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Kathmandu Friday February 02, 2001 Magh 20, 2057.
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Encourage talks
This refers to the news report titled " Security beefed up as insurgency
nears 6th year", published on February 1, 2001, TKP.
I wonder why the government has been unable to come up with a solution to the
Maoist problem. The Maoists have expressed their "willingness" for dialogue. It
has been six years since they launched the People’s War. The ongoing war has killed
more than 16,00 people including children and civilians. In fact, the war is not against
the establishment but, as I believe, against poverty. The people living in remote areas
are the victims who have waged this war, particularly for their daily bread. Blaming the
Maoists for atrocities and terror will not bring up a solution. Neither will the decision
to form the Armed Police Force restore peace, nor will this help in improving the
situation. What the country needs are effective measures that can win the hearts of those
poor who can hardly afford two square meals a day.
India introduced its Terrorist And Disruptive Act (TADA) during Rajiv
Gandhi’s era. But it soon realized the repercussions it unleashed. Today, most
countries have taken a softer stance on insurgency. Under such circumstances, how can the
ruling Nepali Congress go ahead with a TADA-like act, when everyone knows that it will
fail? Truth is bitter. The ruling party must not forget it. Human rights activists have
asked the government and the Maoists for a dialogue. This should be taken seriously by
both NC and the Maoists.
Jogendra Poudel
Tahachal, Kalimati
Kathmandu |
