Dr. Rokaya: According to the people of Nepal, this action was totally unconstitutional, as the Constitution of Nepal has no such provision that enables the king to assume such authority or appoint anybody as “vice-chairman.”
Christian Today: What happened then?
Dr. Rokaya: The political parties that ruled from 1990 to 2002 are now protesting against this regression. Presently, the king is ruling Nepal, backed by the Royal Nepalese Army. As the king is the head of the army, the army is answerable to him alone. The civilians of Nepal are dissatisfied with this situation. And there are the Maoists, who are carrying on their armed conflict against the govt.
Christian Today: What do the people of Nepal want?
Dr. Rokaya: Presently, the people of Nepal, the Maoists and the political parties are willing to settle all problems through dialogues and negotiations. They want peace, but not at the cost of justice. But the king is not willing to negotiate with the Maoists. And he is being supported militarily by the US, UK and India in his armed struggle. Since, February 1, 2005, however, India and UK suspended military aid – they have resolved to provide non-lethal weapons only to Nepal. The US, on the other hand, has continued to remain silent.
Christian Today: What seem to have deepened the political crisis?
Dr. Rokaya: The Maoist insurgency and the disunity among Nepal’s political parties has deepened the country’s political crisis.
