Editorial (Spotlight Weekly)

The unceremonious breach of the ceasefire and embroiling the country in brutal murders and loots by the Maoists have, once again, generated great apprehensions and uncertainties. The country that was slowly limping back to normalcy has again been pushed back to the brink of disaster. The speculations that the Maoists would not go back to the jungles have all been proved wrong. It has also been established that the intelligence of the government is still in the primitive stage and the Maoists are not only better negotiators but superior strategists. They have turned the Thapa government into a big buffoon and laughing stock. And Sher Bahadur Deuba must be smiling in his sleeves. Neither the Maoists have been able to emerge as winners. Their lootings and killings will not endear them to the masses and they will not be able to win any sympathy and support from the general Nepalis other than their own cadres. The world opinion, too, is sure to go against them. Even their friend and collaborator – the Indians – also will have to think twice to go back to their callous behavior of providing them safe haven and blatant cooperation. Even though the Nepali people do not need any proof of their chicanery and double standard, still the Maoists have certainly pushed the Indians into an unenviable and embarrassing situation. They will be hard put to prove their sham protestations of traditional friendship with the Nepalis and granting the security umbrella to the Maoists at the same time. Their sincerity has never been at a more crucial test. The free and unrestricted movements of the Maoists across the Nepal-India border, besides other compelling factors have once again accentuated the imperative of sealing the border peremptorily. It is high time that the Maoists themselves realize the dangers inherent in alien cooperation in the pursuit of their objective. They must not overlook the fundamental fact that they will never succeed in their mission without the unstinted cooperation of the Nepali masses. And their senseless killings, burnings and demolitions of the infrastructures will not contribute to win the hearts of the poor countrymen as they will only aggravate their long sufferings, hardships and miseries. At a time when established politicians have been totally rejected and the whole nation is shunning them, honest and patriotic politicians could easily replace them. By resorting to deaths and destructions, the Maoists will not only invite troubles and dangers for themselves but also miss the bus. Nobody can say for sure for how long they will have to continue their struggles. Happenings in other parts of the world could serve them as good lessons. Consequently, the only way open to them is to sit down for dialogue with a team of clean and dedicated government. We have always advised them not to associate with corrupt and anti-national politicians. They could have their finale with the Palace if they reach a lasting agreement and laid down their arms. Only then the doors will open for them to win recognition as leaders who will change the face of their country through a free and fair ballot.

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The failure to strike a deal with the Maoists has exposed the inefficacy of the Surya Bahadur Thapa government. Subsequent events after the breakdown of the peace talks have firmly shut the doors for the Thapa government to restart dialogues with the Maoists. Since violence and killings cannot resolve the problem, the only alternative is the resumption of dialogues as early as possible. The submissive attitude of Thapa government in wooing the Maoists has only provided the Maoists the badly needed time to reorganize and strengthen their positions. The superior strategies of the Maoists have necessitated the government to adopt a defensive posture. Despite all the resources if the government is taken for a ride who is to blame? It needs no emphasis that all negotiations must be carried out from the position of strength. Unfortunately, both the Deuba and Thapa governments that engaged the Maoists in dialogues suffered from a defeatist attitude. Giving in to all Maoist demands and not being able to make the Maoists yield anything did contribute to the failure of the talks. We would like to quote Shyam KC here who wrote in The Kathmandu Post on 30 August 2003: “The road ahead can be expected to be hard and difficult, and if the government (political parties) are to go on yielding ground, it would be best to hand over power to the Maoists. Then, at least, we will have a lasting peace of the grave.” No wonder the Maoists did exploit the vacillating stance of the government. Indeed, it becomes difficult for a government that has no strong base, no popular support and no charisma of honesty and efficiency to command respect from the adversary. As such, the prime need of the hour is a strong government of clean, honest and patriotic people that does not stench, a government that will start election process without undue delay. The nation is expectantly waiting for King Gyanendra to come back. As long the country does not have a fully representative government, it is the King who has to make and unmake governments under clause 127 of the Constitution. The need of the hour is the announcement of a definite date for fresh elections to the House of Representatives and let the Maoists try their strength at the polls. The next government that comes to power to conduct the general elections must be able to impress upon the Maoists that bullets will not take them to their goals. Moreover, the Maoist cannot afford to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the appeals by the powerful international community including the United Nations. As such they must forsake violence and follow the peaceful course of winning the hearts of their poor countrymen. And this is possible only through free and fair elections.