We must try to bring Maoists into the national mainstream

- Ram Chandra Bhatta, Reporter, The Samachar Patra Daily

This week we preferred to bring in some young Nepali citizens in this column. Instead of any hardcore academicians we thought it prudent to also let the youths a chance to ventilate what they think of the present political turmoil. The personalities invited here may belong to diverse academia; but common among them is the fact that they  all are promising trainee journalists. We interviewed them to comment on the statement of Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal, alias Prachanda of August 10.

On behalf of the The Telegraph the interview was conducted and compiled by Keshab Khatry who has recently joined the Telegraph. Below the results:

TGQ1:   How do you see Mr. Bhatta the future of the scheduled election to be held on November 13 should the Maoists not join in the mainstream politics by then?

Mr. Bhatta: Every one is anxious about what will be the Maoist attitude towards the much talked about election, and about whether they will join in the election or not.

The election is not going to be successful if the Maoists are not positive towards the same. Ballot boxes may be filled in the district headquarters; however, things are not likely to be so in the remote areas, which are the stronghold of the insurgents. Unwillingly though, we must admit that the Maoist have become a big power, though through intimidation or through violent means. They certainly will order the ordinary mass not to cast their valuable votes. Recent interview of Prachanda shows that they are not hopeful about the election and would not participate in it.

In such a situation, it is very much important that we try to bring them into the national mainstream. Otherwise, they will definitely disturb the election procedures supposedly to be held in just after three months; people doubt if the election will be held at all. In case the Maoists don’t join the mainstream politics, the other best option for the government will be to try to make them positive towards the election. The problem is if the present condition of exchange of bullets continues, the polls are never going to be successful. If the government is truly in favor of a fair and genuine election results then it must try its best to hold constructive talks, which is the demand of the day and also the right expediency.

It's a bloody political game all in the name of people

-Mr. Suman Kharel, Accountant, Everest Casino and a trainee journalist

TGQ2: The statement of Prachanda has appeared at a time when we were given to understand that already two rounds of talks had taken place between the establishment and the insurgents. If so, how do you Mr. Kharel interpret the Prachanda's call for a dialogue?

Mr Kharel: It seems that neither the establishment nor the Maoist insurgents are keen on finding a possible solution to the vexed problem. They don't even want to think over the possibilities of maintaining peace. Because Maoists are fighting for their political existence after the defeat in the 96 midterm polls and the government side, including all present parties in the country are cashing in on the violence created by them. In conclusion, all concerned parties know the basic ground of this movement, that it is a mere bloody political game, but in the name of 'Junta' they are playing the game of chess.

I am of the opinion that until and unless, all parties, specially the government and the insurgents, admit the responsibility to restore peace in the true sense, no one can do anything about it. 

There is no alternative to peaceful talks

-Mr. Jhakendra Gharti Magar, Trainee journalist

TGQ3: Prachanda, in his recent statement urges all including the government for immediate end to the state of emergency and initiate dialogues in order to achieve political solutions. Should we believe, Mr. Magar, the statement at its face value?

Mr. Magar: The statement of the underground Maoists insurgency chairman Prachanda that conveyed protest of the imposition of the state of emergency, dialogue for positive political solutions, interim government and an election for leadership for heading the same can certainly be the minimum base in order to sort out the problem for the time being. It in turn signals that once again there can be a peaceful dialogue. But there of course is a crisis of faith regarding this statement of Prachanda because of the Maoists' betrayal last year when the government-Maoists talks were still on. But now, in an environment when the whole world is against terrorism, it wouldn't be wise enough to regard their proposal as a mere part of their gameplan. Therefore, as per the principle that political problems should be solved out through a political means, it is apparent that we take this political proposal as it is.

On the other hand, even in the international context many warring parties have been looking for solutions through dialogues. So, there is no alternative to peaceful talks in the sense that at present the government itself seems positive and all political parties, organizations, civil societies and different quarters are also pressing for the same.

Therefore, weighing Prachanda's statement in a positive way, the government, Maoists and all should try to create a favorable environment for the much-hyped dialogue. Otherwise, we can't be wholly dependent on the statement in question.

Maoists' fresh proposal for talks could be a "strategy"

-Ms. Ram Kumari Jhankri, Trainee journalist

TGQ4: The fresh statement of Prachanda concurrently warns the establishment not to take his party's "flexibility" as a weakness. Does this mean that he is speaking these threat-loaded statements finding an upper hand or in essence the insurgency is seeking the dialogue because of being battered in the recent months? What Ms. Ram Kumarijee, is your interpretation?

Ms. Ram Kumari: Hostile parties can call for a dialogue in two different conditions- one is when they are internally weak and the other is when the external situations are not favorable to them. Only one of these can also compel them to sit in a negotiating table.

The objective of the proposed dialogue can be a game plan on the one hand and a strategy to garner political support, on the other.

The proposed dialogue can be a game plan because a serious conflict has arisen in their leadership. Prejudiced prosecution of the members of their own people's government and of the leaders' themselves, declaration of "traitor-area", large scale arrests of the cadets, and the erosion of their military power may be the reason of their weak internal conditions. It all can be to correct and strengthen the same.

On the other hand, it can also be because of Indian government's anti-Maoists stance. Indian government has been arresting and deporting Maoists activists arrested within her territory. This has closed the main gateway through which they used to procure arms before.

The proposed talks can also be a strategy in order to politicize their so-called war. Because they are pretty aware of the international uprising against terrorism.

Maoists could have circulated this statement to disturb election

-Mr. Babu Ram Bishwakarma, Correspondent the Budhbar Weekly

TGQ5:   Do you think, Mr Bishwakarma, that the scheduled election of November 13 is "unnecessary and impossible" as claimed by Mr. Prachanda in his press release of August 10?

Mr. Bishwakarma: Prachanda's statement aggravates people's feeling that democracy is coming to an end. I am of the opinion that the Maoists have circulated this sort of statement in order to disturb the election because they are against the multi-party democracy and the present constitution.

If all the ills of the nations are to be completely cured and democracy is to be safeguarded and the people's rights are to be guaranteed then all favor the multi-party democracy should try to make the forthcoming election free, fair and free of any maneuverings. On the other hand, if the Maoists regard people's well being as the basis of their revolution then they must understand that the people are against violence and killing of innocent citizens and must march towards peaceful electioneering. 

As the majority of the people are in favor of democracy, the government too must put an immediate end to the ongoing state of emergency and conduct successful and fair election.

The forthcoming election can in no way be called an 'unnecessary' one but to the contrary it is the true examination of the political parties for carrying out democratic exercise. Moreover, election is the only means for deciding the wish of the people in a democracy. Therefor, election is the only means to find out a peaceful solution to the current situation of political uncertainties.

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