A little bit more for you all on the Terrorists strategy and SPAs gamble. Read and get the truth:
The Background of Maoist Strategy
By Rajat KC
Most of the peace-loving Nepali people and people from outside of Nepal who love Nepal are now dreaming to see Nepal again as a peaceful country. They have seen some signs of peace after the series of agreements and understandings signed by the Seven Party Alliance (SPA)-led government and Maoist rebels. Now, SPA becomes a major actor to resolve the decade long crisis which has taken lives of more than 15 thousand Nepali citizens.
The Maoist leadership decided to change the strategy when they realized that their dream can not materialize only by terrorist acts. It has been said that the number of casualties they suffered in the war with security forces was much higher than the one revealed in official data. When the Maoists noticed that the gap between the monarch and political parties had widened, they cashed in on the situation by shaking hands with the SPA and joined the agitation program by infiltrating the crowds as a normal demonstrator. In fact, the Maoists played a key role in the movement of April 06 to change the political scene of Nepal. Therefore, at present, the Maoist's mood is seen as victorious and in every facet of life, their influence and pressure is distinctly visible.
At the same time, instead of drawing the Maoists into the Political mainstream, the SPA is trapped in the Maoist stream and is taking controversial decisions which have pushed the peace initiative towards uncertainty. In this environment, the question raised here is "are we moving forwards to achieve the desired objective or moving towards brink of Civil War?"
If we take a look at the steps of the government so far, three major intentions can be clearly seen. It gives the impression that their objectives are; firstly to take revenge with the King and make him powerless, secondly, to please the Maoists to create a conducive environment for them and last but not least, to make their own cadres happy and privileged.
Indeed, all political leaders now remember Martyrs' names and promise to fulfill their dream and frequently mention substantial achievement of people's power and sovereignty. But in their deeds are they honest - and are real people able to enjoy their so called power? Or in reality, is the situation even worse compare to the past? The truth is always questionable.
The present parliament of Nepal was revived by the King's proclamation after the demands of the agitating political parties (SPA). This House of Representatives was dissolved three years ago by the King himself on the recommendation of then Prime Minister Mr. Sher Bahadur Deuba. That decision was endorsed by the Supreme Court by giving a verdict in favor of dissolving the parliament. The same parliament, which was elected for the periods of five years, also expired almost two years ago.
When political parties launched their agitation program against the Royal Regime, the main political party - the Nepali Congress - carried this issue as their prime agenda. According to them only parliamentary exercise can ensure democracy so it is the mandatory element.
Realizing the gravity of the agitating political parties' demands, the King revived the House through his proclamation on 24th April 06. But this house did not do any thing more than taking revenge on the King. The first and main step was "House Proclamation-2006." This was solely targeted to take steps against the King. If the issues which were brought up in the Proclamation would have confined to solve the political issues perhaps it could have been popular.
But in addition to political issues, most of the agenda indicates SPA are taking revenge by raising personal types of issues. The environment was created in such a way that the bulk of parliamentarians willingly and unwillingly had to make the proclamation's decision unanimous. Since then, certain groups have been continuously digging and creating an environment to make King virtually figurehead.
Most of the decisions taken by government are now politically motivated and biased. Efforts are solely made to targeting the royalists and those people who are not politically attached to the SPA and Maoist organization are not getting any opportunity at all. The key appointments of almost all organizations and institutions are made on the basis of political affiliation not by their professional background and their qualification.
Also, the Maoists are making very dangerous moves. They are strengthening their political and military power simultaneously. The government forces have been deprived of lethal and non lethal support for almost one and a half years, whereas, there is evidence that the Maoists are getting material support from the South and the North. However, the governments of both side are not providing such support directly but it is certain that Maoists are smuggling arms and ammunition continuously.
If the Maoists are faithful to the peace process and want to solve the problem politically, why are they developing rebel forces in the present context? Infiltration by Maoists into various organizations is also under way, for instance some Human Right Activists, Representatives of Civil Society and significant political figures from SPA, who are in influential positions, are speaking strongly with the Maoist's voice.
Besides that, killing, kidnapping, torture and extortion are continuous from the Maoist side, hence violating the code of conduct. Specifically, Maoist recruitment, training and preparation of rebel force and continuously denying decommissioning their rebel force creates a suspicious situation. Despite these obvious signs, all government decisions are purely focused to make the Maoists happy and ultimately create favorable environment to their path to seize power by declaring Nepal as a communist state.
The present parliament, which the SPA is using as their main tool to fulfill their political goals, has been attached to the personal ego of Mr. GP Koirala, Nepali Congress President. On 16th June 06, with him as Prime minister, in his first formal meeting with Maoist leaders at Baluwatar was willing to dissolve the parliament without consultation with other elements. What did the Maoists do that he took such an undemocratic decision? All Nepali citizens want to know, is it just to make the Maoists happy or did something else make him take this decision?
As we believe that the country is heading towards election of a constituent assembly, management of Maoist arms and the rebel force becomes the prime issue. As per the Maoist strategy, they want to create a favorable environment for them, so they are forcing the draft of a new interim constitution and interim parliament. This platform will certainly allow the Maoists to make a better position in the interim government. Therefore, the Maoists say they will not lay down their weapons in any circumstances; rather they are showing their rebel forces presence in close vicinity of the capital city, Kathmandu.
This type of attitude always undermines probability of peace and creates uncertainty. At the same time the Maoists are exerting maximum pressure on all concerned authorities to declare Nepal as a Republic State without any verdict by the people. Whereas, the majority of Nepalese people still want a constitutional or ceremonial monarchy in Nepal. Despite so many hurdles put up by the Maoists and the government itself, last month, thousands of people gathered at the Royal Palace to celebrate the King's birthday.
Now, Nepal is in a transitional period. If things move towards a positive direction, peace is not far away but if things go wrong, no one can stop Nepal from possible bloody civil war. Therefore, it is time to take all decisions judiciously and correctly. No elements of the country should feel humiliation and deprived from any shortage of opportunity. Selfless service is required from those who are in power and position. Hasty and biased decisions will not produce a lasting result, rather creating an unhealthy environment. Every one should get room to play positively in our nation's reconciliation process. No one should be neglected at all, the voice of minorities must also be addressed at the appropriate forum. If any element feels neglected and deprived of exercising its democratic power, believe me, that will create another revolution in the country, on which many more Nepalis may have to sacrifice themselves once again to restore peace in Nepal.
Rajat KC is Historian and freelancer
