Nepal faced ten years of Maoists insurgency from 1996-2006;
more than 14000 people sacrificed their life, with majority of youths. After,
the end of Maoists insurgency, they came into mainstream politics and in 2008,
first Constitution Assembly Election was held, where Maoists won majority of
the seats.
Political clashes, difference in opinions, political greed led to
failure of first constitution drafting process, which again led to second
constitution election in 2013. Country, which was two decade back, was then hit
by massive earthquake taking lives nine thousand with another fourteen thousand
injured. Despite difference in opinions, this earthquake raised the bond of
unity among leaders for quickening their drafting procedures. As a result, in
September 2015, they gave birth to first constitution of Nepal made by the
citizens of Nepal.
On dividing properties among three sons, there are
possibilities of dissatisfaction. This was the case of satisfying entire citizens of Nepal.
Challenges were certain, and finally dissatisfaction among Southern Nepal
border ranging to India was noticed. They were deprived of their basic rights,
and have been dominated ever since, and it was obvious for them to possess
expectations through constitution. However, constitution failed to address
their issue, which took country into agitation. India had never stopped it’s
supply, let that be on Peoples Movement III, for constitution drafting process
in 2006 while monarchy was removed or in Madhesh Agitation followed later. It
had however blocked supplies to Nepal during monarchy in 1989.
Shortage of petroleum
products has created impact upon living lives in major cities. Transportation
has proved arduous task. Private vehicles has been already denied for fuel
supply, only public vehicles are supplied. People have to travel sitting in the
rooftop of the vehicle. School buses are deprived of fuels too. Gases of every
household kitchen are getting empty. There are troubles in production process
of various necessary items as well. Daily required essentials, that used to be
brought from India are also having shortages. There is fear of necessary items
like salts, sugar. Apart, this blockade is provoking support to the struggling
parties, and someway or the other seems to be supporting them.
Youths used social
media, as their platform to express their feeling and emotions towards the blockade.
At the time, when dissatisfied group used this platform for publicizing Terai
Movement, proving how biased medias were not to broadcast news in reality. Use
of black flag as profile picture went viral among the dissatisfied ones. Again,
there was trend created which managed to get into worldwide trend at twitter,
criticizing India’s movement. Social Media was also used as platform for
interaction and exchange of views upon what they feel. Leaders and opinion
makers are making equal use of social media to express their views and show
support to their supporting groups.
At the time, when the blockade has been affecting throughout
the country, youths in Kathmandu are making their best effort not to be
distracted by this blockade. They have started this amazing group in facebook
named ‘Carpool’, which aims to make optimal utilization of seats in vehicle.
Since, public transportation are not easily available, so the one who offers
seat posts the number of seat available and the route he is moving to, and the
one who requires it contacts and grabs that seat. Similarly, one who needs asks
if someone is going to that route, and if anyone is going with, they will
contact and take them. This has also increased the trend of hitch hiking in
Kathmandu, and the way of increasing social relationship.
There are efforts that are being made by general public and
youths to pressurize Government in starting formal peaceful talk with
dissatisfied groups. Next important move of youth is being neutral and
demanding Government to adopt peaceful means of ‘talk’ and ‘discuss’ with
Madhesi leaders so that the issue can be resolved quickly. They have been doing
various rallies, vigils and peaceful demonstration in their best way to
pressurize Government to start up talking soon. These activities are done not
only in capital city but also in regions of Madhesh.
At the time, when Government has requested Nepal Oil
Corporation to search alternative means, there are lot of discoveries that has
been talked about ranging from fuel production form natural items, or usage of
mines within the country. Only after beginning of November, Nepal could send
tankers to China, removing the monopoly market of India. However, this has
brought concern of eco friendly environment too, because people have started
walking, cycling and trying their best to consume less fuels.
Nepal, being a land locked country certainly cannot sustain
in the long run with these sentiments for sure. It has to seek help of
neighboring nations, because there are fears in various regions. Hotels are in
processed to be closed due to lack of cooking gas. Medicines storage are
getting empty. There is fear in tourism industry. With the greatest festival of
Nepal approaching, people have been deprived of getting back to their hometown.
Foreign investor must have perceived this scenario and will rethink upon
investing in Nepal. The image has got down. There exists fear of frustration
among youths, who would rather be motivated to fill up EDV lottery than to stay
in Nepal.
China, being a giant nation can be another importer for
Nepal. However, there are geographical constrains, and importing from China
would increase the price by 20% as per expert’s views. That would have been
fine, because it is at least better than nil. However, leaders have to fear
upon moving towards China, ignoring India. This acts as main reason, why
supplies from China cannot be assured.
Ultimately, it is for sure that thing will settle down with
passage of time. Life certainly would move towards normal. However, the
blockade in Nepal will certainly be not forgotten by Nepalese, and will remain
a historical mark.
Writer is a freelance writer
and a blogger from Nepal.
Published in Sikkim Express, 3rd November 2015 page 4.
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