Barely out of shock over the collapse of the peace process have the Government and the political parties in Nepal impelled the people into a state of confusion with the debate on ‘Unified Command’. Immediately after the break up of peace talks, the Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa’s Government has come out with a package of economic, political and security reforms in the Himalayan Kingdom which has been entangled with Maoist insurgency.  Apart from the economic and political compulsions, the problems have started revolving around the question of national security and the abrupt rise of casualties in the aftermath of the cease-fire. Now the question arises as to whether the unification of security forces under a single command amounts to militarization of society and whether it can safeguard the security of the people?

Nepal has lost 8,000 lives in its devastating seven and half year long struggle between the security forces and the Maoist insurgents.  Soon after the announcement of security measures by the Prime Minister, political parties started a hot debate speculating militarization of Nepali society.  It seems unusual in an insurgency torn country, where democracy, economy and security are under severe threat. The Government has explained that mobilization of unified security command would come under civilian authority.  Even the Royal Nepal Army (RNA) clarified the concept of Unified Command as ‘a tool to make the optimum use of available resources i.e., RNA, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force’. The different security organizations developed their own strategy in the wake of unexpected skillful operations by Maoists in late 2001. This is not the first instance where that the concept of unifying the command of the security forces has been adopted to facilitate effective operations. In most countries, the security forces operate under a unified civilian command even during peaceful times.

The total strength of the combined security forces in Nepal is around 65,000 and the RNA alone constitutes 53,000. Lack of strength and inefficiency of Nepal Police and Armed Police Force in counter-insurgency operations has led to the RNA bearing the responsibility of Nepal’s security. Nepal spends $57.22 million (1.1% of GDP) and 22-25% of its total revenue (According to 2002 estimates, World Fact Book) towards security. Though major portion of the security budget is spent on counter-insurgency operations, the diverse operational strategies of the security forces failed to produce effective results. The allocation of funds alone will not pave the way for success, but technically improved training for security operations and procuring modernized weapons would benefit more at this point of time. 

Recently, the Government has decided to provide arms and training to the civilians and is in the process of organizing the Village Defence Force (VDC) with a view to ally the civilian force with security forces in combating insurgency.  United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials require governments and law enforcement agencies to adopt and implement rules and regulations on the use of force and firearms against persons by law enforcement officials. Handing over of firearms at the hands of civilians risks violation of this principle and could lead to a civil war. The arms could also end up at the Maoists’ hands.  More than 85% of weapons in Maoists possession are looted from Nepal’s security forces. Involving the civilians in the combat operations will definitely increase casualties on both sides.

Since 2000, around 7,600 people have been killed on an average of 5 persons per day.   The Police records show 27 out of 75 districts as affected by Maoist insurgency. But Media reports claim that almost all 75 districts of Nepal, including the capital city Kathmandu, are either deeply or partially affected by the insurgents’ activities and four districts are under their total control.  So it is high time for Nepal to tighten its security effectively through sharp measures. However, it might increase the level of human rights violations in the peace loving country.  According to the Human Rights Year Book 2003, 52% of human rights violations are by Maoists, 38% by State forces and the rest by others. Unlike terrorist groups, the security forces are supposed to safeguard human rights and values. Therefore any violation of human rights by them can have an adverse impact.

Nepal has been procuring arms from foreign countries. The US has decided to give 20,000 M-16 rifles to the Royal Nepal Army.  At the same time, it should be remembered that almost all the major countries are of the view that ‘lasting peace could only be achieved through negotiations conducted with good faith, goodwill and willingness to succeed’. Now, it is the responsibility of the three power centers of the country i.e., the King, the Maoists and the Political parties, to find viable solutions for all the amalgamated problems instead of complicating them further.