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Kathmandu Wednesday December 06, 2000 Mangshir 21, 2057.
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End the violence
The Maoist insurgency problem continues to
plague the nation like other problem had in the past. People continue to die in the name
of Maoist and democratic ideologies. The tragedy is that no side will ever win this kind
of conflict no matter how modern the weapon used by either side. The insurgency could be
suppressed for the time with the use of all available force against the rebels and by
anticipating their every move – a very difficult task at the best of times. But that
will not root out the basic cause which gave rise to the insurgency in the first place.
Similarly, the Maoists can hardly ever hope for a military victory against the government.
Since this is the case, the only thing that is certain is that unless the problem is
resolved amicably, there will be more killings by both sides. It thus stands to reason
that none but those who harbour ill will towards Nepal will rejoice at the mutual killing
match. For whether the Maoists, police or innocent people – and may be later,
soldiers – are killed, it is ultimately the Nepalese who will be losing lives and it
is Nepal that will have to bear all the consequences including the obvious setback to
development in every sense. The killings of policemen at Kalikot the other day and in
Dunai (Dolpa district) in September, the shooting dead of Maoists by the police and the
slaying of the so called informers by Maoists, these are indications of how grave the
situation is. In addition, the Maoist seizing of a helicopter and its subsequent release
after obtaining an undertaking that the helicopters would not be allowed to be used
against Maoists is no laughable matter. They all point to the need to initiate dialogue
between Maoists and the government to put an end to violence in the country. The Maoists,
through their writings and clever use of the media have indicated their willingness to sit
for talks. The government must not be seen as lagging behind.
Apart from the areas where Maoist insurgents
are active, there is general perception among the people that the law and order situation
in different parts of the country has deteriorated. Even urban areas including the capital
and the prime minister’s home town of Biratnagar are facing these problems today.
Unfortunately, those responsible for law and order are seen to be impotent, incapable of
doing anything about the situation. The Koirala government which seized power in a legal
coup from the Bhattarai government using this very issue, has performed even worse.
Several opportunities for talks with Maoists have evaporated, with each blaming the other
for failing to talk. The result: more killings.
Neither side must take the desire on the part
of the other side for talks as a sign of weakness. In fact, talks are the only sane,
sensible and lasting course for peace. As a responsible institution, the onus is on the
government to ensure that the Maoist problem is solved through as little use of tax
payers’ money as possible.
Simply put, it means that the government must
exhaust all other avenues before spending money on new arms and ammunition and raising a
new combat force to tackle the insurgency. Both the government and Maoists must realise
that killing each other is no solution to any problem.
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