Maoists Victimization of the Victims

On 15 February, Maoist insurgents killed the Maoists Victims Association (MVA) president, Ganesh Chilwal at Bagbazaar in Kathmandu.  The reason for his murder was believed to be his opposition to the Maoists and the recent effigy burning of the insurgents’ leader Prachanda and Bhattarai by the MVA on 13 February, the ninth anniversary of ‘People’s War’.  The killing was denounced by various sections of the national and international community.  The Kantipur (17 February) in its editorial described it as the ‘rebel group’s fascist streak and its political bankruptcy’ and ‘their excesses puts a question-mark over the Maoists’ political belief and character, and throws doubt over their public commitment’. Condemning the brutal murder, the editorial declared that the incident had exposed the Maoists double standards, unreliability and opportunistic nature.

The daily Rajdhani (17 February) criticized the insurgents’ gag on Maoists victims and their dubious role in what they professed was their public commitment of not killing political figures.  It questioned the Maoists commitment to multiparty democracy and stated that from the incident, it was clear that “the word democracy doesn’t exist in the Maoist lexicon’.

In its editorial, Samacharpatra (15 February) expressed its disapproval of ‘People’s War’, which had been killing citizens who had not commited any crime.  It raised doubts about the political system and the rights and freedoms of the common people, if the rebels captured power and formed the government.  The editorial concluded that ‘the incident stated publicly that no one is safe in this country’.

Maoists commemorate Ninth Anniversary of People’s War

            On 13 February, the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) celebrated the ninth anniversary of ‘People’s War’ with a series of strikes and sabotage attacks on security installations.   With the increasing Maoist terror activity and the worsening palace-party polarization, the country seemed to be heading for another spring of turmoil and instability.  In Nepali Times (13-19 February), Kunda Dixit wrote, ‘As the Maoist war completes eight years, never has peace seemed as remote’.  The insurgency has caused large scale migration of Nepalis from the villages and the growing military budget has had its adverse impacts on development projects.  While commenting about the repatriation of two Maoist leaders arrested in India, the author noted that ‘the Maoists have two options: give up violence and join the political mainstream, or antagonise India further’.

Nepalis in Foreign Prisons

Samacharpatra on 9 February highlighted the dark and hopeless future of Nepali prisoners in Thai prisons.  The desperation to return home was emphasized in a letter written by 45 inmates to the Nepal Government. “The situation is grave for all of us. There is no medicine supply. We are given meager meals. We may die if this continues”.  The unhygienic life conditions and inappropriate supply of bedding and clothing have caused deterioration in their health conditions, particularly since medical treatment is not affordable.  The inmates have asked the Nepal Government to sign an extradition treaty after the failure of constant appeals for their repatriation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has insisted that a new law was required to solve the issue.

Peace and Disharmony

In Deshantar (15 February), political scientist Krishna Khanal wrote that ‘an armed movement for a republic can never be successful… Even if it is established, there is no basis to believe that the system will be a people’s democracy.’  He argued for the possibilities of establishment of republicanism by majority support of the common people for a peaceful movement.  He said that conflict between the two armed groups i.e., Maoists and the security forces is natural.  But, he expressed concern over the fact that non-combatants and unarmed people died at the hands of both the security force and the Maoists.  Khanal called on the rebels to give up their arms to ease the advancement of the republican cause.  By way of conclusion he said, ‘Maoists are the biggest obstacle in attaining their own goal… and as long as the Maoists continue their rebellion, the Monarchy will remain’.

Women Power

The Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) has recently decided to recruit female soldiers in their main force.  In Kantipur (23 February), the Maoist leader Hisila Yami gave four reasons for the government’s decision: i)  to check the participation of women in ‘People’s War’; ii) to control the increasing number of committed Maoists cadres; iii) employment for the women in migrant families; and iv) global practice of having female units in armies.  The author argued that women had been largely recruited in the Maoist Army, because they formed a big segment in downtrodden communities and suffered through class and sexual oppression.  Yami said, ‘unlike the royal army’s scheme to attract females with money, position and facilities, our (the Maoists’) women are recruited on the basis of principles and ideals’.  Women, who were deprived of their rights and freedoms in society by the feudal system and Hindu philosophy, are now at the forefront of the people’s war, fighting as commanders.