People's movement should yield positive results

The ongoing people's movement which began from April 6 should aim to introduce reforms in Nepali political system. Nepal should do away with feudalism and backwardness; it should move forward towards peace, development and prosperity. It is sickening to see that economic growth in Nepal is merely 2 percent according to ADB, while South Asian average growth stands at around 6-7 percent. This itself shows the impact of political upheaval and pandemic violence in Nepal.
Look at the example of Singapore. A port hamlet in 1940s have now transformed into Southeast Asia's economic powerhouse. We also need mission, vision when we think interms of developing this country. We cannot do this all by ourselves. Our diplomats abroad should convince friendly and prosperous countries to invest in what we have-- like water resources. Key to Nepal's development is foreign investment, whether you like it or not.
The country is in transitional phase. At one side ther is violent revolutionary movement which seeks to overthrow the present suystem with its own dicatorship. At the other side is the seven party alliance which is driving the present people's movement. We do need change. But what change?
One solution which I would like to propose is one which can bring the Maoists to the mainstream by meeting one of their key demands--constituent assembly. If the King and his government allow the election of constituent assembly, maoists can be asked to lay down their arms and participate in this process. But, here all sides need to compromise anfd agree to work this out. Its a great gamble for the king, but he has to agree as it would be a condition for Maoists to lay down their arms to a third party like the UN. The constituent assembly would draft a new constitution which should guarantee inclusive democracy. In this system, all peoples of Nepal would get equal opportunity. No one group or caste or family can rule over others. All leaders in the new system would be fully accountable to the people and nobody would be above law.
Let us just hope that we can find a peaceful resolution to all the crises affecting this country. Long live Nepal and its countrymen!