The final countdown begins!

The Siliguri meet of the Nepali communists leaders' with Comrade Prachanda and the subsequent statements made by those who met the Maoists' insurgency supremo at least gives one the impression that for the time being the main opposition, the UML, wishes to keep a comfortable political distance with the "revolutionary" ideas of Comrade Prachanda and his insurgency.

That the UML was really interested in the continuance of the present system gets reflected from the UMLs fresh observations that no one should endeavor to disrupt the "peace process" through the demands which appear "irrelevant" in the present context of political scheme of things existing in the country. Undoubtedly, this expression coming as it did from the UML quarters amply hints at the very core fact that the UML as an established political actor wishes to go along with this system however, with effecting certain necessary changes in the constitution so that ultimately the common people extract benefits from such to what it claims the epoch making changes. The corollary of this could also be drawn that the UML apparently thinks that a "yes" from their party to the present Prachanda's political seductive-overtures would destabilize the system instantly and that such political destabilization would facilitate some "powerful quarters" right inside (or even outside!) the country to reap "immense" political benefits in the name of arresting the said or the would-be chaotic situation arising thereafter.

Whether or not the UML's analyses were correct made in this regard, it is for the political pundits of the nation to mull over. However, what is for sure is that Comrade Prachanda did his best to woo the UML in order to add Himalayan strength to their ongoing "revolutionary people's war". The fact is also that comrade Prachanda failed in this mission which will perhaps prompt him now to come to the negotiating table and reports have it that his team is all prepared to face the government mandarins to arrive at a solution to their long stretched imbroglio.

However, this should not mean that Comrade Prachanda is meeting the government side in a totally subdued fashion. This assumption would be suicidal for Comrade Prachanda by this time has amply exhibited his political acumen vis-à-vis Sher Bahadur Deuba for the latter has been offering concessions after concessions to the former in order to bring the insurgents to the table. Add to this the declaration of the formation of "people's government" by the insurgents and that too at this juncture when both have agreed to a cease-fire which definitely has enhanced the insurgents' bargaining capabilities at time of the pending negotiations. Hence, any assumption from any quarters that the insurgents were now tired of their activities and that they too wish a safe landing to all these "revolutionary activities would be simply an act of sheer foolishness. The fact is that the government is weaker than the other camp.

Be that as it may, the talks will begin by end of this week. The fact is also that both will push their demands for each other's perusal. The government will outrightly reject some of the fiery demands of the Maoists and in lieu of those will presumably award some more concessions to the former. By and large, both the sides will agree to suspend their activities for some more time to come. However, the core of the matter will be that neither the government will trust the Maoists would be overtures and vice versa and both will remain engaged in their prime duties: the government will in all probability alert the Royal Nepal Army and in turn the Maoists will "conserve energy" to face the eventualities arising thereafter.

We hail the talks. We appreciate Maoists overtures and congratulate them for having gained "political recognition" from the ruling set-up. We wish that they too being the sons of the same soil exhibit their eagerness for the prevalence of peace in this totally battered country. The government too is thus advised to spare no efforts to bring the insurgency to the main national political mainstream. Any extra smartness seen in either of the camps at time of the negotiation will surely make the things more chaotic whose ultimate impact would be on the "poor and innocent country" whose only fault has been that she is also the "mother" of a very special set of those Nepalese who have looted this nation for their personal benefits forcing the Maoists to enter into the jungles. Let's all hope that the impending talks between the establishment and the insurgents takes a positive direction from the very beginning of the parleys. That's all.

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