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| Kathmandu, Wednesday August 06, 2003 Shrawan 21, 2060. |
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Restraint pays
We, as a nation, are passing through a critical
phase in the peace process that demands restraint, patience and confidence. The cease-fire
period, which still looks vulnerable, can easily slip back into a full-blown war as it has
happened in many conflicts around the world. Maoist supreme commander Prachanda made an
eleventh-hour bold decision last week by giving dialogue a priority and rescued the
country from the brink of war. Now the central level leadership has once again expressed
its commitment to the peace process and is preparing to sit for the dialogue.
Additionally, it has the responsibility to make sure that their cadres are not involved in
provocative activities that can break down the truce.
Unfortunately, the number of clashes between the
Maoist militias and the security forces is increasing everyday; so are the incidents of
extortion and abductions. Such activities are tantamount to sending negative messages and
invite unwarranted consequences. They can be interpreted as indications of the Maoists’
insincerity and lack of genuine commitment to dialogue. There is already no dearth of
people, who think that the Maoists are just hoodwinking the government and the public. It
would also fuel speculation that there is an ideological difference within the Maoist rank
and file on the peace process, which anyway has been circulating in the media and
intelligentsia for sometime now. Worst of all, the increasing incident of clashes,
extortion and abductions in the eastern region would only support the theory accepted by a
section of security forces that the Maoists have amassed arms and ammunition in that
region. Moreover, this can lead to further security surveillance and military buildup in
this region that would only heighten tensions and could, at worst,
lead to a war.
The gravity of the situation and the need for
self-control once again demands Maoist Supremo Prachanda’s intervention to check
provocative actions from the Maoist side that would go a long way in sustaining the peace
and boosting Maoist credibility. The situation also demands equal restraint from the
security forces since the Maoists already feel that the Royal Nepal Army (RNA) is not
committed to the peace process. Though it is wrong on the part of the Maoists to see the
government and RNA as two separate entities, the RNA itself has the responsibility to
address the Maoist suspicion by maintaining discipline and keeping a low profile.
All in all, the mutual suspicion and paranoia
should not imprison the peace process. Self-realisation on both sides that tensions run
high and patience wears thin in times of conflict will help one understand another’s
concern better. Let us stay focused and committed to peace in these testing times. |
