Under the summits of Gauri and Shankar in the Dolakha district we met with three women involved in peacebuilding. More than once the statement was made, “the war is not over”. At one point this was elaborated upon, “we don’t see the arms carried, but the war is still on…”

We heard (again) that Nepal was in a period of transition. It seems that there are many Nepalis who are simply waiting. We often hear that when the constitution is signed things will be better, programs can be adopted, etc. These women told us that the in this transition period there is no law and order. People can block the road, beat people up, commit theft, but there are no repercussions. There are still kidnappings in this district. The political parties are believed to be behind them, and whether willingly or not the police are most likely complicit in most cases as well.

We are told that there is a Constitutional Assembly, but there are no leaders. It is because of the lack of leadership there is so much corruption. The gap between what is decided in Kathmandu and what is implemented in the surrounding districts is enormous. The political parties politicize almost everything in an attempt to expand their power. The picture that is painted for us seems bleak.

Dolakha district near Charikot

In spite of this there is an optimism that a signed constitution will foster positive change. In the meantime it appears that there are a significant number of Nepalis who are content to wait out this period of transition and lawlessness waiting for the day that the war will finally be over.