Power to the people

The restoration of the House of Representatives brought a semblance of order to the Valley, but with the memory of September 01, 2004 fresh in my mind, I looked on with apprehension as the people took to the streets on Tuesday for the victory rally. To begin with, I do not agree to the use of the term victory: agreed that the monarch has acceded in parts to reason and the need of the hour, but the ongoing tussle has left no victors, only losers. The people have been the hardest hit and the biggest losers.

Led by the seven agitating parties, and catalyzed by the excessive use of force by the security forces, the people have had a big say in the recent political developments in Nepal. The parties owe their success to people power, but people power may well their downfall. The unprecedented arson and pillage that the capital witnessed on September 01, 2004 was a vent to the dormant angst and frustration of the people. A single spark was enough to inflame passions and inspire destruction of private property at a scale never before seen. It does not take much to trigger such a flare up of emotions, and it maybe only a matter of time, before the next one takes place.

Political rhetoric can change overnight. The same leaders who braved the bite of the monarchy alongside the people on the street may themselves be forced to turn the guns on the public when in power. Many promises were made during the past fortnight. Fuelled by a sense of right and the promises made, people power drove the leaders ahead. Expectations are heavy, but will they keep the promises made?

Pro-republic slogans are echoing across the nation. While most people welcome the current initiative, there are others who feel let down. Life is steadily returning to normal, but the fear of recurrence lies heavy in our minds.

We have seen a tremendous display of ‘people power’, but reining in the same force seems a headache this coalition of parties may have to contend with if they fail to deliver yet again.