its a simple theory that maoist along with few others in history hav used these for strategic advantages in political, social n military fields. by mentioning ethnicity, spoken dialects, customs, religions, culture etc naturally cums in. ethnic groups, minorities n all other groups deprived directly or indirectly from states priviledges n rights tend to have a zeal of change against the elite status quoists which was perfectly acknowledged n cunningly used by maoists in the name of ppl war to gain self determination n ethnic based federalism. it worked very well, just in a short period of ten years thier military operative status effectivley shifted from defensive to offensive and from hit n run guerilla tactics to more protracted warfare of stand n fight. n morally they r still in victory given the secularism, the end of monarchy n constituent assembly; initially thier major demands before taking up arms. in modern history no rebel groups has achieved such sucess. also nepal's history shows even BP koirala opted to use this ethnic n autonomy card while fighting against ranas, he was the initiator of limbuwan n encouraged them to stand up against ranas n thier followers in eastern hills which eventually led to mass exodus of many rana's supporters n officials to jhapa. probably due to GB yakthumbas influence whom koirala had mentioned in his autobiography as very trustworthy n loyal friend also an important military figurehead of thier rebel army. but sadly the major domestic problem that hav the tendency to bring many revolution n political chnges r always looked upon n ignored to this stage now where according to official gov report there r more than 100 groups operating in various form. most worrying part is recent security plan drafted by current gov to go offensive against such agitating groups n most r ethnic centric in nature. this could potentially lead to polarisation of such agitating groups n could b the seedling of the most feared ethnic war. hopefully it deosnt happen n gov n responsbile people n party takes proper action to solve it rather than oppress or make it submissive by force for short term enciting more violence n hatred.