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Nepal Update
International Media Scrutiny of Nepal has fallen from mainstream coverage lately, but a number of significant developments for the revolutionary government there demand our attention. While many on the left are looking toward the 21st Century Socialism of Venezuala and, too a lesser degree, Bolivia, what is happening in Nepal demands socialist analysis and support.
Recently, CPN-Maoist chairman Prachanda told a gathering of the Muslim Mukti Morcha (MMM), an organisation affiliated to the party of the former rebels, that special rights should be ensured for the nations minority Muslim population. This is heartening news for this community and a positive step in a radical government of national unity that has put secularism at the top of its to-do list.
According to an Indian newspaper, Prachanda, “who is poised to lead the new government in Nepal, promised to form a ‘Muslim Commission’ for the welfare of the minority community and develop historically important pilgrimage sites of the community as tourist destinations.” For the first time, 17 members of the muslim community will be represented in the special assembly to frame the country’s new constitution. This morning a top Maoist lawmaker said ”in the next 48 hours, we expect the election of Nepal’s first president to be held. After that, the new government will be announced.” Prachanda has indicated his intention to lead the new government allied with the Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist party.
Another interesting announcement regarding Nepal comes from the International Press Institute, who has commended Prachand on his strong committments to press freedom. This comes after a series of attacks on the Nepali press by Maoists that remain uninvestigated.
Whatever the outcome of the leadership race in Nepal, the nation’s relationship with India will be essential and difficult in the restucturing of a new economy. Prachanda has acknowledged the growing economic power of China and India, and has said he wants to change the image of the Maoists in the international community and amongst the Nepali middle class. How this will work in a neo-liberal economy, typically hostile to any nation that steps off the rocky slope of the market, is yet to be seen.
Chris Webb is a journalist and activist living in Toronto. He is currently the Publishing Assistant at Canadian Dimension magazine and a Communications Officer with SEIU-Local 1 Canada. Read more by Chris Webb.
