Consequently, ceasefire has been announced and the process of peace talks has been initiated. The current situation has certainly awakened those who had concluded that nothing positive would take place any more. Since no one is unaffected from the activities of violence, all are saying in a single voice that now the time has come to utilize the opportunity for the benefit of the nation.

Origin of the problem and the ceasefire:
Poverty is the main cause of the present crisis. Due to our past wrongdoings and shortcomings, Nepal has fallen far behind other developing countries. The standard of our education is weak. The literacy rate is very low. Our agriculture is still based on traditional method. Moreover, agriculture is done merely for livelihood. The donor agencies like the World Bank, the UNDP and the Asian Development Bank have labelled Nepal as a country lagging far behind in development. More than 80% of Nepalese people are involved in agriculture. The newly evolved modern economy has not yet been able to create enough job opportunities. On the one hand we have this grave situation, on the other hand the economy is not able to keep pace with the rate at which people are entering the labour market which is about 300,000 per year. Because of social unbalane & all these reasons, the expectation of people, who had hoped that all their problems would be resolved with the restoration of the multiparty system in the country, could not be realized.

Consequently, the rebellion started, and spread. It grew so wildly that the nation could not manage it. Therefore, in a single sentence we can say that the widespread poverty is the root cause of the present crisis. I have no hesitation to say that the wrongdoings and the shortcomings of our leaders have caused the problem to grow. In this context, I agree with the view expressed in the working paper. However, I would also like to add that though we cannot turn a blind eye to the past, it is not a right time to blame each other. We should learn from our past experiences and be guided by a practical principle. We should give up all kinds of prejudice and come together to find a solution to the problem. Anyway, we should utilize the present opportunity; and peace should be restored in Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. This is the wish of each and every Nepali.

Preparations for the talk:
The country in now facing a challenging situation. We are bound to take a strong decision to find a long term solution to the present problem. History puts everybody to a trial and everyone of us is facing such a trial now. We must go through this test. This is a time in the history of Nepal that expects us to give up our petty interests and demands some sacrifice and some contribution. This can prove to be a turning point in the history of our nation. So, the "talk" must take place, and it must be a successful talk. The theoretical and practical as well as the short-term and long-term bases should be identified for the talk that we are going to hold. As the representatives of the private sector, I must say that naturally our interests are in having political stability, economic strengthening and creation of peaceful environment. In fact, every sector should have a broader perspective so as to solve the present problem. It is important to involve each and every group and level of the society including the representatives of the minority groups, the ethnic groups and the dalits. All should be made involved in the mainstream politics of the country, because every citizen is an equal constituent of the state. Though the main responsibility for solving the present problem is that of the political parties the solution found only by the parties may not be the most appropriate one. Therefore, it is better to involve the people of different class, including the intellectuals and representatives of the civil society. And every one of them should contribute in it. And I am glad to note that the representative of private sector, Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) is ready to help in it, as the representative of the civil society.

While preparing of peace talk, the following points are worth considering:

The talk should cover the economic and social aspect:
Since the root causes of the present problem are exclusion of the backward communities from in the mainstream politics, lack of their representation in the government, widening gaps between the haves and haves not, lack of proper system of distribution of the national product and lack of recognition of the qualifications and capabilities of the people.; the long term solution to these problems must be sought. Those hitherto excluded from the mainstream be included now from the very beginning of the talk. That means, their interests are to be catered to from the very beginning of the talk up to the implementation of the outcomes of the talk.

The main agenda of the government-Maoist talk should be socio economy.The talk should also involve the academicia, the civil society, socio econimic sector and the backward communities together with the political parties, the government and the Maoists.

Immediate election and political stability:
Political stability and law and order are very essential preconditions for economic and industrial development. For a long-term peace and stability, election is to be conducted as soon as possible and the outline of development plan should be drawn up on the basis of the mandate from the people. This is a very important issue associated with the preparation for the talk. It also helps in maintaining political stability and also creates the opportunities for investment and employment. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to conclude the talk and to re-establish political stability.

The role of political parties in the talk
To provide a peaceful way out for the country from the present imbroglio, all political parties, big or small, have to play a vital role. Involvement of all the parties should be given high emphasis. Not paying attention to the voice of even a small party can be counterproductive.

Improvement in the attitude:
Only a disciplined and honest effort can bring about an all round transformation of the country. Commitment should be made for a cultural reform package which should include fair competition, providing respect to the suppressed people, unity for integrated policy improvement, timely reform in bureaucracy, development of honesty in the political parties etc. Since the ordinary people follow the political leaders, the latter should exhibit more fairness, honesty, dutiful nature, self-denial, respectful image and farsightedness. This attitude should be reflected in the preparation for the talks as well as during the implementation of the outcomes of the talks.

Presented by
Rajendra Khetan
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translation from rajdhani nepalese daily of friday feb.'21st '03.