Even as Nepal’s fragile peace process struggles to  move ahead the UN  mission that had been deputed to oversee it is due to leave next week.  Without completing its mission, the UNMIN is making its exit afterthe government comprising of the Nepali Congress and the UML and some small outfits refused to oblige the main opposition Maoists. Prime minister has ruled out a derailment of the peace process despite the UNMIN’s departure. Maoist chief Prachanda sees such a danger and suspects a conspiracy. That the mutually distrusting parties look at the future in different light is enough to point to what lies ahead.


More chaos, instability, disorder. In fact, chronic disorder has been the order of the day in the country in recent years.  UNMIN or no UNMIN, the country was heading towards an uncertain future.  The uncertain journey continues. Thanks to the inept leadership of the political class as well as the “self-righteous” elites. But one man saw it coming ages ago. Hence his call for the unity and reconciliation between the traditional and modern forces which alone, he believed, is the answer to the national crisis. No one listened. And the country is having to pay a heavy price. Better late than never. That’s why we have decided to take a fresh look at the first democratically elected prime minister, B.P. Koirala, and the momentous appeal he had made exactly 34 years ago.


Keshab Poudel
Editor