Need To Be Vigilant

The cover story Independence of Judiciary: Looming Threat (December 19-25) was very interesting and eye opener to those who love the independence of judiciary. It is very unfortunate to say that the liberal democratic system will collapse if Maoists are allowed to recruit their own henchmen in judiciary. As you discussed, it is not a question of Sthapit or any individual, what is important is independence of the Judicial Council which recommends the name of judges for courts. You have righty pointed out this serious matter and Maoist intention to all the readers.

Dinesh Shrestha
Via Email

Look At Provisions

The article regarding judicial council was very interesting as it pointed out the problem relating to constitutional provisions and independent judiciary. The reporter has done a good job to bring out the genuine issue for public concern. It is clear and known to all that the member of judicial council is not like the position of Attorney General which could be treated as sole representative of Prime minister. The attempts are launched under the vested interest from the politically indoctrinated groups in order to weaken independence of judiciary. They seem very dangerous and suicidal to democratic development. If the positions that are filled based on recommendation of prime minister but whose tenures are clearly governed by legal provisions provided by constitution or the act, are accepted as being PM's private privilege, there could be larger and greater negative impact on the many positions within state system which might create bigger turmoil in state affairs. So, if the reality of grave and great concern has not really been dealt with self restraint and values and norms of democracy, the fatal effect could lead to collapse democratic set-up is certain. At the same time the wrong and corrupt minded leaders whose role were prominent in framing Interim Constitution, which lacked people's endorsement, have been  providing fertile land for all these complications. The provision of hearing about the members of constitutional bodies including judges of the supreme court, is the most controversial issues among others in the interim constitution. It seems they drew the idea from US but they forgot that in the US, the nomination of president is the sole basis in their being picked up, that is why the approval of senate is relevant there whereas Nepal's case is not the same as the nominations are made on recommendations of other constitutional bodies. What one can expect out of all these developments is that the coming days and future of Nepalis will be more troubled and hardship.

Chintit Nepali
Via Email

True Face

By demanding resignation of Motikazi Sthapit, Maoist leaders have exposed their true face and commitments to liberal democracy. The hunger for power of former prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Nepal's southern neighbor are responsible for all these happenings in Nepal. Although Koirala who brought the Maoists in the mainstream of Nepali politics declared that there would be no more autocrats in the wake of signing 12-point pact with Maoists in New Delhi, India, he now seems to be desperate to overthrow Prachanda's regime after helplessly watching his anti-democratic acts. During his tenure as a prime minister Koirala, too, had not spared any time to violate all the constitutional means and values of liberal democracy. Koirala suspended the Constitution of Kingdom of Nepal 1990 through his declaration in a manner of military commander. Unfortunately, even leaders and officials of world's largest democratic country India applauded undemocratic ways. Those who backed terrorists into politics will have to face long term consequences. The recent act of Maoists is just a beginning showing how their commitments to democracy are.

Rajan Lama
Via email

Unending Problems

Although it was the Maoist party, which taught ways of capturing highways, now the government led by them has been facing similar kinds of problems. Anarchy eats its own mother.  As Maoists have already planted enough seeds of anarchy, the siblings will eat their mother. This is their turn to take on the forces of anarchist. Maoist leaders have courageously encouraged the culture of killings, now they are going to be its next victim.

Grima Lama

Bouddha