ASIA/NEPAL - Pro-Vicar Apostolic of Nepal tells Fides: “The people are tired of the politicians.”

Kathmandu (Agenzia Fides) – "The situation could take a turn for the worse, given the nature of our political leaders. The population is tired of politicians who seem interested only in power, and ignore the real needs of the people.” This is what Fr. Pius Perumana, Pro-Vicar Apostolic of Nepal, told Agenzia Fides in an interview, commenting on the volatile situation that the nation is undergoing, with the Maoists' protests and with the risk for a political deadlock, for many months.
Fr. Pius told Fides: "The Maoists are back to show themselves, this time in the name of the 'supremacy of civil society' ... but they themselves did not know exactly what this slogan means. The only certainty is that they want to return to power. They have announced a week of unrest, threatening with even stronger protests if their demands are not heeded. But no one seems to trust them. The political balance is very precarious."
"We are concerned about the trend of social life and national politics," continues the Pro-Vicar. "The Constituent Assembly, elected to draft a new Constitution, has not started working and nothing seems to move in that direction. Meanwhile, the pain and discomfort of people increase: this is what we try to take care of, as the Catholic community. We do everything possible to alleviate them."
Sources of Fides in Kathmandu note that "the state budget has been in Parliament for 111 days and has not yet been approved. The provisional law bans of money for health, education and development.” Some hospitals are already alarmed by the absolute lack of funds. The country is locked in all directions. The government fails to act, because of its inability, the internal struggles, and due to external pressure from Maoists."
Maoists have been paralyzing the work of government for several days, surrounding government buildings and preventing the activity. Leading the protest movement of the United Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (Ucpn-M) are the historical leaders of the Maoist party, such as former Prime Minister Prachanda who, notes the source of Fides, "is pushing to get a share of power.”
In this situation, fortunately tourism - one of the few resources for the national economy...has increased by 10%. The trouble being caused by political tension, however, worry tour operators: all are pushing for a solution that will ensure the country a minimum level of tranquility. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 17/11/2009)