PM, ministers offer tribute

RSS

KATHMANDU, Jan. 30: Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand has in a message offered tribute to honorable martyrs on the occasion of the Martyrs Day, today.

In his message, Prime Minister Chand said the martyrs who sacrificed their lives with high ideals for fundamental rights of the Nepalese and the overall development of the country will remain immortal for ever. The Prime Minister wished that this day would inspire us all to abide by the high ideals and to safeguard them. Meanwhile, also today Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand paid heartfelt floral tributes to the martyrs at Martyrs Memorial, Shahidgate on the occasion of the last day of the Martyrs Week today.

Chief Justice, Chairman of the Rajparishad Standing Committee, Deputy Prime Minister, ministers, government officials and distinguished personalities also paid heartfelt tribute to the martyrs on the occasion.

Prime Minister Chand presented the letters of commendation to Mrs. Hasana Devi Shrestha, the widow of martyr Ganga Lal, Renu Shrestha, daughter of martyr Dharma Bhakta, and Usha Singh, daughter of Chiniya Lal Singh at a function organised by Kathmandu Municipality at Martyrs Memorial Park at Lainchaur today.

Earlier, Prime Minister Chand and various distinguished personalities, band of Royal Nepal Army, Nepal Police and traditional Newari musical band, students of various schools went round the city and converged at Martyrs Memorial, Lainchaur and paid heartfelt tributes to the martyrs.

On the occasion of Martyrs Day, movement of the vehicles was stopped for one minute at noon to pay tribute to the martyrs.

Likewise, Prime Minister Chand offered floral tribute at the statue of martyr Dasharath Chand at Dasharath Stadium, Tripureshwor organised by martyr Dasharath Chand Memorial Trust today.
Deputy Prime Minister, ministers and distinguished personalities also paid tribute to the martyr Dasharath Chand on the occasion.

Peace talks with Maoists soon: Pun

By A Staff Reporter

KATHMANDU, Jan. 30: Peace talks between the government and the Maoists will be held in the near future, said Minister for Works and Physical Planning and coordinator designated by the government for the talks Narayan Singh Pun here this afternoon. But he declined to disclose when and where the talks would be held.

He also denied news reports that there were any contacts made with Ram Bahadur Thapa, alias Badal, the Maoists' military commander. "The only contact I made was with Sagar Chhetri, a senior member of the CPN (Maoist), through two facilitators, Dr. Birendra Shrestha "Jhapali" and G. R. Lamichhane," Pun said.

Minister Pun was speaking at an interaction programme, a day after the announcement of cease-fire by the Maoists, and the government's withdrawal of labelling them terrorists, scrapping of the red corner notice and cash reward for information leading to their arrests.

The government co-ordinator for the talks was optimistic that the forthcoming talks would help find a permanent political solution to the Maoist problem and restore peace craved for by the Nepalese.
"People are tired and worn out by conflict, and are longing for peace and harmony in the country," said Pun; adding the road to peace was long and arduous and it needed cooperation from all sides.
Stating that the building up of this environment for talks needed a lot of homework and persistent efforts, Pun told the journalists that it was high time all the concerned put their serious and sincere efforts to create and continue a lasting environment for peace.'

To make the talks fruitful, the role of political parties, NGOs, human rights groups, and intellectuals are equally important, and all of us must work hand in hand, he said.

G. R. Lamichhane, a journalist and former editor of weekly Janakranti, said that they were doing every bit from their respective sides for bringing both the government and the Maoists to the negotiating table. He said that they had tried to bring both the parties together ever since Lokendra Bahadur Chand was the Prime Minister of the coalition government in 1997. "I was then running a paper and had close contact with Dr. Babu Ram Bhattarai of the CPN-Maoist."

"After the dissolution of the government led by Sher Bahadur Deuba, the Maoist leaders contacted me for creating a viable environment for peace talks. In the mean time, I contacted Dr. Birendra Shrestha 'Jhapali', who was then a member of the newly formed Nepal Samata Party. Then we jointly approached Minister Pun to make groundwork for peace talks, Lamichhane briefed The Rising Nepal about the backgrounds they had made to make the government and the Maoists to go for a cease-fire.
He maintained that as the situation has been created for peace talks, it was now the duty of the government and the Maoists to make a fruitful outcome.

"There are also chances of holding a round table meeting with the representatives from political parties, NGOs, civil society and intelligentsia to accelerate the peace process.

Other facilitator for the peace talks Dr. Birendra Shrestha 'Jhapali' also said that it was the duty of all to help make the peace talks a success thereby ending a state of anarchy that has taken the toll of over 7,000 people. He also disclosed that he had provided medical assistance to some injured Maoists a year ago in his private hospital in Kathmandu for which he was forced to remain underground for two months.

'Journalism for Peace' award conferred

By A Staff Reporter

KATHAMNDU, Jan. 30: Chairman of the Rajparishad Standing Committee Dr. Keshar Jung Rayamajhi has said that martyrs should always be remembered for their sacrifices which helped the country to get freedom from the tyrannical rule of the Ranas.

He was speaking at a function in the capital today organised by National Press Club, Nepal (NPC-N) to honour Dr. Gulermo Vertiz Ferrera with 'Journalism for Peace' award.

He expressed satisfaction over the announcement of cease-fire from the government and Maoists on the eve of the Martyrs Day. The nation observes Magh 16 as the Martyrs Day.

Upon receiving the prize Dr. Ferrera, an American national said, "The prize has not only encouraged me but has also made me and my team to further work for the development of agricultural sector in Nepal".

After Dr. Ferrara's institution, which is known as IMMITY, started functioning the Nepalese have shifted from traditional farming to modern farming that gives better results to meet the challenges of the growing population of the country.

Dr. Ferrera has been working for the improvement of agriculture production in Nepal since six years. He is an agriculture expert with more than three decades field experience across the globe.
He cited two problems in Nepalese agriculture - transfer of technology and seed production. In assistance with DFID and the government of United Kingdom they have been able to introduce new technology and provide improved seeds to the farmers.

IMMITY is currently working with farmers in the districts of Chitwan, Morang, Rupandehi and Kathmandu.

The NPC-N has been giving such prizes to outstanding personalities who have served for peace and development of Nepal.

Political parties welcome ceasefire

By A Staff Reporter

KATHMANDU, Jan. 30: Leaders of different political parties have taken the announcement of cease-fire by the CPN-Maoists and the government to end the seven-year-long insurgency in the country in a positive note.

In their comments, they expressed optimism that the talks would result in the resolution of the Maoist problem.

President of the Nepali Congress and former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala said today that the declaration of cease-fire to initiate talks between the government and the Maoists was a positive step.
"Cease-fire is necessary to address the problem. I have taken it in a positive light," Koirala said addressing a mass meeting at Damauli in Tanahun.

"The Nepali Congress is always in favour of democracy, constitutional monarchy and peace," he said, adding that the problem has to be addressed through peaceful means.

He also said that the talks between the government and the Maoists should be guided towards strengthening democracy, independent judiciary, people's sovereignty, human rights and constitutional monarchy.

Former Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa said that it was positive step to end the conflict. He emphasised that enough homework was needed to make the peace talks result-oriented.
"We must be aware that unlike in the past, the peace talks are broken down before they conclude," Thapa said.

Another former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said that he was always in favour of talks and in resolving the problem through peaceful means. "Any attempt to resolve the problem by peaceful means is welcome."

General Secretary of the CPN-UML Madhav Kumar Nepal, in his comment, said, "The agreement of ceasefire between the government and the Maoist is a positive step."

Nepal said that his party would support any move that was fruitful to the resolution of the party.
The General Secretary of the party Sushil Koirala said that his party has always respected institution of monarchy.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Ram Chandra Poudel said that violence and destruction would never be beneficial to the country and the people.

Similarly, Bharat Mohan Adhikary, Standing Committee member of the UML, said the cease-fire is naturally a welcome step to safeguard the achievements of the Popular Movement of 1990.
Talking to the press in Janakpur, Adhikary said that the talks should proceed with the aim of strengthening multi-party democracy and to protect people's sovereignty. But he declined to comment on how the talks might proceed.

"It is positive and very important," said Narahari Acharya, Nepali Congress central committee member.

Acharya said that the more important thing was how the political development would go ahead towards peaceful resolution of the problem.

"There is a need of code of conduct, which the concerned parties must abide by so that no untoward events take place during the peace talk. They should be cautious that past mistake will not be repeated," he added. He stressed on the transparency in the ongoing political dialogue.
Rajendra Mahato of Nepal Sadbhawana Party said that his party always stood in favour of talk to resolve all problems including the Maoist issue.

All parties and people must be serious to end violence and murder in the country, said Mahato.
Hom Nath Dahal, spokesman of the Nepali Congress (Democratic), said that the decision to announce cessation of the armed conflicts by the Maoist and the government was definitely positive. The concerned parties should respect the sovereignty and freedom of the people while they sit for the talk, Dahal said.

Hiranya Lal Shrestha, a Left intellectual, said that the government and the Maoist should initiate talks by giving top priority to the interest of the country.

"If there is resolution of the problem through dialogue, it will be a victory of all. No one will lose," he said.

Chairman of the Nepal Peasants and Workers Party Narayan Man Bijukchhe said he has taken the move very positive and urged the government and the Maoist for the fruitful conclusion of the talk.
Stating that the issue of holding election for the constituent assembly will be discussed during the talk between the Maoist and the government, Bijukchhe said, "It is necessary to be cautious on issue of national sovereignty and people's rights."

Meanwhkile, RSS adds: Nepal Samata Party, at its meeting today, has heartily welcomed the declaration of cease-fire after the CPN (Maoists) and the government reached understanding to hold talks.

The party has also stated that it considered to be proud in the designating of its president and Minister for Physical Planning and Works Narayan Singh Pun as the convenor on behalf of the government for talks to save the Nepalese people from further bloodshed.

The party has expressed its full commitment for necessary cooperation to hold talks with the Maoists and wished success to the dialogue.

The party, at the meeting, has also called upon the political parties, civic society, intellectuals, journalists, and the entire Nepalese to extend cooperation to make the talks successful.
Meanwhile, the Nepal Praja Parishad has welcomed the ceasefire declared recently by the government and the Maoists and stated that the step has rescued the country from crisis.
The Human Rights and Peace Society also welcomed the decision by His Majesty's Government and the CPN (Maoist) to observe a ceasefire and hold talks.

The society said in a statement that the decision to observe ceasefire and move ahead the talks process arrived at by the government and the Maoists at a meeting between the two sides yesterday could not be appropriately timed as in the present moment when a peaceful resolution to the Maoist problem had become inevitable for the supreme welfare of humanity and a secure future of the nation.
The society, since its inception has been urging to seek a peaceful solution to the Maoist problem through talks and consensus, a statement signed by society president Krishna Pahadi states.
The society has also drawn attention so that the process of dialogue that has started at present is not made a part of strategy only but taken to fruition.

Similarly, the International Solidarity Group (GRINSO) Nepal Chapter has heartily welcomed the ceasefire agreement between the government and the Maoists in connection with the seven-year long violent movement waged by the Maoists.

A statement issued by the Chapter states that restoration of peace through consensus by taking the other political parties also into confidence and arriving at a common consensus regarding the government-Maoist talks is the main demand at present.

Likewise, various political parties and professional institutions and associations have issued statements welcoming the ceasefire.

Those issuing statements are Nepal Independent Journalists Society, the People's Progressive Party, the Samyukta Prajatantra Party, Rastriya Ekata Parishad, Hotel Association of Nepal, the Industrial Good Relations Promotion Committee, Kathmandu Research Centre, Nepal Independent Journalists Society, Sunsari District Working Committee and the Advocacy for Human Rights, Peace and Development in Karnali.

Govt firm to take peace process forward

RSS

DAILEKH, Jan. 30: Minister for Health Dr. Upendra Devkota has said the government decided to proceed with the peace talks process as it believed the Maoists' announcement of a cease-fire and their proposal for the peace talks.

Minister Dr. Devkota was inaugurating a free specialised health camp organised by the Ministry of Health at Dailekh Bazaar.

Director of the Mid-Western Regional Health Directorate at Surkhet Laxmi Raman Ban and head of the District Health Office Dr. Vivek Acharya also expressed their views at the programme chaired by chairman of the district hospital cooperation board and acting chief district officer of Dailekh Tek Raj Gyawali.

Health Minister Devkota also performed successful hydrocele surgery on Karna Bahadur Bishwakarma, 64, of local Narayan Municipality Ward No. 8 Tartang.

US, EU, UK hail truce

By A Staff Reporter

KATHMANDU, Jan. 30: The US, the UK and the European Union have welcomed the announcement of cease-fire between the Maoists and the government and hoped that the truce would lead to a peaceful settlement of the conflict.

Commenting on the cease-fire, United Kingdom's Foreign Office Minister Mike O'Brien said the cease-fire is an important and positive development and hoped that it would lead to a negotiated settlement and move towards peace in Nepal.

"A lot of works need to be done, and it is vital that all groups in Nepal do everything they can to end the pain and suffering this conflict has caused. The UK remains committed to working with the Nepalese, and our international partners, towards a lasting peace in Nepal," Minister O'Brien said.
The UK committed to continue to coordinate international efforts to help resolve the conflict in Nepal. This is largely being done through the International Support Group, a body formed as a result of the international conference hosted by the Nepalese government in London in June.

The UK said that further to its 22 million sterling bilateral development programme, it has a package of 6.7 million under the Nepalese government's Global Conflict Prevention Pool. Projects funded from this pool are aimed at short-term development and reinforcing Nepal's development, military and police capacity.

The US Government has hailed the truce as concrete evidence that the Maoists are serious about holding peace dialogue with His Majesty's Government. "We welcome the immediate cessation of all Maoist military activities and terrorist attacks as concrete evidence that the Maoists are serious about holding peace talks with the Nepali government," said a statement issued by the US Embassy.
"We support a meaningful dialogue leading to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. We urge all Nepalese to take advantage of this opportunity to work together toward peace."

The US Government has reiterated its support 'the right of the government of Nepal to safeguard its citizens within the framework of the Constitution.'

Similarly, the European Union (EU) Heads of Mission have welcomed the cease-fire and expressed their sincere hope that the encouraging development would bring a durable 'cessation of hostilities, intimidation and destruction that have caused so much suffering to the people of Nepal during the past seven years.'

"The forthcoming negotiation should be a starting point to a political process leading to a integration of the Maoists into the mainstream of the political life in Nepal and to the creation of right conditions for free and fair elections," the EU Heads of Mission said.

The EU will continue to support Nepal in its efforts to tackle poverty, discrimination and the poor governance, they said.

They also pointed out the need for accelerated reforms for ensuring social service delivery and development activities in all parts of Nepal, including the Maoist-affected areas.

The EU is ready to contribute to the efforts to stabilise the security situation by assisting in any way possible in a quest for a peaceful settlement and a lasting solution to the conflict, they added.
Successful negotiations between the government and the Maoists would provide a much improved basis for future cooperation between the EU and the government of Nepal, they said.

India stresses on dialogue to end crisis

RSS

KATHMANDU, Jan. 30: The government of India believes that to achieve durable peace, security and stability in Nepal the process of dialogue should be based on national consensus, should involve political parties and should be conducted in an environment free from violence, according to press release from the Indian Embassy.

Pointing out that India continues to regard multi-party democracy and constitutional monarchy as the two pillars for stability in Nepal, the press release says India remains committed to the strengthening of its long-standing and close friendship and good neighbourly relations with Nepal.

Entrepreneurs hail accord with Maoists

By A Staff Reporter

KATHMANDU, Jan. 30: The announcement of cease-fire by the CPN-Maoists has brought a huge sigh of relief among all sectors of the society. Their hope for the restoration of peace is all too evident by the statements they issued immediately after the announcement of the cessation of the existing conflict.

The Hotel Association of Nepal, a leading organisation of the tourism industry, has welcomed the cease-fire to create an environment for peace talks. The Association was optimistic that it will help strengthen the peace and security situation in the country resulting in the revival of the country's tourism industry and the entire economic sector.

Issuing a press statement, HAN said the existing conflict and bloodshed between the Maoist rebels and security forces in the last seven years had badly affected every sector of the society.

Without resolving the existing conflict the national economy and the industrial sectors cannot be revived and the normal public life could not restore, the statement reads. "In this situation the decision by the government and the Maoists for a cease-fire was appreciated both by the civic society as well as the international community, and it has generated hope to the entire nation."

HAN said that the conflict would be resolved promptly within the framework and principle guidelines of constitutional monarchy and multi-party democracy.

The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FNCCI) has also taken the announcement of cease-fire as a positive step to revive peace and security and to reform the national political, industrial and economic scenario.

The Nepal Chamber of Commerce has taken the announcement for cease-fire in a very positive way. It said that the existing situation and the repeated calls for the resolution of the problem through talks have brought both sides willing to negotiate. It hoped that the government and the Maoists would work positively for a long-term solution to the conflict.

Likewise, Nepal Foreign Trade Association has said that the announcement of cease-fire has relieved the nation from the existing situation of fear and terror. The peace talks should work to restore peace and prosperity for the sake of nation.

In a joint statement the Nepal Mountaineering Association, Nepal Association of Travel Agents, Himalaya Rescue Association, Trekking Agents Association of Nepal, Nepal Association of Rafting Agents, Everest Summiteers' Association, Nepal Mountaineering Training & Rescue Foundation and Nepal Mountaineering Trainee Association have said that the peace talks should find a long-term solution to the existing conflict, and should be in favour of the country and the tourism industry.
The Group for International Solidarity and Industrial Cordial Relation Committee in separate statements said that the steps taken by the government to withdraw the label of terrorists and to scrap the prices for the arrests of the Maoists leaders, and the reciprocation by the Maoists to observe truce and to come for talks will again establish peace in the country.

UML convention preparations complete

RSS

JANAKPURDHAM, Jan. 30: Preparations for the CPN-UML's seventh convention taking place here from Feb. 1-5 have reached in the final phase.

Talking to RSS today, convenor of the seventh convention management committee Bharat Mohan Adhikari said that the preparations for the meet were proceeding well and the political parties as well as the people of Janakpur had co-operated with the party.

CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal is inaugurating the convention at the Rangabhoomi (Barhabigha) grounds on Saturday.

Party delegates and representatives have started coming here for the convention. representatives of Communist parties from China, North Korea, Vietnam and India as well as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Party of India are also attending the convention.

On the day of the inauguration, leaders of various political parties including the Nepali Congress, Nepali Congress (Democratic), Nepal Sadbhavana Party and Nepal Workers and Peasants Party will also address the convention.

A total of 1,006 persons including 957 elected representatives and 49 nominated members are taking part in the convention.

The on-going last meeting of the Central Working Committee of the party elected by the sixth convention will select the nominated representatives.

The special stage which has been prepared for the inaugural session will be decorated with large portraits of leftist leaders Pushpa Lal Shrestha, Madan Bhandari and Man Mohan Adhikari and a replica of Janakpur, convenor of the main management committee Adhikari said.

Possibility of an end to conflict: Envoy

By A Staff Reporter

KATHMANDU, Jan. 30: The declaration of truce between the Maoists and the government can be a breakthrough to end the seven-year-long domestic conflict and could lead to a sustainable solution to the armed conflict in Nepal, said German ambassador Rudiger Lemp in Kathmandu today.

"The internal conflict has caused a huge human and financial losses for the nation, and the donor community is well aware that the continuation of conflict would have incurred further destruction and deprivation to the country," said ambassador Lemp at an interaction programme of the Reporters' Club.

"The international community's support for democratic process has demonstrated that the armed struggle is not the best way to achieve the Maoists' aims. Adopting violent means for social revolution is a wrong way."

"Once the cease-fire takes hold, Nepal's image in international arena will no longer be dominated by horror stories," he said. Both the parties at conflict should learn from the failures of previous negotiations, he said, adding dwelling on the issue of cease-fire and prospect of successful negotiation.

Germany is Nepal's one of the largest donors providing 15-million euro as financial assistance every year. Germany has been assisting Nepal in health care, promote local governance, power development and conservation of sites of archeological importance.

"The donors will have to play a supportive role for establishing peace and rehabilitation of people displaced by the seven-year-long domestic conflict," said ambassador Lemp.

"Nepal need a stronger local governance," he stressed. Emphasising on holding the local elections, he added that they were more important than the national ones. Furthermore, the German envoy said the Maoists' participation in the election would be a decisive step for the peace process.

Lemp also talked about the decade-long Bhutanese refugee problem in Nepal. "The solution lies on their repatriation to Bhutan, and integration in Nepal of those who do not want to return back." But, integrating them in Nepal will involve a high cost, he said. He cautioned that the continuation of the present situation would be a lose-lose one for both Nepal and Bhutan.

Ambassador Lemp also expressed concern over the declining number of tourists coming to Nepal. He said the arrivals have come down to 17,000 this from the 40,000 in the previous years. Besides, Nepal's export to Germany has also declined considerably, he added.

People keeping fingers crossed, but optimistic

By Lok Deep Thapa

Perhaps there is no Nepalese who has not been relieved to hear of the ceasefire agreement between His Majesty's Government and the Maoist guerrillas.

What seemed like endless and mindless violence in the past few years, had made everyone insecure, tense, sad and tired. Apart from the sense of insecurity and fear, many people were also worried in seeing various development and economic infrastructures crumbling down in a rapid manner.
The way the country was taking a steady hammering politically, socially and economically, was not good for any one, including those who were saying they were waging a war for the welfare of the downtrodden.

Ordinary people were worried because brutal murders were taking place almost every single day and there seemed to be no light at the end of the dark tunnel the nation was hurtling through.
Therefore, it was only natural there was a huge sigh of collective relief amongst the masses, when word came out that a breakthrough had been made in the deadlock between the government and Maoists.

The immense sense of satisfaction that could be seen in the faces of the general people and the reactions that could be heard from them after they came to know of this news Thursday morning, cannot be described through mere words. At least this writer can't even attempt to do so. But this in itself indicates how happy the people are that the violence has come to an end and there is hope that the country will now bounce back to normalcy.

Not that there had been no indication of some political developments taking place soon in the country. Earlier, from Tuesday evening till Wednesday morning, whispers and rumours had been flying fast and furious all over Kathmandu. From ordinary people on the streets to journalists and political observers, all were making their own sort of analysis on what was going to happen soon.

Many people, including influential political observers and media people, were making all sort of wild guesses.

Only a really few people, were confident of a positive development taking place in holding negotiations with the Maoists, and among this lot were some ministers in the present government.

Like Spokesman of His Majesty's Government and Minister for Information and Communications Ramesh Nath Pandey, who right after the ceasefire had been officially announced, once again stressed that the present government had always been in favour of solving the Maoist problem through dialogue.

He also gave credit to the Monarchial culture that all Nepalese have faith in, that had contributed significantly in pushing everyone to make efforts for mutual understanding, peace and development.
There is no doubt, the present opportunity must not be squandered, specially by the Maoists, who the people blame for most of the violence the country has seen.

Not that other parties, both big and small, had been winning the hearts of the people too. They too had not played a responsible role in guiding the nation to prosperity and development. In fact, many common people now also blame the mainstream political parties and their leaders for the present woes being faced by them.

For now, seeing the previous government getting its fingers burnt after initiating peace talks with the rebels last year, many people are keeping their fingers crossed, hoping that this time the Maoists will sincerely work with the government in finding a resolution to the present strife in Nepal. The masses, however, are optimistic that peace will definitely be restored this time.

Meanwhile, it is also true that the Maoists too have a responsibility in ensuring peace. Going by the initial reports that have come in, there should be no reason for the Maoist leaders to be wary about the sincerity of the present government. Almost all the pre-conditions set by the Maoists for holding talks have been met, according to the reports.

Minister for Works and Physical Planning Narayan Singh Pun, who has been designated by the government as the coordinator for holding talks with the Maoists, has clearly indicated that direct face to face talks will be held within a few days and the government will also hold an all-party meeting soon after that. These are positive indications about the government's eagerness to end the violence that has taken the lives of almost 7,000 people and bring back normalcy.

Keeping in mind the sensitivity and seriousness of the situation, the different political parties too will have to cooperate with the government and demonstrate to the people that they are committed to peace and stability. This is a time when unity amongst all political parties is necessary for peace to prevail and normalcy to return.

They must not forget that they were also victims of the violence and political activities had been curbed to a large extent because of the feeling of insecurity and uncertainty amongst their supporters. Furthermore, workers and supporters of the political parties too had been targeted during violent attacks.

There has been cautious welcoming of the cease-fire agreement from the political parties, though, foreign governments have readily praised the breakthrough made by the government. The solid support shown by the friendly nations to the government, has played an instrumental role in boosting the morale of the common people as well as the government during times of immense crisis. Their continued support in the future will be necessary for prosperity to follow peace.

The government too has to tread very carefully and not repeat the mistakes made in the past. This is an opportunity as well as a challenge. Perhaps things will have to be taken one day at a time and every step has to be put forward with utmost caution.

Some mistakes, like the hype and hoopla that preceded each meeting between the concerned parties should not be repeated. Like mentioned by an expert, these types of peace talks cannot survive in the glare of the media and much tom-tomming in the press. The media must be responsible, as the success of the talks is in the interest of the nation. The government meanwhile, has to be mature in its dealing with the media.

Last but not the least, no one should forget that the nation and the people have suffered enough. It is now time for initiating a healing process and all sides, including the government, the Maoists and the political parties have a challenging task in fulfilling the wish of the people for lasting peace and prosperity.