KATHMANDU, May 28: A day after the government failed to promulgate a new constitution within the stipulated deadline of May 27, dissolved the Constitutent Assembly and announced fresh polls, people across the nation appeared to feel cheated and disheartened.
On the backdrop of such developments Monday´s, official celebrations of the 5th Republic Day function in Tundikhel of the capital was limited largely to ruling politicians and government officials, and the importance of the day was lost on most common citizens who questioned its validity.
Sushila Humagain, 35, said it had been a sad day for her. “As parties couldn´t give us new constitution, I felt like all Nepali people had been killed,” Humagain said, adding, “I am so disheartened that I no longer care what these stupid politicians do. They just spoilt everything.” She also added she has to works hard for her livelihood and doesn´t care about the Republic Day.
Many people felt that the country seemed to jump from one crisis to another as the top politicians bickered among themselves instead of focusing their efforts to draft a constitution in the past four years.
“We have been made scapegoats. All we need is right to live freely,” said Manoj Hamal, who is working at parking committee at Tudhikhel. He said the people should be able to live under complete freedom and added “I am sure that strike, banda and various kinds of protests will continue even after the government celebrates the Republic Day.”
In yet another case, Laxmi Neupane, 28, a street vendor, opined that the Republic Day celebrations doesn´t make any difference to her. “I have to struggle everyday so celebration to mark the Republic Day won´t make any difference to me.”
Gopal Shrestha, another street vendor, said, “From now onwards I won´t bother about any events or political activities because I was hopeful that parties would promulgate the constitution even at the last minute.” He said the latest actions of leaders proved they were useless.
Bhimsen Chaulagain of Ason, Kathmandu, was also of the same view. “Celebrating Republic Day is in no way related to me but as of now we want a constitution, not a celebration.” He opined that the leaders ditched the nation.
The case was no exception for Sita Pokharel Bhattarai, 25, a student. “I was wondering whether the celebration was in the helicopter or democracy really touched people´s life,” she said in a sarcastic tone. She added that celebrations in previous years also didn´t make any difference in her life.
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