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By Shashi P.B.B. Malla

Most denizens of the Himalayan Republic are fully aware that something is very rotten in their state, but quite oblivious of the fact that since the regime change of 2006-2008 and the ushering in of a new political dispensation, the country finds itself in a downward spiral.

The dons of the various political parties promised the sovereign but unsuspecting people that the abolition of the hoary monarchy would be tantamount to establishing ‘a land of milk and honey’.

Unfortunately, the political laboratory in which there were many amateurish, half-baked technicians – ‘too many cooks spoil the broth’ – released the infamous “Loktantric Virus” on a gullible folk.

Instead of a path to freedom and continued development, these dons became the ‘the new rajas’ and considered the country their fief.

If the country is to enter into a new era, it must embark on a rigid programme of eradicating the ‘Loktantric Virus’.

This will entail a series of tactical moves as preparation, and culminating in a grand strategic denouement.

The movement to fully exterminate the ‘Loktantric Virus’ will require dedication in putting the country first.

To fully succeed, it must mobilize only domestic resources, and must not be dependent on any external help or advice, i.e. the movement to become free of the virus must be of the Nepalese, by the Nepalese, and for the Nepalese. We must own it fully.

If a misguided Nepali group thinks that a neighbouring country will support such Nepali aspirations, they would be badly mistaken.

Lately, there have been a spate of protests and demonstrations. Unfortunately, they were headed in the wrong direction. They were purposeless and leaderless, and only self-serving. They were out to prove something(s) – which they didn’t, and not to achieve something concrete and uplifting.

First, there is the need to form an Action Committee consisting of five to seven members to discuss and chalk out a modus operandi.

Second, this entails the formation of a detailed plan to eradicate the virus, that it does not raise its ugly head again.

This action plan must prepare the people for the coming movement to eliminate the ‘virus’.

Out of the ‘Action Committee’ will evolve an ‘Executive Committee’ of experienced technocrats representing the length and breadth of Nepalese society and incorporating gender parity.

There will be ways and means to convince the perpetrators of the ‘Loktantra Virus’ to step away and make possible the Himalayan Spring – the dawn of a new era.

All of this will be done in a peaceful manner. During the whole process, the security forces will be requested to stay neutral and not to block the people’s aspirations.

The executive committee will invite the scion of an illustrious family to be the acting head of state. He will uphold the country’s  ancient religious, social and political traditions. He may even have contributed in a significant manner to the eradication of the virus. But there should be no input of a neighbouring country.

Starting from the grassroots, the political culture in the country will have been flourishing and there will be lively political participation.

The interregnum can last to about two years.

The writer can be reached at: shashipbmalla@hotmail.com