English - Support to Participatory Constitution Building in Nepal ...

Militarisation of the youthWhatever could be the reasons for establishment of such militarisedyouth wings by political parties and interest groups, the consequence thatcan possibly emerge is always the same: violence, conflict and weakeneddemocracy ultimately leading to state failure. The presence of youthmilitarisation has different impact on youth, the state and the society.The impact on youths due to militarisation appears in their lack of holisticunderstanding, missed educational opportunities, waste of energy andintelligence etc. They are physically and mentally more stressed andconsequently prone to be engaged in grave crimes and violence.At societal level, militarisation of youths has the following impacts:• Increased impunity, fear and insecurity,• Increased incidence of threats, coercion and criminal activitieslike fighting, rape and abductions,• Negative social image and mistrust,• Waste of human resource leading to retardation of developmentand economic growth,• Increased dependent population, and• Dysfunctional law and order.In such a scenario, it is the responsibility of all the stakeholders to givethe community relief from the conflicting mindset. From CPA to theelection to the CA, Nepal has seen different levels of transition. But withchanging governments and continuous power politics going around thepost-conflict situation, it seems shaky and high chances for the differentpolitical parties to be inflicted by war-psyche.The conflict dynamics is not predictable and can move into any directionif not handled properly. In addition, in the nation with higher youthpopulation, the dynamics can be even more unpredictable. Youths are theones who get highly motivated or de-motivated only with the blink of aneye so handling them is much more difficult. With the youths coming outfrom the criminal psychology, it can be even more difficult to divert themto constructive and productive works. In such cases, it is the responsibilityof the mother parties and the state to channelise them into the respectof law and order, constructive works and provide them psycho-socialcounselling. It makes the community aware about their situation thusmaking reintegration and rehabilitation process smoother.204