Gratuitous violence

In the most audacious terrorist attack since the declaration of emergency, several people including 16 policemen were killed at Khanalthok VDC in Kavrepalanchowk district the other day. Meanwhile, 30 Maoists were killed in sporadic violence elsewhere. With the anniversary of the people’s war just round the corner, the latest Maoist raid was not unexpected, at least by the security personnel and law enforcement agencies. This horrendous attack has not only underscored the gravity of the situation, but also made loud and clear what the terrorists are capable of. Yet, picking on the police again was somewhat gratuitous. Now the relative calm that reigned over the country after mobilisation of the army could just be a lull before worse to come. That the Maoists are not a bunch of local Robin Hoods has long been clear. Rather it is fast emerging as a group with links to Indian terrorist organisations like the Naxlites, the People’s War Groups and the ULFA. Indian authorities have given indications about helping Nepal nab Maoist leaders in different hideouts in India. Speculation is rife that the Maoists are finding refuge in parts of that country, and the authorities there could help establish their precise whereabouts, the possible links with local terrorist organisation and information about accomplices, besides ensuring strict border monitoring and helping out in other ways.

The Kavre episode is a reminder that the Maoist issue should figure during the on-going Nepal-India Home Secretary level talks. Even after a massive manhunt, the Maoist supremos have remained at large. However belatedly, a pledge of help from the Indian government would be welcome. With a global war on terrorism under way and Delhi’s open support for it, there is no reason India should be reluctant in weeding out foreign terrorists from its territory. Our officials must bring this up with the Indians and extract commitments. The latter should be reminded if need be that this is the least they can offer in view of the umbrage they took when US Secretary of State Colin Powell recently signalled the possibility of assistance with material to combat the Maoists.

Back home, the Maoist problem needs to be put in the right perspective. Lack of coordination between army and police appears to be another roadblock in combating terrorism. Army officials singled out this as one of the chief weaknesses on the part of the police in Kavre. This is no doubt a serious problem that merits immediate attention. It has been seen and felt by all that the gun is not the solution. Alternatives need to be devised to quell an insurgency that has now become full-blown. Considerable effort and resources have been poured in, with no solution in sight. Given the nature of the problem and the fragile situation, dialogue remains the last best hope for the country. The possibility of dialogue will materialise only when the Maoists lay down their arms. This is a point the prime minister has made often enough. But it should not be left at that. The government should go back to the reasons why dialogue floundered last time. It should perhaps put it to the Maoists that it is only the sovereign people of Nepal who can decide whether or not the country wants a constituent assembly. Once that point is accepted by all, both sides may be able to pick up the pieces and resume where they left off. And this should be done before the Maoists find a way to start narrowing the advantage in armaments that the army enjoys over them.