Strengthening Democracy

Parmeshwar Devkota

Some places are famous for scenic beauty while others are useful for multiple purposes. There are also some such places that are of historic importance. The eastern flank of Bhadrakali Temple premises is one among them. It is the place of historic prominence. The Bhadrakali Temple lies to the southeastern corner of Tundikhel in Kathmandu. In the eastern corner of the temple, there lies a small raised platform under a large holy fig tree. The area is crisscrossed by roads to Singh Durbar, Nepali Army headquarters and Shahid Gate. Though the area is congested, it is symbolically a perfect place from where one can distinctly see the western façade of Singh Durbar from where state powers have been exercised for generations. It is the matter of coincidence that the Supreme Court can also be seen clearly from here. The apex court sets the innocent people free while it punishes the culprits for the crimes they have committed. 

It is one of the important spots because people gather here for three reasons: to draw the attention of the government to their demands; to warn the constitutional bodies not to take unfavourable decisions and to show solidarity to the government for its good deeds. 

In all these three purposes of gathering, especially three types of people take part in it: Mongoloid, Aryan and Dravidian. It is the beauty of this country that the different appearances and culturally divergent people hold placards and chant their slogans to build up the pressure on the concerned bodies. 

Now, the fake Bhutanese refugee scandal has become the talk of the town. So, the civil society organisations comprising of the people of all races, religions and cultures gather in this spot in support of the government, especially, in support of Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Nepal Police and the Office of the Attorney General to take stern action against the culprits. 

It is because some high-profile leaders, sitting members of parliament and bureaucrats have been found involved in the scam. On the other hand, the leaders of the three major parties have started regular parleys which has aroused suspicious on civil societies as well as the citizens of the country as a whole.    

Therefore, the protesters are demanding that there should not be slackness from the part of the Nepal Police, government lawyers and political leaders, especially from the Home Minister. This type of public support to the government is historic and praiseworthy. The culprits and masterminds behind the crime must be punished for restoring the nation’s glory. It is equally important to punish the citizens who are ready to take fake Bhutanese identity and betray the motherland just for an opportunity. 

The awareness movement from the civil society will strengthen the federal democracy and rule of law. It is the biggest scandal ever after the advent of the federal republic system in the country. If the culprits left unpunished, it will help criminalise the political system as a whole.  Therefore, bringing all offenders to justice will raise a lot of confidence among Nepalis. 

Interestingly, if you happen to participate in the campaign initiated by the civil society, you can hear some group civil society are demanding restoration of the Constitution of 1990 which is a regressive demand. Such demands are not contextual and unconstitutional. However, those who have put up such demands informally should not be punished considering the fact that they are mere  enjoying the fruits of federal democracy!