With the increasing number of custodial deaths and fake encounters and recent attacks on the general public by police in Parsa and elsewhere, I wonder how many people in remote Maoist affected areas will be safe after arming the police with sophisticated weapons. The other question is - are they trained to use these weapons? It is surprising that the number of deaths in a "democratic Nepal" has escalated over the years and there has been little action against the perpetrators of such acts - be it the Maoists or the police. While Maoist attacks are highlighted the police atrocities in remote areas go unnoticed and are unabated.

A bullet for bullet policy cannot work. Instead of pointing the finger of guilt at the Maoists it is time for introspection - what caused such a situation to come to pass. As a layman, I would lay it directly on poor governance due to which there is lack of employment opportunities, escalating discrepancies amongst the rich and the poor, institutionalised corruption, no justice for the poor and centralised development amongst a plethora of other issues. People are compelled to resort to violence, for injustice will, with the passage of time lead to violence. If the government first sets its house in order and takes initiative to incorporate all the people in nation building and development the movement will subside. The economic terrorism, backed by favouritism, nepotism, lack of transparency and the dictatorship of the party heralded in by the introduction of a multi party system, which is working undemocratically, is the root cause of the problem. The parasite is within the system.

The present government is not serious about dialogue as is evident from the way they have dealt with the body formed to negotiate with the Maoists. They lack policy and vision and talks to mobilise the army and introduce the National Security Act, which many believe is the objective of the government. This will bring in commissions in the purchase of equipment.

This can only create a situation of civil war which the coming generations will have to face and deal with. Violence can, and will lead to more violence. Leave the army alone lest a situation is created in the future where peace keepers have to be stationed in Nepal.