The Transition In Nepal

Politicians in Nepal are famously intolerant of any kind of criticism towards them and their ruling system from the media or the citizens. This infantile attitude puts the weakness of their power on full display. They are like toddlers throwing a temper tantrum because they haven't gotten their way. Conversely, in a healthy democracy, there is always a free flow of ideas, and a difference of opinion is not just tolerated, but welcome. It is not possible to abolish the thoughts of the people with physical punishment or the state's use of torture to suppress the expression therein. Our constitution is a useless document if the term "freedom of expression" can mean whatever is most convenient to our current leaders. Our changing Nepalese politics today demand a debate over freedom of expression, a term which must hold some meaning because politicians certainly seem to be unclear about the boundaries and limitations of that very powerful phrase.