 |
Kathmandu Wednesday October 10, 2001 Ashwin 24, 2058.
|
Show statesmanship
A statement attributed to Maoist strongman
Prachanda, demeaning that the government fix an early date for talks, is no doubt
appealing on the face of it. But as things now stand, the Maoists do not seem to have
fully met their side of bargain. For instance, the chief Maoist negotiator for talks once
said that there were no more than 46 policemen in Maoist custody. He scoffed at the
government figure of 71 policemen still under their detention. However, the Maoists have
already released in two batches more than 56 policemen taken captive at different
occasions. The government had also indicated that more than 117 civilians were also being
held captive. But, except for a few here and there, the Maoists have not released any
substantial number of them. These are very important prerequisites for talks and unless
they are met, the Maoists will only be strengthening the hands of hawks in the ruling
party, who want to break off talks with the Maoists. The government too must show
sincerity in its dealing with the Maoists now that they have come to the negotiating
table. The government backed by all mainstream political parties has categorically put the
"non-negotiable" before the Maoists as well as the people. These include
monarchy and multi-party system of democracy. Everything else could be talked about and
some meaningful settlement reached.
We would like to make the excuse clear that
the Maoist high command directives have yet to proliferate down to the Maoist workers
level. How else would one explain the sorry picture of the Moist leaders having to
"apologise" time and again for the indulgence of their workers in activities
such as extortion, collection of forced donation, and even abduction. Whoever be at fault
for the delay in the third round of talks between the government and the Maoists, the
present situation demands that all outstanding differences be settled through talks, and
that the guns be forever thrown away. Shunning of violence of any form and talks are
necessary to restore confidence among the people, who should be made to feel a sense of
normalcy. It is only this way that the country can return to the development track that
will benefit the people. The Maoists will do well to realise that this country also
belongs to them and their activities of the past six years have had a negative impact on
various fronts, including economic and social fronts, which have a direct effect on the
well-being of rural people. The government and the Maoists, both of which claim to speak
and work for the people, will do well to undertake meaningful talks at an early date with
the Maoists, mending their ways and the government, showing greater flexibility. It is
necessary for the leaders of both sides to show statesmanship at this crucial juncture
when the world’s only super power is waging a full scale campaign against all forms
of terrorism.
Other Stories
|
