If that op/ed was meant to be some sort of mission journalism, it probably served it's purpose (because Maoists still have a long way to go to adapt to what bourgeois democracy is all about; they still have a hangover and obsession with armed rebellion and ideology and it makes, therefore, sense to remind them of it). Otherwise, it's a third class tabloid journalism at best. Yellow journalism might be the most accurate word. Here is why. The op/ed makes the following conclusion, "This is what children in classes four and five will study, if Maoist plans are implemented." on the basis of two references, (1) the interview with Hisila Yami, and (2) Annex 4, Education for All-Nepal: Review from a conflict perspective, International Alert, 2006 (Annex 4 is missing from the original paper though) both of which do not say what is concluded in the op/ed. The curriculum shown is not a FUTURE plan of Maoist but what they had prepared in the PAST to implement in the are run by their Jana-sarakar in which case too, they were not serious to implement it according to the reference #2. For the relevant excerpt: Tony Vaux, Alan Smith, Sirjana Subba Education for All-Nepal: Review from a conflict perspective International Alert, March 2006 p. 29-30 - http://www.international-alert.org/publications/getdata.php?doctype=Pdf&id=250 The Maoists have shown little inclination to impose their own curriculum even where schools are firmly under their control. Despite much sensationalism in the press, it seems unlikely that the Maoists have developed a full educational curriculum. Although copies of Maoist schedules for military training have been published, sometimes under the title of ‘Maoist curriculum [42], these do not seem to be a substitute for normal education. High level statements indicate that the main focus of Maoist education is ‘to spread literacy among the masses’ and there is a strong emphasis on ‘practical and vocational education [43]. But this does not seem to be supported by practical action. The most common impact of Maoist activity is to ensure that teachers attend regularly, under threat of dire consequences. In Sankhuwasabha District there is reported to be a parallel Maoist ‘School Management Committee’ for each school. It seems that their purpose is to oversee the official committee and promote wider accountability. ___________ Nepe