National reconciliation
FORMER prime minister and Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry says there will be people who will stand in the way of the national reconciliation process.
Responding to the decision by military commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai to mend the pain caused by military-led coups and mutiny, Mr Chaudhry said past attempts at reconciliation did not succeed.
“I thank the commander RFMF Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai for taking the initiative to begin a rather long-belated reconciliation process with the victims of the 1987, 2000 and 2006 coups,” Mr Chaudhry said.
“I note, however, that it is largely confined to reconciliation within the military and the families of government officials affected by the military takeover.
“I am not certain whether it includes the thousands of Indian families who were the real victims of the 1987 and 2000 coups.
“Many of them have passed on while thousands more were driven to leave the country in search of a secure future for their families.”
Mr Chaudhry said the exodus was continuing because of the worsening socio-economic conditions without mentioning the continuing disregard for equal citizenry and the rule of law in the governance of the nation.
“Reconciliation attempts by past governments did not succeed because these were too superficial and lacked genuity.
“The same appears to be the case with the Coalition Government’s rhetoric on establishing a truth and reconciliation commission.
“There are people who will attempt to frustrate and stand in the way of those wanting to achieve a genuine reconciliation process.
“The commander will have to deal with them first.”
Mr Chaudhry said the party would wait for further details before committing itself.