1. "A state is by definition the expression of some concept of justice that legitimizes its internal arrangements and of a projection of power that determines its ability to fulfill its minimum functions – that is,  to protect its population from foreign dangers and domestic upheaval. When all these elements are in flux simultaneously – including         the concept of what is foreign – a period of turbulence is            inevitable."    –  Henry Kissinger.  

Late King Mahendra had just decided to build the Kathmandu-Kodari Highway linking Nepal to Tibet when journalists asked him whether he wasn't afraid of communism coming in from the North, now that there would be a road link. He replied, "Communism doesn't come riding in a jeep". When the most virulent kind of ultra Communism came to Nepal, it came from the South; only the name came from the North. A nationalist worries whether some in the South might conclude that as Sikkim had to be taken after Bomdilla, Nepal has to be taken up after the the completion of the railway link from China to the Indian border.

2. One becomes sick to see the charade enfolding of deadlines not being met of Nov. 16th, Nov. 21st,  Nov. 26th, Dec. 1st, Dec. 8th and so on, people being continuously taken for a ride, differing statements of different leaders at different times, continuous double standards of foreign friends and the occasional visit of the Southern envoy to instruct or advice the Prime Minister before major decisions are taken. Our leaders are becoming pathological liars and people believe that they can't be believed till instructions are received. Therefore, even the best of intentions could also be misconstrued. As they say, 'Once beaten twice shy'.

3. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) is going to be restructured. The PMO will have seven divisions to coordinate the functions of all the ministries and constitutional bodies. These divisions include: governance reforms, cabinet and constitutional bodies, law and human rights, economic and infrastructure development, social development, management and human resource development and press, foreign relations and ceremonial arrangements. Four secretaries will oversee the  seven  divisions.  A  new  secretary  and  20 additional staff will be

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added to its existing strength of 181 personnel. The PMO has proposed a budget of Rs. 8.5 million to implement the plan.

4. One is reminded of 1846 and the beginning of the Rana regime. Control of the military is the key. Sushil could be appointed Kazi, Sekhar Sardar, Shailaja Kapardar and Sujata Khajanchi. Lal Mohar is to be replaced in practice by Khadga Nishana and as the survival of the Rana regime required continuous support by the British, ensure the same by our Southern power. Lo and behold a new form of Rana Regime!!!

5. With great fanfare Police posts are being reestablished in this country despite Maoist obstruction in many areas of their choice. As if those were great achievements – Police posts reinstated in areas formerly occupied from where they were chased away by insurgents. What is happening to this country and its sovereignty? Where does the sovereignty lie and who exercises that power and authority? I am reminded of a former U.S. Secretary of State, "even if there is one Communist left in this entire world that's one Communist too many".
6. In the meantime, Maoists atrocities are continuing:

-- Captured eight youths in Hetauda, Makwanpur on January 4.

-- They shot dead Nima Tenzing Sherpa of Niguradin VDC-6 of Taplejung on January 5.

-- Dabur greenhouse operation, an Indian joint venture in Nepal was forced to shut down.
 
-- Captured 15 quintals of rice from Bakhat Kunwar of Ranipani 1 in Parbat district.

-- Warned to halt the election of the Kakarvita drinking water consumers and sanitation committee.

-- Obstructed restoration of police posts in Syangja, Bhojpur, Dolakha, Ramechhap, Gorakha and hilly districts in Far Western region.

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-- Pressurizing reestablished area police offices at Babiyachaur and Ranighat in Surkhet district to turn back.

-- Forced policemen to turn back who were heading toward area police office to be restored at Dalli in Dailekh.

-- Did not allow VDC secretaries to enter the villages in Sankhuwasabha district.

-- Taxes are being collected at Ghorepani and adjoining areas of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project and have established check posts at Birethanti and Landruk in Kaski district.

-- Padlocked  the Chilime Hydro Power Project in Rasuwa district.

7. Finally, the government of Nepal has cancelled the public holiday, from this year, which was given to mark the Prithvi Jayanti and the national Unity Day. If there had been no Prithvi Narayan Shah and no unification, there would have been no Nepal. It would have saved a lot of people headache. Maruti vehicles would have cost less than half the present price in Nepal. As before Biharis would be in Northern check posts. Unworthy progenies of worthy forefathers, that’s what we are. Forget the Monarchy, forget Hinduism, even national unification seems to be in the hate list.

 "However many rings of pain
 The night welds around me
 The opposing pull is stronger
 The passion to break away"

    -  Boris Pasternak

(Note from the Nepal Horizons Editorial Team: The views and opinion expressed in this article are that of the author and not of NHC. We request individuals with interest in Nepal to submit their views on contemporary Nepalese issues to the following e-mail address: editor@nepalhorizons.com.  Pictures of contributors or images that relate to submissions are welcome)