Action Against Maoists
Encouraging Results

By Prem N. Kakkar

IT IS over three weeks that the State of Emergency was declared. This was compulsion arising from the Maoists terrorist attacking the security personnel in different parts of the country. What could have been gained through talks were not to be as the Maoists unilaterally closed all options. Despite the government’s liberal attitude as regards creating a conducive atmosphere for the dialogue, the Maoists took undue advantage. The return of the Maoists to violence necessitated the declaration of emergency.

In the six years that the Maoists waged their terrorist activities over 2000 people have been killed and hundred other injured or maimed. It is plain the Maoists do not want to enter the mainstream politics but bank on intimidation and violence. The opportunity that they had to come in for negotiations were squandered by them.

Despite the fact that they had resorted to terrorist activities, the government had provided them a leeway through sitting for peace talks. In fact, through the talks the Maoists could have gained more than what they had bargained for but it was not to be. The Maoists, who were named terrorists together with the declaration of the State of Emergency, were overconfident and underestimated the strength of the security forces in the country. Moreover, this very fact has caused the terrorists great losses.

It would have been a sort of "safe landing" for the Maoists had they been able to arrive at a fair and amicable understanding. The government had not left any stone unturned in an attempt to resolve the problem. But the Maoists themselves were more interested in creating terror rather than search for a peaceful solution. This is the reason why they are now at the receiving end.

The government on its part has been quite clear that the state of emergency is directed at the Maoist terrorist and their supporters only. As soon as the Maoists come under control it would be lifted. Despite this assurance, leaders from some political party want a time frame and the lifting of the state of emergency quickly. It is not easy as giving a speech in the circumstance. What the concerned political leaders ought to understand is the complexity of the problem. The cordon-and-search move of the security personnel must be appreciated in the sense that only the suspected Maoists are to be arrested without the innocent people having to suffer.

Over the past three weeks scores of suspected Maoists have been held and investigations carried out while the innocent people have not suffered much. That the action against the Maoists has given results is seen through the sigh of relief that the people have felt after having lived through the nightmare that the Maoists had created in the past six years.

The extortion and killing of ordinary people who did not subscribe to the Maoist ideologies was against every rule in the book. The whole economy in many parts of the country were in shambles. But the Maoists were only interested of looting banks, killing security personnel, blazing down police posts and so on. Whatever they did was a crime against humanity. When they killed people, they termed it as right and when they themselves are becoming the targets, they talk of inhuman action and what not. Now, as they are on the run it is time for the country to start building up the economy. Nepal, poor that it is, cannot afford to lose much time. Everything has to be fitted into its place and revival of the economy is the moot question now.

The very fact that the Maoists have felt the impact is seen by the hundred of Maoists surrendering and vowing to live a life that will in no way be detrimental to the state and the ordinary people. This is a welcome sign as they will no longer be a threat to the society. Meanwhile, the recovery of large amount of arms and ammunitions including explosives and socket bombs has made the Maoists vulnerable. With this in mind the day is not far when complete calm will materialise. The fear that was seen before the declaration of the state of emergency has disappeared and the security checks are being taken by the people as a necessity and not something cumbersome. After all, they are done to enhance security for the people themselves.

It is at this time that the people must exhibit solidarity and work for the economic development of the country. For this patriotic feeling must be present in everyone. To work for the country is to work for ourselves. The return of peace makes it imperative that people devote themselves exclusively for development activities. The country’s prosperity is possible when the situation is favourable and now is the time to formulate relevant strategies for economic prosperity.

Homing In On Hospitality 

HOSPITALITY has been an ingrained quality with Kathmanduites and a tradition handed down from one generation to the next. In fact the locals give off their best in terms of warmth and friendship with the right atmosphere for added effect. This has made them a favourite with guests, foreigners and the expatriates.

Hospitality can be measured not only in material terms but the manner in which it is conducted. And here is where they take top marks. Not only their sense of what to give and share cut finely honed but they do so in a matter of espirit de’ crops. The giving is not only limited to the ordinary but partakes of the extraordinaire too.

Those staying for one day or for an indeterminate length of time are treated as gods in their own right. And not effort spared in making their sojourn comfortable with no cause for complaints. Which assures their return time and again. And when they do go away they take memories of a landmark visit.

Their smile which lights up the faces, the body language which speaks volumes and the two hands folded at chest level in a "namaste’ are a regular feature. Expressions of a nature that borders on simplicity. Once the visitor has been welcomed there are folk dances, cultural programmes and a tour of the city to get an idea of the rich heritage.

For the hospitality business it is time to turn out their best and everything comes organised and packaged. When the tourists arrival registers a turnout or the expected number does turn up then these are laid out as planned. Not to be outdone are the stage hands which put up shows, the staffs at their posts and the agencies on hire for outdoor activities. Nothing mars the general air of expectancy and the attention to be lavished upon each and every arrival.

There are surprises in store for those who choose to stay in hotel rooms and the backpackers; both categories being equally welcome for their presence and critical view of things. Their being in the city all too often coincides with the buoyant nature of the city-dwellers.

Handshakes on a chance meeting on the street is common as too are the conversations in broken English. Children tag along playfully and cry out in their own sweet voices and contact at eye level are made with others.

The city has a plethora of lodges, guest houses and hotels which takes care of their every need-from a hot shower to appetising meals. And on hand are the management and staff to see that nothing is left to chance which could besmirch their reputation.

And the tradition of hospitality goes on with each passing moment bringing forth squeals of delight and endless chatter to come to a stop only when dusk envelops the valley.

The cries of oohs and aahs and much hand waving which greets them from the moment of their
landing at the airport is a firm indication of their welcome. For a people known for their erstwhile charm, innate goodness and warm hospitality the tourists are a boon not a bane to their very existence.