A Call to All Moderates.

A Call to All Moderates.
Madhesi movement was overdue. After the April revolution, the political conscience of the Nepali population was revived. By the conclusion of the restoration of “democracy” and commencement of the nation building process, Madhesi who were discriminated against found the opportune time to start their greatest battle for equality. Madhesi from all over pitched in to support for the fight. Blogs rallied for support and momentum to the movement. Student, political parties, businessmen, farmers, academia, someone from every strata of society demonstrated on the streets for equality in Nepal. The movement was an example of how nationalistic and humanitarian integrity can be achieved.
However, some over zealots administered into this movement that which changed the noble grounds on which the movement was founded. The policy of attacking innocent Pahadis was inculcated into the movement. And a feeling of revenge was installed. These uncalled for revengeful attacks on Pahadis has inspired a new wave of skepticism among the already skeptical Pahadi community. The policy of reverse discrimination is tainting the struggle for equality. Incident like these prevent meaningful debates from taking place. Emotional bias and ethnic pride has prevented intelligent conversation among all communities.
The Madhesi moderates must recognize and articulate that a mutual better future is possible if they work with and through Pahadi moderates. The same holds true for Pahadi moderates. The two communities cannot hide from each other. It is the mutual interest of both to build new equal relations. Madhesi are politically powerful in the parliament and in masse to make sure equal opportunities are guaranteed this time.
In the long run Pahadis in Tarai will prove to be a vote bank and financial assurance that will be much needed for regional Madhesi parties to gain more seats. While Tarai, the economic and farming heartland, will be an important base for any of the big national parties.
Another problem with the Madhesi movement is the lack of leadership in both the social and political fronts. Bickering and personal agendas have over taken the common mans interest. Thugery and stupidity is on the verge of taking over. The political decision makers in Madhes will need a coherent ideological stance once federalism is achieved. If a regional and ethnic political party is to be a national powerhouse it cannot go on beating the same drum. It has to appeal to more than one ethnicity or else eventually its existence will be unimportant. Moderates in the Pahadi community too must understand that for a better future instead of ignoring the issue we must find common grounds to thrive on.
If the Madhesi population is to achieve emancipation that it will have to be aware of the potential “it’s because of the Pahadi” rhetoric by the politicians. Let them not fool anyone anymore while remaining unaccountable to their constituencies. The average Madhesi has suffered long for equality, and should not rest till he achieves it. And let not equality be limited only in terms of ethnicity but extend to caste, creed, gender and sexual orientation. Moderates from all communities can and must come together; there are enough people who want positive change in the system we just have to reach across.