Maoists Call Off Violent Tactics
Hopes Rise For Resolving Problem

THE simmering Maoist problem that has yet to find a long lasting solution is in the minds of everyone. Whether it be the government, security personnel or the people in general there is much concern over the loss of life and property since the Maoists initiated their movement almost six years back. What started as the presentation of a 40 point demand in 2052 B.S., the indifference to which by the then government saw the Maoists starting their covert activities from the remote jungles of Rolpa.

Realisation

It is a fact that a small spark is enough to start a big blaze. The same is applicable to the Maoist problem. The Maoist influence in some of the districts has to be reckoned with. There should be a sense of realisation on the part of everyone that every problem that surfaces must be tackled with in the beginning itself. Being over-confident can sometimes lead to grievous results. The same can be said of the Maoist movement.

The killings of the police personnel in various police posts in different districts points to the gravity of the situation. Yet, the retaliation on the part of the government forces is still inadequate. The abduction of around 70 policemen in Rolpa highlighted how serious the problem was. Even the army was mobilised but confrontation with the Maoists was avoided considering the fact that the hostages would be in danger and other logistics.

In the wake of such tragic incidents the appointment of Sher Bahadur Deuba to the highest executive post have kindled hopes of an amicable solution. Premier Deuba, soon after his appointment, had appealed to the Maoists to stop their violent activities in view of the complex situation of the country. Deuba also had said that necessary instruction had been given to the personnel to refrain from any action from the side of the government. This set the tone for building an atmosphere of trust with the Maoists.

This was responded well by the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) leader Prachanda asking all the guerrilla fighters to stop all offensive activities. The stress on dialogue is a positive gesture. What had not been achieved so far may see light at the end of the tunnel in the near future. It is not only stress on dialogue aspect that is important but together with it the necessary modalities have to be worked out to build an atmosphere of trust. This is, of course, not an easy task seeing the complexity of the problem.

It is necessary to go into the root to find out the possible causes and then an attempt must be made to find the solution. Analysis from the office room will not help in resolving the problem. Sincerity and commitment with adequate knowledge of the problem is very essential in finding a solution. Lip service or rhetoric alone is not going to be enough. The Maoists know this very well. This might be the reason why all initiatives in the past did not bring any results. Even Deuba was entrusted with the task of looking into the problem during the tenure of former Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai. But, circumstances were such that nothing concrete could materialise despite the sincere efforts of Deuba.

It is unfortunate that in the past one year or so the number of security personnel killed has been large. Direct contacts with the Maoists, in spite of the destruction of numerous police posts and deaths of policemen, proved elusive for the previous government. The picture now looks encouraging.

Right from the start, which is with his appointment as the Prime Minister, Deuba has given special emphasis on resolving the Maoist problem. Judging from the positive response from the Maoists, optimism prevails. When two sides have a common platform then it is possible to discuss any problem. The consensus to discuss the problem is there but the only thing is that both the sides must be sincere in what they have vocally expressed. This needs not only caution on the part of the government but serious homework must be done before the talks with the Maoists take place.

The very fact that some ground has been prepared to get things moving in the right direction thereby hopes have been raised as to the resolution of the spate of violence that has led to a great loss of life and property. Violence for the sake of violence does not pay. This is what has been observed in the past years. The two sides are not fighting any foreign enemy but our own citizens are being killed in the form of security personnel, Maoists or the common people. It is, indeed, quite tragic.

Hope

The bleak picture painted only a few days back has suddenly brightened up with Prime Minister Deuba ordering the security personnel to put an and to attacks and in response the Maoist cadres have been told to suspend all scheduled offensive militia activities. This must be taken as an achievement. It is sincere efforts on the part of all that counts. Now the bright lining has emerged and it is the duty of the concerned to take the country out of the mire that it is in at present. After all, it is our country.

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