NATIONAL 3 -(Spotlight Weekly)

War Of Words

As the 'people's war' enters into fifth year, both the government and the rebels give mixed signals

By A CORRESPONDENT

Upon his return from nine-year-long exile in India propounding the philosophy of "National Reconciliation" in 1977, veteran democratic leader B. P. Koirala had said that he saw similarities in the activities of ultra-left and ultra-right forces in the country. Few would have believed him then when he had said, "Both the elements are run from the same place."

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Nine years after the restoration of democracy, his close aide and Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai is saying the same thing. "Extreme left Maoists and ultra-right wing forces pose the biggest threat to Nepal's democracy," Bhattarai told AFP, the French news agency, last week. "There was a need to smash both."

Bhattarai went on to say that the ultra-leftists in the guise of Maoists and the ultra-rightists in the name of the king and the royal palace were the biggest stumbling blocks in the progress of democracy in Nepal." He was, however, quick to add that the King was very cooperative to him and was equally worried about the slow economic progress of the country.

Bhattarai's tough remarks, as they came amidst call for dialogue with the rebels, surprised many. But those who are watching the events closely say otherwise.

In a statement issued on Sunday, general secretary of the underground party, Comrade Prachanda, has no objection to hold dialogue with the (government) if there is a `minimum environment," he said. He did not elaborate what he meant by 'minimum environment.' Prachanda was, however, quite critical of the Nepali Congress government and termed it as 'Fascist.' He also thanked human rights organizations and intellectuals for taking initiatives to create a favorable environment for dialogue between the government and his commrades.

Sources said that Maoists were in favor of an `interim government' to hold dialogue with. The ultra-right forces also want the popularly elected Nepali Congress government to be dismissed by the King and take power in his hands. It would indeed be an outright violation of the country's constitution. But not given any indication that he would ever violate the constitution.

"Both the government and Maoists are not serious for a dialogue," said Krishna Pahadi, a human rights activist and chairman of Human Rights and Peace Society. "As both the sides are adamant on their positions and are keen on propaganda, there are possibilities of escalation of armed conflict in the future," he added.

International human rights organizations also warn of similar threats. The London-based human rights watchdog, Amnesty International (AI), has criticized both the government and the rebels for violating human rights of the people. The AI has appealed to the government to ensure that human rights should no more be violated, whether by the Maoists side or by the police. "It is vital that Nepal government takes these warnings seriously and acts to ensure that Nepal doesn't turn into another South Asian war zone and human rights disaster zone," said the AI report. "Sri Lanka, Kashmir, Karachi.. Nepal must not go the same way," the report warned.

Prime Minister Bhattarai also said that during his forthcoming visit to India, he would ask the Indian government not to allow Maoist rebels to set up bases there. "It is because a disturbed Nepal can never be helpful for Indian security too," he added.

Whatever be his intentions, ominous signs are looming on the horizon.