An appeal to Maoists and government!

Perhaps it is the opportune moment that both the almost inimical forces come to their senses and resume or even initiate afresh the abruptly suspended dialogue process and help restore peace in this beleaguered Kingdom which has already become, many will agree, a rare commodity of late. Our indication is definitely directed towards the Maoists insurgents and the sinking government of Koirala whose disgusting self-styled functioning neither has been appreciated here nor presumably abroad. The Maoists too would do well if they shun violence and refrain from the acts which simply create panic among the already panicked population and come to the negotiating table and that too in the name of the peace loving population from which it subtly expects sympathies. To seek sympathy from others is attached with a condition and the condition being that one has to remain ever sympathetic towards others. It is a reciprocal matter indeed. However, the manner through which the Maoists insurgents have preferred to exhibit their presence in the Kathmandu valley and the technique(s) used to terrify the population of late is somewhat the local intellectuals would agree to disagree. The Maoists must understand that by planting explosives in the banners and that too in busy thoroughfares, they were in essence terrifying the national population from whom they seek moral support, we suppose, for their cause. Likewise the spate of violent 'violence' has taken place in the various parts of the country only in the last week and if the numbers of slain policemen were to be taken into account, then what should be concluded roughly that the Maoists will continue their violent activities till Koirala government itself decides for the resignation. Whether Koirala resigns or not has become already immaterial because it is the killings of the sons of the soil albeit in "uniforms" that has added to the agony of the peace loving national population. Whether it be the Maoists insurgents or for that matter the policemen, we feel pretty sorry for both because both were indeed sons of this soil and our heart go automatically to those in both the camps who have lost their precious lives. It is time that the Maoists halt their present manner of coming heavily down against the government security system. What else a Nepali citizen like ours could do to convince the insurgents other than to plead for cooling themselves down.

However, we must inform the government that they too should bring about a change in their style on the dealings with the insurgents. The establishment, firstly, must recognize the Maoists as a strong force. Secondly, the State under Koirala must accept that the Maoists were already a political force which in no way now could be dismissed easily. Thirdly, any delay made deliberate or otherwise in inviting the insurgents to the table will only create a situation wherein the general population either due to fear or sympathy would prefer to side with the insurgents which in effect what is happening in the countryside. This would slowly and very steadily diminish the credibility and whatever legitimacy Koirala establishment enjoys in "'Kathmandu" simply because the insurgents claim that they have their "own people's government" in various corners of the country and some more were awaiting declaration. In effect, Nepal possesses one government at the center controlled by Koirala and other government(s) in the districts under the command of Comrade Prachanda. It is here that the population gets confused and definitely it is this confusion that is creating more and more confusion. In order to bring about a total positive change in the deteriorating peace atmosphere in the Kingdom, the Koirala establishment must conclude that "dialogues and only dialogues" with the insurgents can help solve the present situation in the country. In effect, the sinking and the crisis ridden government under Koirala can now not afford to dismiss the talks with the Maoists if things were to be brought under control. Sooner the government understands this the better.

Finally, the new monarch, King Gyanendra also should impress upon the Koirala regime to invite the insurgents for meaningful table talks. If Koirala acquires a posture of dilly-dallying over the matter then the King might use his own diplomatic channels so that peace is restored in the Kingdom.

Let us hope that wisdom prevails on all the sides.

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