KIRAN PANDAY

It is said people get the leaders they deserve. This is true in a democratic country because people elect their leaders.

But in a country where people are tolerant and civilised, how is it that their leaders act against all civilised norms and yet are condoned for it? If we consider the speeches of our politicians over the past few days, it is a national shame that we accept them as leaders. Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal did a commendable job condemning a recent speech by Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal. But Dahal's use of offensive language in public speech is not an exception. Nepal called Dahal 'uncivilised' and a 'blood sucker'. Dahal and other Maoist leaders call their opponents 'murderers' and 'criminals'. When will this end?

Language loses control when guns and intolerance enter politics. There is no place for human values and humanity in such situations. Politicians lose public respect but become symbols of a filthy mind and expression. Nepal may have reached this stage. The media finds it embarrassing to translate the uncouth expressions of our leaders into English, and thereby to the world. Language is the expression of one's thinking, ideology and human sensitivity. When leaders indulge in such uncivilised speech, they also reveal their base natures to the world. What kind of characters should represent Nepal in international and domestic forums? Should these kinds of activities be condoned?