Oped»
Insecure nation
SEP 01 -
Civilian security plays an important role in post-conflict stability, rule of law and functional government. Adequate security measures must be undertaken for the promotion of human rights, establish good governance and accountability, eliminate criminal activities and end increasing impunity. Without proper security of commoners, the enforcement of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and attempts to institutionalise democratic and republic regime would prove futile.
The country’s security situation is under threat, and abductions and killings are rampant. Serious doubts have been raised about the government’s post-conflict arrangement in terms of ensuring civilian security and improving rule of law, as well as controlling cross-border crimes and arms smuggling, particularly small arms. The government’s effort to bring armed groups into mainstream politics through negotiations seems questionable because of these groups’ direct involvement in criminal activities through violent tactics for the sole purpose of extortion and ransom.
The increasing activities of organised criminal groups under political patronage and easy availability of small arms and explosives smuggled through open borders have created additional threats to civilian security. Political protection of criminals makes the transitional period more insecure, unstable and vulnerable, and possibly violent. Obviously, political agendas must be resolved through dialogue,
but the government should make no compromise while enforcing laws to control criminal activities. Political negotiations with criminals cannot preclude illegal activities. It rather demoralises law enforcement agencies responsible for maintaining law and order, and encourages criminal or armed groups to regroup by misusing legitimate political space, as well as provides opportunity to legitimise their unlawful activities.
In post-conflict period, new challenges to security and rule of law have appeared in the course of institutionalising political changes and state transformation. State institutions, particularly law enforcement agencies such as the Nepal Police are confused due to lack of political support, unclear and contradictory directives, absence of institutional and operational independence and inadequate logistics support. Increasing political interference and disruption of independent investigation of criminal activities institutionalises the increasing “politicisation of crime.” Escalation of violence and hindering the path of law enforcement agencies can contribute to expansion of anarchism and lawlessness.
After the signing of the CPA and the Constituent Assembly election, Nepal has been facing tremendous challenges in terms of managing security and rule of law, maintenance of law and order and ensuring peace and stability. Armed and splinters groups have almost taken over the Tarai region accommodating criminals from the other side of border who were displaced due to proactive crackdown of Bihar provincial government and massive mobilisation of the Border Security Force from the central government of India. In addition, increasing communal discord provides armed groups the cloak to justify their illegal activities, further fanning insecurity and instability.
The government has introduced the Special Security Plan (SSP) for peace and security of ordinary civilians by bringing an end to impunity and human rights protection. But despite its ambitious plan to control organised crimes and activities of criminal groups, the SSP struggles to achieve its goal due to unavailability of adequate human resources and logistics. To some extent, the SSP has heightened the morale of security personnel. It has led to reduction in number of strikes and roadblocks through their proactive role. At the same time, SSP has failed to reduce cross-border and organized crimes and illegal activities of armed groups. Security is essential for development, post-conflict peace-building and nation-building. It is equally important for the success of peace process and constitution-making, to ensure fundamental human rights of people and smooth transition, and to build the foundation for sustainable peace and lawful society. It provides assurance to international community that their aid and investment are safe, which has a direct bearing on national economy and development. In political terms, security means good governance, accountability and responsiveness towards common people.
Security must concern all stakeholders, including civilians. Even though the state is primarily responsible for maintaining security and rule of law, ordinary people should strongly support the initiatives of the government and law enforcement agencies. Considering the complex nature of crime, it is essential to strengthen Nepal Police, which is the only competent and authorised agency in terms of maintaining law and order and civilian security by providing maximum political support and adequate human resources and logistics.
Without proper institutional and individual capacities, serious crimes in post-conflict period cannot be handled properly, and security cannot be ensured. While formulating policies and directives regarding serious and organised crimes, issues related to institutional and operational independence must be seriously considered for long-term effectiveness and sustainability based on principles of fairness, accountability and responsiveness.
Ineffective security mechanisms and increasing threat to ordinary civilians means that the country’s security indicators hint at a “failed state”. Therefore, the government and other stakeholders of society must demonstrate their willingness and initiate joint initiatives towards improving security and rule of law, and avoid political disturbances and possible violence. This joint effort will create conducive environment for the success of the constitution-making, peace-building and nation-building processes.
(The author is a conflict resolution specialist)
peace_sb@yahoo.com
Posted on: 2010-09-02 08:37
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