and the revolutionaries have also been brutal. How does it make
any difference to the victims of cruelty that the State has killed 8000
people and the revolutionaries only 4000? Is the pain of their
relatives lessened because they died while comrades fought for a good
cause? So much accumulated tragedy and pain and tears! Do the Nepali
people deserve so much suffering on top of all the tragic consequences
of autocratic rule? Organised killing develops autocratic modes of
thought and totalitarian politics. It destroys the human conscience,
encourages lawlessness and disrespect for human life. The people who
survive such a bloody revolution will be emotionally and
psychologically damaged people. Precedents will have been set that will
endanger the future of democracy.
An Appeal to the Comrades
Many of the Maobaadis are inspired by pure ideals and sincere beliefs.
But unfortunately the politics of violence is a slippery road that can
change human character, and transform lofty goals into current
nightmares. Democrats need to start a dialogue to bring about lasting
democracy in Nepal. If they are far-sighted, the Maobaadis can make a
historic contribution to this dialogue. With due respect we must tell
Comrade Prachanda and all the comrades: your anger is justified, but
your violence is not. Instead of venting your anger in ways that often
harm your own citizenry, subjecting them to yet more cruelty, it would
be more fruitful to build democratic structures and practices (both
within and outside the political parties) which will become the
foundations for a future democratic Nepal.
Friends, we strongly believe that peace and security and freedom from
fear is as much of a popular aspiration as a democratic constitution or
improved working conditions. The sooner the comrades realise this, the
better it will be for the socialist cause. Violence and cruelty is the
language of the exploiters and oppressors - if socialists also use this
language, what hope remains for humanity? All kinds of non-violent
protests and constructive programmes can be organised. Popular
committees could be started in localities to start democratisation even
before constitutional change. After all, democracy means not just rule
with the consent of the governed, but the participation of the people
in governance. We appeal to you to consider this:
A PUBLIC DECLARATION BY THE MAOBAADIS THAT THEY WILL STICK TO THEIR
DEMANDS BUT WILL GIVE UP VIOLENCE, CAN ELECTRIFY THE SITUATION.
This March 8, let us remember the ordinary Russian soldiers of the
Tsar's army who refused to shoot women demonstrators on International
Women's Day in St Petersburg in 1917. This single incident marked the
overthrow of Tsarism and the advent of the Russian Revolution.
Comrades! The greatest victory would be for you to prevail over the
soldiers and policemen via their conscience rather than through fear.
Let us experiment with the revolutionary potential of non-violence. Let
us imagine a politics of love, rather than of hate. Once people stop
fearing for their lives, and if the comrades demonstrate their
sincerity, then fence-sitters (and maybe even elements of the armed
forces) will join the ranks of democracy. The constant tension, fear,
and enmity will subside and the ordinary people will be encouraged to
participate in the historic task of constructing Nepali democracy.
With love, best wishes and fraternal regards to all of you
Dilip Simeon
Madhu Sarin
New Delhi
March 1, 2006
Return to
South
Asia Citizens Web