Is National Unity Government Possible?

Yuba Nath Lamsal

Nepal has been deeply shattered and shocked by the devastated earthquake that struck the country on April 25. The magnitude of the earthquake was 7.9 in the Richter scale with epicenter in Barpak village of Gorkha district. But there are still debates on the magnitude of the April 25 earthquake. National Seismological Center has recorded it 7.6 in the Richter scale, western media call it of 7.8 and 7.9 magnitude , while Chinese media have termed  the April 25 earthquake of the magnitude of 8.1 in the Richter scale. Whatever the debate on its magnitude, the earthquake was powerful and massive, which has caused colossal damage to Nepal in terms of both collateral as well as psychological level.

Even almost three weeks after the first powerful quake hit, fear has not disappeared from the mind of the people. It is because aftershocks continue to hit. Since then hundreds of smaller tremors have been felt. The earthquake killed more than 8000 people, injured over 15000 while damaging private and public property worth billions of rupees.

 The collateral damage is huge and huge resources are needed to repair, renovate and reconstruct. But commitment and determination is more important than the resources as the country may not be able to cope with such a large scale national catastrophe in a easy manner that the people in the government are thinking.  In the helms of affairs at present are the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML. And these two parties need to be more serious and responsible to take all political forces along to collectively face the disaster and its aftermath.

But the bigger impact is its psychological damage that has deeply seated in the mind of Nepalese people.  People are still fearful and are even afraid to live peacefully within their safe house. Many are still in tents in the open space. We can see hundreds of tents in Tundikhel, Basantapur and several other open places. Most people have lost something.   Some have lost family members, some relatives and loved ones, some friends in the earthquake. There are very few lucky ones in Kathmandu and other 29 earthquake hit districts whose houses have not been damaged. Many houses have been totally flattened while most of the houses have suffered partial damage requiring heavy repair.

 People’s confidence has shaken. Given the colossal physical and psychological damage, it will take years to overcome this crisis. Perhaps, bold and more responsible actions on the part of the government in perfect collaboration with the international community are needed at this time of national crisis. The Nepal Government has promised to rebuild earthquake ravaged buildings and infrastructures within two years. But it remains to be seen whether it will be able to instill optimism and confidence in people as they are mentally and psychologically ravaged and traumatized. Given the early symptoms, the government lacks that zeal and enthusiasm to tackle this crisis in a way Nepalese people and international community are expecting.

There seems to be trust-gap between Nepal government and the international community. The international community has pledged assistance to help earthquake victims and reconstruction. But they are reluctant to release the fund as they are not confident of its proper utilization in an effective and transparent manner. They suspect looming corruption in the relief distribution as there are already complaints of patronizing in relief distribution by people in power. There are reports that needy people especially in villages have not received the relief materials while some powerful leaders are siphoned funds and relief materials to their own constituencies. At this time of national crisis, leaders must rise above their constituency politics and make sure that the genuine victims and needy people get the relief in time and in adequate manner.

All including Nepalese people and international community seem to be in favor of strong national government so that Nepal can strongly, collectively and effectively respond to this national crisis. Perhaps, political parties, too, have realized the need of national government. Otherwise, divided political parties have demonstrated unprecedented unity at this time of national crisis. They have joined hands to support the victims of earthquake and rebuild the country. The parliament recently adopted a motion in a unanimous manner pledging to work collectively for the relief of the earthquake victims and rebuild the country soon. This is n itself is a unique development. This unanimous decision of political parties was taken first time since Nepal was declared a republic. Parties are also talking of the national unity government to tackle the crisis in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake. Although it has not yet taken a concrete shape, parties seem to be heading towards the direction of the formation of the national unity government.  The national unity government is necessary at this time of national tragedy, which will not only be able to face the present crisis in a more resolute manner and rebuild the country but will also help in delivering early constitution.

Now parties seem to have realized their responsibility to the country and people.  They have also realized the value of unity. It is the unity thought brought about historic changes in the country in the past. But everything got into mess when parties got more occupied in partisan agenda rather than national agenda. Although earthquake has caused colossal damage, it has given at least one positive message to the political parties that it is time for national unity and the country cannot stand without the broad national and collective resolve. Perhaps, parties and leaders have realized it, which should be translated into action sooner than latter to steer the county out of great crisis. Now we must learn that united we stand and divided we fall.