Condemnation alone is not enough. This is what I wrote for a discussion following Chitwan landmine horror. From: Deepak Khadka To: nepaldemocracy@googlegroups.com ; . . . . Cc: . . . . Sent: Wednesday, June 08, 2005 7:25 PM Subject: Condemnation alone not enough I am in solidarity with the initiative to do all sensible things we can do, from condemning this horrible act and helping the victim to starting a serious chintan-manan over broader questions we can relate it to. One question that is in my mind for quite some time is this: Human right is one of, if not the, most vibrant activism in Nepal. Yet, the Maoists and the security forces both are continuing, rather increasing, abusing the people Why ? Obviously because they don't have a fear of punity. And that is because of, let me find somebody to blame on, the dominant centrist political activism in and outside the country based on the notion of compromise. I think both the Maoists and the security forces are sure that they shall get a carpet amnesty as a part of the centrist settlement when the conflict ends and as long as the conflict continues, there will be no mechanism or priority to deal with their abuses. So why to worry, why be responsible ! Does this theory sound good to you, folks ? Anyway, I think the only way to make the Maoists and the security forces to fear is to have a believable initiative to bring the perpetrators of the human right abuse to justice no matter what, when and how. Unless we do that we will be issuing the statements of bhartsarna and making haardik anurodhs only to see them gone unrespected. One of the slogans I had suggested for DC rally was: "Maoists and RNA, don't abuse people: The Hague is waiting for you" I couldn't bring that slogan to the rally, because I was carrying a placard with a slogan broader than that. But now I think it's time to think seriously about that. That will be the best honor to the victims of this horrible act and many other more horrible and horrendous abuse, torture and killings. My 2 cents.