Online published on 29 November, 2012.
Realising the importance of peace, all religions including Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism, accord it priority. In recent years, many economists have recognised its monetary value. Peace is a prerequisite for the development of infrastructural facilities like communications, education, health, irrigation, power, roads, etc. Developmental activities are derailed or stopped during periods of conflict. In Nepal, the decade-long conflict between 1996 and 2006 brought colossal losses of human life and property. Extreme inequalities of income and opportunities together with poverty were the root cause of the conflict. To maintain permanent peace, it would be essential to divert military expenditure to socially beneficial activities like the development of education, health and other infrastructure. Mediation capacity and peaceful enterprises and games would also need to be developed, apart from a feeling of oneness in society.
