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However, Pandey's distrust of the Maoists makes him cautious about their motives. "I personally do not trust the Maoists. They have not been transparent, they have conspired secretly, and have ignored the pain and sufferings of the Nepali people," he warns.
The continued violence, killings, extortions, abductions, terror tactics, human rights violations and criminal activities of the Maoists have driven Pandey and others like him to emigrate to the United States. The hopes of these patriotic citizens rest heavily on U.S. support to address the democratic rights and freedoms of the Nepali people.
Historically, the United States has always supported democracy and human rights in South Asia. Though India has succeeded in implementing democratic reforms and institutions, places like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal still reel under dictatorial military leadership, rule by juntas and other autocratic forms of governance. Hence, fostering democracy within these regions has been an arduous uphill task.
Perhaps this has largely contributed to the increase in migrants from these regions to countries such as the United States. In the early 1980s the number was negligible. However, the current trend has undergone a dramatic change, with more people from Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka pursing work and studies in the United States. Beneath the pursuit of books and business lies the deeper goal of embracing the democratic liberties of life that America offers; something that their own nations are unable to deliver. America's humanitarian approach to life and liberty is its bedrock of happiness.
U.S. Ambassador to Nepal James Moriarty has been extremely critical of the Maoists and has called on them to renounce violence and arms and change their ways by joining mainstream politics. The U.S. State Department has also continually placed the Communist Party of Nepal on its terrorist watch list. If the Maoists are concerned about the welfare of the people then it is imperative that they surrender their arms, renounce violence, and seek forgiveness and amnesty from the people of Nepal.
Despite the continued vigilance and condemnation of violence and human rights, the Maoists continue to damage Nepal's cultural and political infrastructure. "Maoists have done tremendous damage to our national unity, social harmony, peace and development. The hills and the Terai are burning due to the rise of their violent culture. Nepali people are suffering due to the high-handedness of corruption. The culture of bombs and guns has now become the norm in Nepal, thanks to the Maoists. Today there is a deep-rooted nexus between mafia syndicates," says Pandey.
As condemnation of Nepal's extremist factions are echoed by many countries, including its next-door neighbor India, the people on the street endure a corrupt judiciary, Maoist terror and volatile politics. While these people fight for their democratic rights, many like Pandey continue to garner support overseas. "I am a patriot and love Nepal. I was born there. Every day, I miss the mountains, the rivers, the hills, the forests, the birds, the flowers, and the sense of well-being between man and nature."
He calls on likeminded individuals to join hands and build a beautiful Nepal where people can live without fear, with peace, security and trust and where the rule of law prevails. "Let us put an end to all violence. This is the responsibility of the Nepali people."
Though the United States is now home to many emigrants like Pandey, their cosmopolitan hearts are truly Nepali.
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(Nepali journalist and writer Kamala Sarup is editor of peacejournalism.com and the author of several works on women's issues as well as two story collections.)
