Reciprocity Wanted
MINISTER for Information and Communications
Jaya Prakash Prasad Gupta once again made the government’s position clear on the
peace process that has already been initiated with the Communist Party of Nepal(Maoist).
The objective is the ending of the six-year old armed insurgency in the country. At a
weekly press meet,in Kathmandu, Minister Gupta, who is also the spokesman of the Council
of Ministers, said that His Majesty’s Government is fully committed to talks and has
done everything possible to create a congenial atmosphere for the success of the peace
talks. The Minister also called the Maoist leadership to exhibit a similar attitude and
flexibility if they are sincere and committed to peaceful resolution of the problem. The
government has, indeed, shown enough flexibility and liberal posture for the success of
the talks to resolve the problem peacefully through dialogue and negotiations. It has
already withdrawn cases against Maoists workers and released them from police custody and
different prisons. As a result, two rounds of talks between the government and Maoist
representatives have already been held. In a new goodwill gesture, the government has
withdrawn case against the Maoist central leader Matrika Yadav. However, it has been felt
that there has not been the much needed reciprocity and flexibility on the part of the
Maoists. The government is open to discuss any economic, political or social issues,
except for constitutional monarchy, multi-party democracy and fundamental human rights of
the people, at the negotiating table. Despite agreement for halting all kinds of offensive
and coercive activities, Maoist rebels have continued to resort to extortion, intimidation
and abduction of supporters of other political parties. There are still more than 100
people including several policemen in Maoist captivity. This is not at all the spirit in
which the peace talks can be held. If Maoists continue to resort to such activities, it
would mean that they are not sincere and committed to the peace talks and peaceful
resolution of the problem. Now, it is high time that Maoists need to show the world that
they are not for violence but a political party concerned with the cause of the people and
the nation by behaving responsibly. Thus, they need to show reciprocity by releasing all
policemen and other people from their captivity and halt all forms of uncalled for
activities, if they want an amicable solution which can only come about through the talks
with the government. The liberal and flexible attitude of the government should by no
means be taken as its weakness. The ball, thus, is in the Maoists’ court and they
would be responsible if talks fail.
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