Start Dialogue
THE Maoist insurgency problem has gone on to become one of the major
challenges for the present government. Started back in 1996, the Maoists have unleashed a
wave of violence and terror in the name of a “People’s War” in many remote
districts of the Kingdom. Scores of people, including the police have lost their lives in
the violent clashes that have occurred at different places. Houses have been burnt,
banks looted and development works have been badly hindered at places where development
was needed most. Quite naturally, the present Nepali Congress government led by Prime
Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai has also made it a priority to tackle this burning issue
that is threatening the peaceful environment in the nation. With the view of resolving the
problem through dialogue, the government had formed a high level committee under the
convenorship of former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba to
initiate talks with the Maoists. The committee, right away started functioning and tried
to create an environment where the insurgents would come to hold talks with the government
representatives. It was encouraging that senior leaders of the Maoists showed interest in
the offer of the government and also issued statements that indicated that the rebels were
ready to hold talks.
However, in spite of the encouraging
environment for such dialogue to take place, violent incidents still have taken place at
several districts, including in Achham and Baglung, and dozens of people have been killed.
Like mentioned by Convenor of the Maoist Problem Resolution Suggestions high level
committee, former Prime Minister Deuba, such violent activities of the Maoist have created
suspicion on the sincerity of CPN (Maoists) in holding talks with the government. It is
absolutely necessary to understand that all the parties concerned must show utmost
restraint to create a congenial atmosphere for dialogue to be started between the
government and the rebels. Deuba made it clear that the committee he heads is completely
sincere in its efforts to create such an environment for the problem to be settled
amicably. He also quite rightly appealed to the Maoists to not only issue statements but
to come forward for talks immediately. It can be hoped they will hear this appeal from the
government side and dialogue will be started at once to settle the problem in a peaceful
manner.
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