Wednesday, May 26, 2010

People against people


Dr. Celayne Heaton Shrestha

A student of civil society, I was enthralled by the developments of 2005 and 2006 – the massive citizens’ assemblies across the capital, including Basantapur, where seas of people would cover the steps of the square’s landmark temples. As a researcher, I delighted in firsthand accounts of the programs featuring speeches, songs, poetry recitals and drama, uniting a broad swathe of the population in the critique of an authoritarian regime that had brought neither peace nor prosperity. Civil society, which came forward to lead a democratic movement when political parties were not able to do so, claimed to be ‘the voice of the people’, bearing ‘people’s agendas’ and following ‘the people’s philosophy’. In 2005 and 2006, there seemed little reason to doubt these claims.

Following the historic people’s movement of April 2006, civil society was to be ‘dormant’ for a good four years. At least, it adjusted its approach and we were not to witness assemblies and programs on the scale of those of 2005-6 till last week. The press coverage of last Friday’s program in Basantpur, the ‘peace assembly’, seemed to bring back those times: the artists were there, the seas of people were there. But rather than a cause for celebration, I found myself disturbed by the way the program unfolded. Two aspects, in particular, alarmed me, as a civil society enthusiast.

First, despite the proferred agenda of the assembly to ‘put pressure on political parties to forge a consensus’, the rumours had already circulated within the public domain (electronic and face to face) that the assembly was ‘against the bandha’. During the program itself, similarly, alongside statements that political parties should come to a consensus within two days, noted artistes called upon the UCPN-Maoist to ‘withdraw the strike, violence and protests’. In these highly politicised times, this could easily be interpreted as a move against one single party, namely UCPN-Maoist. Such an interpretation was further supported by developments later in the day. Indeed, the assembly of tens of thousands was then to turn into a ‘peace rally’, during which less savoury slogans were heard (‘hang Prachanda’, ‘death to YCL’). This was, moreoever, against an informal agreement concluded between the organisers of the assembly and UCPN-M leaders the day prior to the rally, that the peace assembly would not march. Unsurprisingly, as the peace rally ran into maoist protest marches, confrontation ensued. What is disturbing here, is not so much the politicisation of civil society, which occurred as soon as it pitched itself against a single party (though this may not have been intended by the peace assembly organisers). I have said in the past (The Kathmandu Post, June 2009) that civil society could and should rethink its role in new Nepal – and that acting as political party or closeness with political parties could be a positive development for Nepali political culture. The blurring of civil society and political society is not uncommon in post-conflict transition contexts and not necessarily dangerous or harmful. What is disturbing, rather, is that instead of pitching people against the state, as we have come to expect of civil society worldwide, Friday’s events pitched people against people. And rather than a counterweight to the state, ‘civil society’ helped to protect the state by countering UCPN-Maoist’s bid to challenge and transform it. This seemed a violation of the very raison d’etre of civil society and of the support that has been extended to civil societies globally by the international community.

A second, most disturbing development was the use of the image of ‘civil society’ in this project of protecting the state. The term ‘civil society’ has significant appeal still today worldwide. In Nepal the protests of 2005 and 2006 did much to increase its credibility. The format of the programme in Basantapur last Friday was clearly meant to evoke the civil society programs against the autocratic regime of ex-king Gyanendra, in a bid to imbue it with legitimacy and power. In the assembly and the hours that followed, however, the image of ‘civil society’ was put to use in a regrettable manner. There, statements were made to the effect that change comes after intellectuals and professionals come to the streets, as were suggestions that ‘the people’ were those assembled in Basantapur. These were widely quoted and proved highly controversial, as was the representation of the hundreds of thousands of protestors on the streets as ‘merely Maoist cadres’, who did not belong to that abstract entity ‘the people’. Articles in the press promptly highlighted the very different class backgrounds of the ‘peace assembly’ on the one hand and the protestors on the other. The privileged position of the middle classes in civil society has been noted in published studies in Nepal and elsewhere, and again, is not a problem in itself. In 2005 and 2006, these classes found common cause with the less privileged and could then reasonably said to represent ‘the voice of the people’. But here, this priviledged group used its status and power in society, as well as the power of the image of ‘civil society’, to delegitimise the agendas and grievances of other social classes. It turned against society itself, rather than the state.

In other words, last Friday, privileged groups in society used the label of civil society in support of a political project that can hardly be seen as falling within the role we have come to expect of ‘civil society’. Drawing on the symbolic power of ‘civil society’, they sought to defend, rather than challenge the state. This latter manifestation of civil society (as defender of the state) is not at odds with theory: indeed, civil society has also been conceived as the site where the state constructs its own hegemony (eg in Gramsci). Others such as noted Indian political scientist Neera Chandhoke, have pointed out that the space of civil society is highly divided and conflict-prone. But the question is, is this the kind of civil society that we want in Nepal? Is it not a violation of the history of the citizens’ movement of recent years? And what might be the consequences of last week’s events, for civil society’ future? My request is that the press, responsible civil society leaders and others be vigilant, so that the image of civil society is not misused and mobilised in support of initiatives that create rather than solve conflicts. For I fear that this might damage the very image and name of civil society and render its ability to gather support against authoritarianism in the future, nil.

(Celayne Heaton Shrestha is a visiting research fellow at the University of Sussex. She is working on a research project exploring Nepal’s civil society during the years of the conflict. This project is part of a research programme directed from the London School of Economics, UK and is supported by the UK’s Economic and Social Research Council.)



49 comments:

  1. When someone writes an post he/she keeps the thought
    of a user in his/her brain that how a user can know it.
    So that's why this piece of writing is great. Thanks!
    My site - hcg weight loss

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hey I am so grаteful I found youг blog pagе, I reаlly found уou by accident,
    while I was searching on Aоl for something else, Regarԁless I аm here now and would just liκe to say
    thаnk you foг a incredible post and a all
    round entertaіning blog (I also loνe the themе/design),
    I don't have time to go through it all at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the fantastic job.Glee Season 4 Episode 7
    Also see my web page - Glee Season 4 Episode 7

    ReplyDelete
  3. It's an awesome paragraph in favor of all the internet viewers; they will obtain benefit from it I am sure.Malibu Country Season 1 Episode 4 Cash's
    Сar

    Also visit my blog post ... Malibu Country Season 1 Episode 4 Free Stream

    ReplyDelete
  4. Does your blog have a contact page? I'm having trouble locating it but, I'd like to shoot
    you an e-mail. I've got some recommendations for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it grow over time.
    My weblog arbeitgeberzuschuss private krankenversicherung 2011

    ReplyDelete
  5. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote
    the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some
    pics to drive the message home a little bit, but other than that, this is fantastic
    blog. A great read. I will definitely be back.
    Stop by my page : spoof commercials

    ReplyDelete
  6. You should take part in a contest for one of the greatest websites on the internet.

    I am going to highly recommend this blog!
    My site - vacations in caribbean

    ReplyDelete
  7. You actually make it appear really easy together with your presentation but I in finding this topic
    to be actually one thing which I feel I'd never understand. It sort of feels too complex and very vast for me. I am taking a look ahead to your subsequent publish, I will try to get the cling of it!
    Feel free to visit my page ; high quality beats by dr. dre headphones

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have been exploring for a bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts in this sort of space .
    Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this web site.
    Studying this info So i am satisfied to exhibit that I have an incredibly good uncanny
    feeling I came upon just what I needed. I such a lot without a
    doubt will make sure to do not fail to remember this web site and give it a look on a continuing basis.


    Feel free to visit my blog - altersrückstellung pkv
    Have a look at my webpage - altersrückstellung pkv

    ReplyDelete
  9. Greetings! I know this is kinda off topic however , I'd figured I'd ask.

    Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe
    guest authoring a blog post or vice-versa? My site addresses a
    lot of the same subjects as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other.
    If you happen to be interested feel free to send me an email.
    I look forward to hearing from you! Wonderful blog by the way!
    My web-site ... best uk hosting providers

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hello, There's no doubt that your web site may be having internet browser compatibility issues. Whenever I take a look at your site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it's got some overlapping issues.
    I just wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Other than that,
    wonderful website!

    Review my webpage: private krankenversicherung freiberufler
    Stop by my web-site ...

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hello there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group?

    There's a lot of people that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Thank you
    Feel free to surf my webpage innovative business ideas

    ReplyDelete
  12. This blog was... how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally
    I have found something that helped me. Kudos!


    My site :: make money on the net
    Feel free to visit my web site ::

    ReplyDelete
  13. Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites I
    stumbleupon everyday. It's always interesting to read content from other authors and practice a little something from other sites.
    Here is my web page : tarife private krankenkasse

    ReplyDelete
  14. Malaysia & Singapore & brunei greatest online
    blogshop for wholesale & supply korean add-ons, earrings, earstuds, necklace, rings, bracelet, trinket & hair add-ons.
    Offer 35 % wholesale price cut. Ship Worldwide
    My page: find a babysitter

    ReplyDelete
  15. Malaysia & Singapore & brunei ultimate online blogshop for wholesale & supply korean accessories, earrings,
    earstuds, pendant, rings, bracelet, hair & bracelet accessories.

    Deal 35 % wholesale discount. Ship Worldwide
    My website ... curso unas de gel

    ReplyDelete
  16. I appreciate, result in I found just what I used to be looking for.
    You have ended my 4 day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man.
    Have a great day. Bye
    Here is my site - single car garage

    ReplyDelete
  17. Magnificent beat ! I would like to apprentice even as you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a weblog web site?
    The account aided me a appropriate deal. I have been tiny bit
    acquainted of this your broadcast offered brilliant transparent concept
    Here is my web page :: real estate search engine optimization

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi there everybody, here every person is sharing these
    experience, so it's nice to read this webpage, and I used to pay a quick visit this weblog everyday.
    My web page http://Www.Xfire.com/blog/verna6/4363678/

    ReplyDelete
  19. What i don't realize is in fact how you're no longer actually a lot more well-preferred than you
    may be right now. You're so intelligent. You realize therefore considerably in terms of this matter, made me in my opinion consider it from so many numerous angles. Its like women and men don't seem to be fascinated except it's something to do with Girl gaga! Your own stuffs great. Always care for it up!
    Feel free to surf my blog post http://www.giantstalk.com/link/533

    ReplyDelete
  20. It's very easy to find out any topic on net as compared to textbooks, as I found this paragraph at this site.
    Feel free to visit my blog ... beamte pkv

    ReplyDelete
  21. These are generally brief term loans that do supply you meet your fiscal
    troubles within a desired precise time period. Thinking about time limitations these loans are especially created above an obligation free platform.
    As such, these are kept totally cost-free from credential checksums.
    Problems such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy, CCJs and even IVAs are not viewed as here.
    Further, there are also no collaterals connected with these loans.
    There is minimal paper operate essential on the element
    of borrower. There are also no hidden or further documentation or faxing required right here.
    Applying for these loans is also particularly convenient.
    People today just call for filling an on the web
    form and once this gets authorized money is received within 24 hours time frame.

    These loans are often provided under practical terms and conditions.
    The general standard applicant criteria here is that they need to
    be a UK resident and of 18 years of age.
    My web-site - http://www.invoicingsolution.com/node/21

    ReplyDelete
  22. These are basically short term loans that do give you meet your fiscal matters inside a preferred precise time period.
    Considering time limitations these loans are specifically designed
    above an obligation cost-free platform. As such, these are kept absolutely totally free from credential checksums.
    Troubles such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy,
    CCJs and even IVAs are not regarded as here. Further, there are also no
    collaterals connected with these loans. There is minimal paper perform expected on the part of borrower.
    There are also no hidden or additional documentation or
    faxing necessary right here. Applying for these loans is
    also rather convenient. Persons simply require filling an via the internet form and when this
    gets authorized money is received within 24 hours time frame.
    These loans are usually supplied below handy terms and circumstances.
    The basic standard applicant criteria right here is that they should be a UK resident and
    of 18 years of age.
    My homepage :: freemart.vn

    ReplyDelete
  23. It's awesome to go to see this site and reading the views of all friends about this paragraph, while I am also eager of getting familiarity.

    Also visit my blog post; http://momblogsociety.com/blog/36828/strategies-on-how-to-organize-a-home-based-business-enterprise/
    Feel free to visit my web page :: online mode shop

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi there, I found your site via Google at the same time as looking for
    a comparable matter, your website came up, it seems to be great.
    I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

    Hi there, simply changed into aware of your weblog via Google, and found that it's truly informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I will be grateful in the event you continue this in future. Lots of other folks will probably be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

    My web blog direct federal loan consolidation

    ReplyDelete
  25. Quality posts is the secret to invite the visitors to pay a quick visit the website,
    that's what this web site is providing.

    Also visit my webpage: refinance mortgage loan home rate

    ReplyDelete
  26. Very quickly this web site will be famous amid all blog viewers, due
    to it's good content

    Here is my web-site: Http://thehockeyforum.com/thfwiki/index.Php5?...ser:OlgaTE
    my site > www.wireless-warrior.org/user_detail.php

    ReplyDelete
  27. Can you tell us more about this? I'd like to find out some additional information.

    Here is my web-site - günstige freiwillige krankenversicherung

    ReplyDelete
  28. If you would like to get a good deal from this post then
    you have to apply these strategies to your won website.



    my web blog :: african mango australia

    ReplyDelete
  29. This website was... how do I say it? Relevant!
    ! Finally I've found something which helped me. Many thanks!

    My site ... Read �

    ReplyDelete
  30. For latest news you have to go to see internet and on internet I found this site as a
    most excellent web site for hottest updates.

    Also visit my page - voraussetzungen für private krankenversicherung

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hello, I do believe your site might be having browser compatibility issues.

    When I take a look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening
    in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to
    provide you with a quick heads up! Aside from that, great blog!


    Here is my web-site :: http://carl-auer.de/wiki/index.php?title=Benutzer:MarkoStov
    Also see my webpage > sofort kredit

    ReplyDelete
  32. Excellent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just too excellent.
    I actually like what you have acquired here, really like what
    you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining
    and you still care for to keep it sensible. I cant wait to read much
    more from you. This is really a tremendous web site.


    Feel free to surf to my page - equity loans bad credit

    ReplyDelete
  33. Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Spending some time and
    actual effort to create a great article… but what can
    I say… I put things off a lot and don't manage to get nearly anything done.

    Feel free to surf to my web-site - click The up Coming website

    ReplyDelete
  34. Nice blog here! Also your site loads up fast! What host are you using?

    Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish
    my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol

    Also visit my page - Simply Click The Following Webpage
    Also see my site: grenzgänger Krankenversicherung vergleich

    ReplyDelete
  35. whoah this weblog is excellent i really like reading your articles.
    Stay up the good work! You know, lots of individuals are looking round for this information, you can aid them greatly.



    Here is my blog post ... leistungen private krankenversicherung

    ReplyDelete
  36. Yes! Finally something about canadian insurance online
    quote.

    Feel free to visit my web-site - gkv vergleich

    ReplyDelete
  37. It's hard to find experienced people on this subject, but you seem like you know what you're
    talking about! Thanks

    Feel free to visit my blog post: Read this

    ReplyDelete
  38. My spouse and I stumbled over here coming from a different web page
    and thought I may as well check things out. I like what I see so now i'm following you. Look forward to looking into your web page yet again.

    My website krankenkassenvergleich

    ReplyDelete
  39. Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account
    it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you!
    By the way, how can we communicate?

    My web site; bekomme ich einen kredit

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hi there! Quick question that's totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My website looks weird when browsing from my apple iphone. I'm trying to find a
    template or plugin that might be able to correct this problem.

    If you have any recommendations, please share. With thanks!


    Also visit my webpage ... mouse Click the up coming article

    ReplyDelete
  41. Link exchange is nothing else but it is only placing the other person's website link on your page at suitable place and other person will also do similar in favor of you.

    Feel free to visit my website: click through the next website

    ReplyDelete
  42. You're so interesting! I do not think I've read through anything like that before.
    So great to find another person with a few genuine thoughts on
    this issue. Seriously.. many thanks for starting this up.
    This site is something that is needed on the web,
    someone with a little originality!

    My website best webhosting reseller

    ReplyDelete
  43. This information is priceless. Where can I find out more?


    Feel free to surf to my site - GüNstig Reisen Türkei

    ReplyDelete
  44. Simply want to say your article is as astounding. The clarity
    for your publish is just nice and that i could think
    you are knowledgeable in this subject. Fine with
    your permission allow me to seize your RSS feed to stay updated
    with approaching post. Thanks one million and please keep up the enjoyable work.


    Visit my blog post - Reisen in die Türkei

    ReplyDelete
  45. I discovered the website of del.icio.us today and truly liked it .
    . I bookmarked and might be back to check out a little later .
    .

    my weblog; reisen urlaub billig

    ReplyDelete
  46. When you are considering how you can best get pregnant fast, try to remember that pregnancy is very difficult to control or force.
    On the other hand, men should have a nutritional balance, in order to improve the quality and quantity of their sperms that will fertilize the egg.
    http://pregnancyhelper.in

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hi to every body, it's my first visit of this blog; this weblog carries remarkable and actually fine information designed for visitors.

    my blog; free xxx movies

    ReplyDelete
  48. Hurrah! Finally I got a blog from where I be able to actually take helpful facts concerning my study and knowledge.


    Take a look at my blog post brittany daniel porn

    ReplyDelete
  49. Absence of all these conventions makes it less demanding and agreeable for a credit borrower to get to the advance. All utilized UK nationals who have a dynamic financial balance in any of the UK banks can without much of a stretch apply online for the quick money conveyance at their managing an account address by supplying some faultless individual data to the favored online credit loan specialist.


    Payday Loans for Bad Credit


    Short term Loans


    shor term loans for bad credit


    Short term payday loans


    http://www.shorttermloansforbadcredit.org.uk/


    ReplyDelete

Thank you very much for your valuable Comments !