Concerned Sajha Members,
Just received this through the mail, I thought it would be good to post this here. I'm not sure if it has already been posted, if so, my apology.
Rally for Peace, Justice, and Democracy!!!!!!
We are getting together to show our support for peace, justice, the rule of law, and democracy in Nepal. We firmly believe that democracy in a vacuum is meaningless and will only lead to further death and destruction. Peace, security and democracy must be pursued simultaneously while negating all remnants of extremist elements within and outside of Nepal.
This Sunday, the 13PthP of March 2005, a gathering of Nepalese compatriots and friends of Nepal will host a demonstration of solidarity in front of the White House. The larger goals of this demonstration are captured in the letter appended to this notice.
In summary, the objectives of the demonstration/gathering are to:
Offer a show of support for the re-instatement of democratic values and norms, ranging from fundamental human rights to the freedom of press and the freedom against preventive detention;
Recognize the emergency situation prevalent in Nepal, owing to the threat to sovereignty posed by Maoist extremism;
Acknowledge the need for development activities and the provision of security in tandem;
Applaud the US administration?s objective policy stand on Nepal, particularly in regards to the regional threat posed by the Maoist insurgency.
Encourage the US administration to continue engaging the current government in Nepal, so as not to alienate the current government and thereby necessitate more extreme measures;
Encourage political parties and party leaders to rethink their approach to democracy of the past 15 years and to urge them to re-commit to integrity, dedicated leadership, and service to the Nepali people and nation;
Seek an inclusive, middle-ground approach, directed at undermining extreme elements (regardless of political backgrounds or goals, be they ultra liberal or ultra conservative) within and outside of Nepal;
We request all Nepalese and friends of Nepal to come together and show support for the restoration of peace, democracy, and rule of law in our motherland.
Although many of us have left Nepal, right now is the most urgent time to not forget the roots of our very existence. This could well be the last chance we have, to save our motherland from turning into a failed state, a Pol Pot?s Cambodia or even another Sikkim.
The main issues at present are the achievement of peace, security, true democracy, progress and prosperity for our nation. The King's commitment to constitutional monarchy and multiparty democracy must be given a chance to work and the current government be permitted an opportunity at succeeding in an area where successive coalition governments have failed for the past 15 years.
We are gathering to express these views and to let the international community know how the majority of ordinary Nepalis living and working in the US feel about our native land.
Please come join us to exhibit your support. By keeping silent now, we will have committed our nation?s fate to the hands of those whose intents may be pure, but whose opinions are fomented in a vacuum of idealistic values, devoid of the ground realities in Nepal. It is our responsibility and duty to ensure that the views of ALL Nepalis living in the US are heard.
Thank you very much for your support.
And see you on Sunday.
Organizers:
Rally co-ordination Committee
Washington DC
Date: Sunday, 3/13/05
Time: 1:00PM
Location: Lafayette Park NE (Washington DC)
Direction: McPherson Square and Farragut West are the closest Metro stops.
