National 3 (Spotlight Weekly)

Confidence Building Stage

Despite the surprising announcement of ceasefire a month ago, the government and the Maoists are yet to start the peace talk to end the stalemate

By A CORRESSPONDENT

Even after the announcement of the ceasefire about a month ago, the people are yet to heave a sigh of relief. As the Maoists are still holding the guns and the warring factions have not yet announced the minimum code of conduct to avoid possible confrontation, the ceasefire has not fully convinced the people that they would have long lasting peace.

The activities of the past few days even showed signs of distress as the student organization affiliated to the Maoist has already threatened to lock out the education institutions. In a situation when minor irritants are appearing, rights activists have urged the government and the Maoists to enforce code of conduct and to continue with the confidence building measures.

"Both the groups must announce the code of conduct so that the line of limitation will be drawn," said Padma Ratna Tuladhar, one of the facilitators in the last yearís aborted peace talks. "The code of conduct prepared by the National Human Rights Commission is best for them."

Even the governmentís chief negotiator and Minister for Works and Physical Planning Narayan Singh Pun has said that the government and Maoists have exchanged the draft code of conduct prepared by each other. "We will announce the code of conduct soon," said minister Pun.

Other political leaders are questioning the credibility and legitimacy of the current peace talks and have said that some other forces may be running the show from behind. "When I asked two Maoist leaders who came to meet me at my residence, under whose guarantee did they come to Nepal, their answer was childish," said former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala addressing a press conference in Biratnagar.

Sher Bahadur Deuba who is also supporting the peace process also harbors doubt about the future outcome. "You attacked the Dang barracks when the peace negotiations were in the final stages last year. What is the guarantee that you will not repeat your actions this time as well?" former prime minister Deuba asked the two Maoist leaders who came to meet him at his residence early this week.

Anyway, this time the Maoists have agreed to truce without placing any conditions before the government. When the Maoist negotiated with Deuba government, they had raised many demands and had openly staged public rallies parading their armed cadres. "This time, too, some Maoists are doing same things but the central leaders have been quick to issue circulars not to engage in any activity that will be detrimental to the peace process," said an analyst.

International situation also is not favorable for the Maoists. As the Indian officials have already said the Maoist insurgency is threat to their internal security, any abrupt breaking of truce could invite possible Indian intervention to quell the Maoists.

The reaction of the Indian government on the ceasefire, too, has been cautious The Indian government has taken notice of ceasefire but has not welcomed it unconditionally like other western countries.

Since the government and the Maoists have already expressed their commitment to the peace talks, it is up to them to take the matter towards the long lasting peace. However, the ceasefire must deliver the fruits like peace dividend to the common people. This is the stage of confidence building. But how will the forces that hold the string of peace act, will determine the fate of the country.

Ceasefire Being Observed Well

Apart from few and localized incidents, the ceasefire between the government and the Maoists has been observed well in the country, according to the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA).

At a press meet organized at the Army Officersí Club on February 25, top RNA officials said that though there had been minor incidents arising out of misunderstanding at certain places, both the warring parties had been observing the truce in total.

'The RNA welcomes the recent ceasefire between the government and the Maoists. It is the victory of all peace-loving Nepalese people,' said colonel Deepak Gurung, director of public relations at the RNA. Gurung said that the security force will fully abide by the ceasefire.

However, Gurung added that there still were incidents of armed rebels walking in combat dresses. 'As it is our primary duty to maintain peace and security, we will take necessary action against anyone found involved in such incidents. The incidents of extortion and donations have indeed come down but still we cannot lower our guards when carrying out our duties.'

Colonel Gurung said that the security forces are ready to provide medical assistance to those who had been injured in the past conflict. 'We are also ready to help in the reconstruction of the schools and bridges that were destroyed. We expect peopleís participation in this regard.'

The RNA also took a strong exception at the statements made by some political leaders calling for RNA to be under the parliament. 'We obey the orders of the government formed by elected parliament. We abide by the rules and regulations formulated by the council of ministers. We even draw salaries given by the government. So, where is the problem? We are at a loss to imagine what kind of parliament these political leaders are talking about,' said Brigadier General B.A. Kumar Sharma.

'There is a provision of National Defense Council in the constitution on whose recommendation RNA is mobilized. Even the state of emergency has to be ratified by the parliament. So the statements that RNA is not under parliament is misleading and false,' said Lt. Colonel Ramindra Chhetri.