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Nepal is still at the crossroads as it passes through a very difficult phase of deadly violent insurgency and political conflict. Following the announcement of 12-points understanding between the Maoist insurgents and the seven political parties, there is an appearance of a peaceful solution of the 12-years-old violent insurgency, which killed more than 12,000 innocent Nepalese. However, there are many things that still remain to be seen. And there is also the need to be more follow-up announcements from the Maoist side including decommissioning of their armed cadres and the modality of process for the peace. If the agreement is signed sincerely with utmost honesty, it will pave the way for new peaceful and vibrant democratic Nepal. However, it is too early to predict whether the agreement will bring a long lasting peace to this Himalayan Kingdom. Although the present government is yet to respond to it, the new development is definite to put pressure upon King Gyanendra who is now on two-weeks-long visit to some African countries. If the Maoists extend ceasefire period, which seems to be definite, the state will have no option other than to reciprocate. Despite the bitter fact that the negotiations were reportedly concluded in the capital of Nepal’s neighboring country following consultations with western diplomats - the US ambassador to Nepal, representatives of United Nations and leaders of agitating political parties - one has to take it in positive light if it succeeds to bring lasting peace. At a time when the country is facing chaos, restoration of peace is much more important than the venues and actors, though they are very sentimental and sensible matters. Due to the nature of conflict, it was probably beyond the control of Nepal’s internal actors to forge such agreement. Though they did make every possible efforts and agreed to give political concessions, no one including prime ministers of democratic governments, King-appointed prime ministers and the government under the chairmanship of the King was unable to work out this kind of miracle. Even Congress leader Girija Prasad Koirala, who has spent his whole life as a committed democrat yet with a moderate program, must have been convinced that his small contribution may cause greater embarrassment but that may yet bring the greatest result: the end of deadly conflict. Interestingly, the first target of Maoist violence was the parliamentary political process and the main victim was the largest liberal Democratic Party - the Nepali Congress - which was at the time of revolt in the government with a bright prospect of leading the nation through several elections – finally portrayed as a key player to bring the Maoists to the mainstream. Surrounded by two big powers - India and China - Nepal has seen many ups and downs in its history but it survives as an independent nation successfully coping all kinds of difficult situation. After huge devastations and destructions, the country once again seems to be getting itself out from the difficult situation. As South Asia continues to be an area of conflict between regional powers in one or other forms, it is very difficult to predict the final outcome now.
Despite several embarrassing situations – which Nepalese political and other foreign actors have seen- the reasonable persons in Nepal have a hope that the conflict has come to an end. Let it not be a real wishful thinking. Let it be completed by all means with the help of anybody or at any place and at any moment. All of us know that peace is the first requirement of this country and this region, too.
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