5 Questions:

This week too our editorial board decided to talk to some students on the Maoists issue. This issue understandably merits greater attention because of the Rolpa happenings.

The idea behind inviting students has been to learn what they, the pillars of the nation, think of the insurgency. The questions posed to them revolved around finding a solution to this issue that is acquiring greater and greater dimensions every week.

The students have responded very well and fervently wish a very happy landing of the whole affair. The students selected belong to various districts in Nepal but have converged in Kathmandu to continue their further studies. We thank all the participants of the interview for their prompt response to our requests.

Without consuming much of your valuable time, we present their exclusive views on the topic that has drawn the attention of not only the national population but also of others living abroad. Below the results: Chief editor.

Maoists are advised to come to talks

Guna Raj Paudyal, Patan Campus, B.A III year

TGQ1: How you Mr. Paudyal take the recent sad events in Rolpa? On whom you would put the blame for this unpleasant situation? Your comments please.

Mr. Paudyal: In my opinion the recent event in Rolpa is one of the most horrible and tragic event that speaks much of government's failure because of its weak home policy. If the government does not take any special step to get out of the situation in Rolpa, there is the possibility of bloodshed and even massacre.

I think such event took place due to the unruly, non-political and wrong policies acquired by the Maoists. The insurgents have committed an egregious blunder by kidnapping the policemen who were there for the sole cause of providing security to the citizens. If the Maoists had handed over the arms and the ammunitions to the army, the present situation would have already been settled. However, if there is any violence the Maoists should take the entire responsibility. It is thus advisable to the insurgents to come to the negotiation table.

Maoists-Govt. talks be held at the earliest

Mr. Yogendra Shrestha, Shanker Dev Campus, B.B.S Ist year

TGQ2: Given the situation in Rolpa at the moment, what you Mr. Shrestha would suggest to both the army and the Maoists? Your comments please.

Mr. Shrestha: My comment about the present situation is that this problem has got to be sorted out through meaningful and constructive talks between the insurgents and the government.

The talks must be held at the earliest.

Or else the situation might become more and more complicated.

There has never been a good war and bad peace

Ms Smrita Poudel, Student, Nepal Science Campus

TGQ3: Given the unpleasant events in Rolpa, what you Ms. Poudel suggest the government under Koirala so that the tensed atmosphere there becomes relaxed? Your remarks please.

Ms. Poudel: Nepal since its existence has been recognized in the whole world for peace and prosperity. Neglecting some movements in the regular past intervals, there has been no such incident that can stand the singer-up in its recognition. But unfortunately, since the last five-six years the whole nation has been threatened by the Maoists activities. Although their intentions and aims are not clear, however, their movement seems to be as momentary as water bubbles.

During these few months, in my opinion, their terrorist activities have crosses the limit. Attacking the police posts in remote areas with few policemen in a very heart rending manner has already shown their brutal behavior. Just a few days ago when they attacked the Holeri post of Rolpa and kidnapped the policemen by looting their arms, it has compelled the government to mobilize the Nepali army for rescue operations. In this course, the entire district has been encircled by thousands of military men. This step of government should have raised the self-confidence of the trapped policemen as well as given a sense of relief to the countrymen.

But the main thing that should be taken under consideration by the State in the meantime is to prevent the country from bloodshed. If both the armies and the Maoists start to move their arms the country might head towards the civil war. So the most vital step of the government now should be to weaken the Maoists and then rescue the trapped policemen and recollect the looted arms. Besides this, the agreement reached through the table talks will definitely be the best because, in my consideration, there has never been a good war and bad peace. The government too must understand that the rapid rise of this problem is the poverty factor plaguing the people. So by seeking the way to solve this problem, more specially of the Rolpa one, through peaceful means will be in the larger interest of the country and countrymen. Hence we would like to suggest the government to move its every step in a very careful manner and try its best to force the insurgents to surrender. If this does not happen, the future will blame this government for this happening and its following horrible results.

A new Prime Minister can solve Maoists problem

Ms. Gita Shrestha, Student, Tanglichowk-3, Gorkha district

TGQ4: Should the army be mobilized against the Maoists or dialogues prevail? Your remarks please Ms. Shrestha.

M. Shrestha: First of all, Army is a force or power of the nation to protect the nation from foreign attack. On the other hand, the Maoists use the principle of Mao-tse-Tung and wish to establish "People's Republic" in Nepal. In 2046 BS, democracy was established but the nation day by day got itself encircled by high unemployment rates, weak economic conditions coupled with un-productive education system. Democratic leaders of Nepal forgot their commitment to public service and their problems and preferred to work only for getting higher posts. As a result, the people started exhibiting their dis-interest towards democratic system. The Maoists who collected the uneducated, unemployed and the poverty-stricken youths apparently best utilized these weaknesses of the government.

Maoists' demands are all directed towards the people's side or favor. As a result, they can get the warm love of the people. Under such conditions, if the government can provide support to those uneducated youths and send development there then the people could well side with the police and the military.

However, the government must not use the national army to fight against the people of its own country.

At present, our country is in a dangerous condition. If in Rolpa, there occur even a minor mistake, great disaster might follow. So our Prime Minister can do a lot if he tenders his resignation and there is a change in the leader of the government. The new Prime Minister with the cooperation of all democratic forces could solve the existing Maoists problem. Therefore, in my view the army should not be mobilized.

Comrade Prachanda should attend talks with govt.

Mr. Prahlad Bhandari
Shankar Dev Campus, MBS Level

TGQ5: What you Mr. Bhandari would suggest Comrade Prachanda, the Maoists' movement Supremo? Your opinions please.

Mr. Bhandari: Since 2052 B.S, the Maoists insurgency has increased in favor of the poverty stricken Nepalese people. In the recent days and weeks, their activities have increase in geometrical progression. To avoid any further bloodshed in the nation, my humble suggestion to Comrade Prachanda would be to appear in the negotiations with the government. Dialogue and only the dialogue could be the best solution to this problem. And yet another suggestion to Prachanda would be to exhibit their open policies. If comrade Prachanda enjoys favor from his men, then there should be a sort of voting process for the election.

Moreover, Prachanda has to abandon the revolution through the use of the weapons. On the other hand, the government does not provide good governance, Its policies are not better. Rules and regulations too were not good. In order to enjoy the people's confidence, the government must root out the menace of corruption and other similar evils, which have been affecting the people's lives. Understandably, all these prevailing evils have all gone in favor of the Maoists.

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