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BOOK REVIEW |
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BOOK REVIEW |
On Insurgency Historian and scholar
Prakash A. Raj explains the Maoist insurgency in Nepal By A CORRESPONDENT In the last eight years, many books have already been published highlighting the cause and consequences of the Maoist insurgency in Nepal. From foreign writers to Nepali ones, all have analyzed the event differently. Whether a foreign scholar or Nepali scholar, they explain the Maoist insurgency giving all the references to early writers and few authors have made efforts to see what is the reason behind the nationwide upsurge of a small-armed rebel groups. Originated in a mid-western district of Rolpa in 1996, the insurgency spread like wildfire all over the country following the imposition of state of emergency in 2001. Following the dissolution of the House of Representatives and expiry of the tenure of local bodies, the insurgents found a breeding ground to increase its influence in different parts of the country. In absence of elected governments at local level, there is virtually nobody to challenge (politically) the Maoists. In the last nine years of insurgency, more than 10,000 people have already been killed, tens of thousand of people injured, hundreds have disappeared and thousands are being made homeless. There is still no sign of ending the bloody insurgency in Nepal. Although both the warring factions have made efforts twice to settle the insurgency, the peaceful negotiation was unable to bring any result. The past efforts to seek a long term peaceful solution failed as the ceasefire broke out within a few months of its announcement. Nepal has seen many insurgencies in the past but no rebellions were able to exert its influence at the level of the present ongoing insurgency. Based on different information written by various newspapers, Raj has also attempted to explain the insurgency in his own perspective. At a time when other books are largely descriptive in nature, this one written by Raj is informative, as it tries to explain all the different news report published in various newspapers. From its origin to organizational capability and propaganda war and other matters, Raj has made hard efforts to analyze them. One of the important parts of the book is that the author has extensively searched relevant information from various sources. From analyzing the possible link of Nepalese Maoists with the outside insurgents and terrorist groups and internal base as well as reason behind the unsuccessful efforts of negotiations, Raj has attempted to clarify various matters citing different newspapers comment and news. Although Raj also analyses the historical, social and economic state of Nepal, his observation is, more or less, based on the facts published in various newspapers, journals and books. Raj also highlights the failure of security forces and their strategy to combat with insurgents. He describes how the social and economic situation have further deteriorated. Looking at the various reports, Raj also sees the possibility of Maoist insurgents’ links with terrorist outfits outside Nepal. From the beginning of Maoist insurgency to the aftermath of 9/11, Raj discuses various stages of war against the terrorism and its international implications on Nepal. In his analysis, Raj also looks into Nepal’s security situation and government strategy to quell the Maoist insurgency. From early police operation to mobilization of Royal Nepalese Army, Raj has made efforts to bring together the holistic perspective. By: Prakash A. Raj |
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