Maoists! A part of problem or a part of solution? subhash writes "With their recent decision to quit government, maoists are no longer a part of the coalition government in Nepal. As far as the general feeling over their absence in the government is concerned, not many people are bothered by their exclusion. However, along with the ouster of the maoists from the government the black clouds of uncertainty hovering over Nepal's future have become even bigger and along with it arise the serious questions what does it mean to the fragile peace process? And what does it mean to the future of an ordinary Nepali? "Election to the constituent assembly, interim government and round-table conference" had been the three most important demands put forth by the maoists while justifying their bloody war that claimed more than thirteen thousand Nepali lives. An interim government with full authority and legitimacy, looking at its broad alliance which can also be called a round-table conference, is in place. (At least it is a lot more inclusive than the round-table conference called by the maoists, which could not take place facing outright rejection from the would be participants causing maoists a bitter shame.) As far as the election to the consituent assembly is concerned, it is a well know fact that it was the maoists who proposed November 22nd as the election date. While issuing the interim constitution it was agreed upon that the first meeting of the consituent assembly election would decide over the fate of monarchy. Would not it be a gross violation of the consitution if monarchy were abolished before the constituent assembly election? With Nepali Congress CWC deciding to go for republic and all other major political parties campaigning for it, there should not be even a shred of doubt in anyone's mind that the days of monarchy in Nepal are numbered. It's not that maoists don't understand it. They just want to make an excuse not to participate in an election they can't win. Otherwise, even when the leaders of all major parties are ready for a joint commitment for republic they would not go against the polls they claim they fought so hard for. It's not very hard to understand their motive behind it What are the maoists' options now? They don't have an option to go back to jungle (unless they are in an apparent suicidal mood.) They might make Nepal bondage for a while but they will have no place to go. Rejected and denounced from people, they won't even find a place to hide their faces. Maoists should understand in time if the terror of physical power alone could save somebody from nightmare, king Gyanendra with more than one hundred thousand strong and loyal army force would not be living like this. The earlier the maoists realize the supemacy of people's power over anything else the better for them. " Subhash Ghimire