(Courtesy: Comrade Libre)
Since the day their Indian handlers forced the peace process upon them, Nepal's Maoists have been on a roller coaster ride. From the pinnacle of their popularity in the mid-nineties, the Maoists have plummeted to an all time low. This rock bottom status had the Maoist leadership worried, their fighting cadre demoralized and their detractors in high spirits. All this changed on August 20, 2007 with the unilateral Maoist imposition of 22 pre-conditions on Nepal's constituent assembly elections.
It is apparent that a looming electoral humiliation has forced the Maoist leadership back to the basics - "revolution." Nepal's "rebels with a losing cause" are poised to try and compensate for their inability to deliver by re-focusing their cadres' attention on what they do best - threaten, intimidate, coerce, terrorize and forward political goals through violent, undemocratic and uncivilized means.
Now that the Maoists have changed their colors once more, documenting the justifications that emanate from their hardest of hard core supporters in Nepal's civil society, sections of the media and human rights organizations, becomes extremely important. It also becomes necessary to closely monitor reactions from the plethora of electoral advisors, the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) and related parties whose mandate it is to execute on the Nepali peoples’ will – sustained peace and democracy – the starting point for which is free and fair elections. Will these forces attempt to moderate the Maoist threat or will they continue their tradition of hypocrisy?
As for the non-Maoist members of the eight party alliance (EPA), murmurs of discontent have already arisen from within their ranks. The focus of disillusionment with the Maoists’ 22 pre-conditions is primarily along two broad categories. First, there’s a stark contradiction between stated Maoist policy and Maoist intent (a long held tradition of double standards that find their origins in Maoist doctrine). And second, there’s an alarmed focus on the usage of the following phrase: “peoples’ action.” As if mention of this phrase wasn’t enough, the YCL’s front man, Ganesh Pun’s assertion (that “peoples’ action” could also imply physical action) has put everyone from student leaders to MPs on high alert.
Based on historical events, the mention of “peoples’ action” evokes a laundry list of unpleasant memories – none of which bode well for the on-going peace process or the planned November 22 polls. For example, the Maoist assassinations of former Chief of the Armed Police Force (IGP Mohan Krishna Shrestha and Mrs. Shrestha), the assassination of Brigadier General Kiran Basnyat, the kidnapping (and subsequent extortion attempt) of Mr. Sitaram Prasai, the murder of the former President and Vice President of the Maoist Victims’ organization, the assassinations of numerous electoral candidates during the King’s takeover, the gruesome murder of journalist Dekendra Thapa (and the list goes on and on), are a few atrocities that fall under the Maoist definition of “peoples’ action.”
If the allusion to “peoples’ action” (backed by an unequivocal confirmation of physical violence) does not elicit widespread condemnation from the remainder of the ruling coalition, the Nepali media, civil society, the human rights community or the “army” of individuals whose subsistence is currently derived from Nepal’s unfortunate circumstances, such activists may as well pack their bags, go home and forever keep their peace.
The Nepali people have stood by and watched the sham of a process that UNMIN’s arms verification has been; the Nepali people have continued to tolerate Maoist excesses in the form of extortion, kidnappings and physical violence; the Nepali people have remained patient despite the Maoist affiliated violence that has cost children their right to education, adults their right to earn a living and has cost Nepal over 13,000 lives.
The Nepali people have demonstrated extraordinary resilience in spite of provocation from various extremes, of failed governance, of broken promises and a state of general lawlessness. And the reason Nepalis have remained tolerant is because they see hope for a lasting peace and the prospect of a democratic way of life. But with less than three months to go to precedent-setting elections (and with the Nepali people’s aspirations for lasting peace and democracy under duress), the Maoist shenanigans of August 20 may cease to fall under the realm of what the Nepali people are prepared to tolerate.
At this juncture, the Maoists have two options: Either they play by the rules and go for elections or they don’t and they head back to the jungle. A possible third option would be an engineered vertical split but in this event, all Maoists (especially the leadership) are better off following their armed faction back into the jungles. Nepal’s peace process has no use for leaders who cannot lead.
Speaking of leadership, another brand of leaders (Nepal’s political pundits) legitimized the 12 Point Agreement in the following terms: A means to salvation for a terrorist organization, desperately trying to reform itself and wholeheartedly prepared to embrace the democratic mainstream. Such pundits claimed an alliance between Nepal’s legitimate political parties (imperfect as they still are) and the Maoists was necessary to overthrow an ambitious king and to mainstream the violent Maoists. Where are these pundits today and why do they shy away from criticizing the Maoists where criticism is long overdue? Is it these pundits' opinion that the Maoists are democratized?
The problem is that Nepal’s political pundits have a vested bias. They are on record for making claims that will never materialize and instead of modifying their visions to match ground realities, they continue to wish their way into irrelevance.
For example, such pundits are completely incapable of envisioning a return to war. However, an objective view of the current circumstances (for the Maoists) includes the following: The Maoist leadership has been living in opulence for over a year while their fighting core haven’t received funds disbursed by the Nepali government (to Krishna Bahadur Mahara). The Nepali Government in turn, has seen no receipts to account for these disbursed funds. Cantoned Maoist combatants still live in make-shift huts although the funds to build infrastructure have already been disbursed to Hisila Yami. Once again, there is no paper trail on where Nepali tax payers' monies have have been put to use.
Further, the Maoists thought they could continue their campaign of intimidation in the Terai (after joining the peace process) but faced a rude awakening in Gaur. Truth be told, the Maoists' fought a war for 10 long years and have nothing to show for it – even if Nepal was declared a republic tomorrow, the Maoists would still take a serious "beating" at the polls. So why would the Maoists opt for elections over continuing the status quo interim government and why should the prospects of war seem unapplealing for a Maoist cadre-base that has thrived on anarchy for as far back as their memory serves them?
Political observers are miscalculating the Maoist mood by interacting exclusively at Pushpa Dahal, Krishna Mahara and Baburam Bhattarai's level. People need to wake up to the reality that rebellion, revolution and revolt (not peace, compromise and settlement) are the predominant values ingrained in Maoist DNA. These values are the antitheses of democratic principles like rule of law, justice, peaceful protest and the right to private property. These two sets of values are irreconcilable and in the face of adversity, become even more accentuated.
The Maoists have begun their final assault on the Nepali state. Every one of their 22 preconditions is a direct challenge to Nepal’s peace process. Their veiled public threats combined with UNMIN’s ineffective arms monitoring, represents a tangible risk. The fact that the Maoists’ hold the keys to their own armories (and have continued to train and recruit new combatants while slipping seasoned combatants into urban centers), represents another real risk. Add to this the fact that the Nepalese Army’s state of operational readiness is zilch and one may conclude that Nepal’s situation spells “clear and present danger.”
The question is, what are Nepal’s political pundits going to do to meet the Maoist challenge?
Related Posts:
The Idiot’s Guide to the Maoist Playbook
http://nepaliperspectives.blogspot.com/2007/01/idiots-guide-to-maoist-playbook.html
Nepal Government "Pays" Maoists for Peace
http://nepaliperspectives.blogspot.com/2007/06/nepal-government-pays-maoists-for-peace.html
The Mysterious "Environment" and the Bogey of Elections
http://nepaliperspectives.blogspot.com/2007/06/mysterious-environment-and-bogey-of.html
Lack of Law & Order in Nepal, Primarily a Maoist-Originated Problem
http://nepaliperspectives.blogspot.com/2007/07/lack-of-law-order-in-nepal-primarily.html
The Utility of a Professional Nepalese Army
http://nepaliperspectives.blogspot.com/2007/07/utility-of-professional-nepalese-army.html
41 comments:
If this the maoist intention then there is clearly only one final solution left - the SPA have to align back with the monarch (atleast the major parties) and bring out the army and this time no wishy washy stuff , get the job done.
Wonder what the Indians have to say about this? They are now as loved here in Nepal as the Yanks are in Iraq. They tried and are still trying to effect a regime change but like with the Yanks in MESS-O-POTAMIA, the blowback is on the way. Training the Maoists in Chakrata, Uttarakhand eh? Remember Bhindrenwale and tremble.
High time the political parties slept with the king who after all has not had a hand in the murder and death of I would estimate 30,000 Nepalis: 13,000 butchered and 17,000 as collateral damaage as the Yanks say it.
Nancy Powell, please don't be a failure like Moriarty. Sure he was overruled by Delhi all the time but high time you guys stopped outsourcing your foreign policy vis a vis south Asia to south block in Delhi.
Bullshit. I see no reason why the SPA have to get back together with the monarchy to fend off the Maoists. The SPA just needs to steady its course, let fresh blood into its leadership ranks and embrace the security forces.
It is best for all that Gyane and his pets stay out of this.
Another excellent piece by Comreade Libre.
No matter what or how much apologists for the Maoists may make of that scum Bhattarai's clarification regarding "peoples' action" or of the decision to cause mayhem yesterday until 17:00 hrs only(we are not worthy, but thank you so much comrades for your indulgence), they have an insurmountable hurdle in trying to explain away what the Maoists really are: thugs that do not change their spots. Is there another way of dealing with thugs other than standing up to them. Well, there is - capitulation! That's what all the Maoist apologists like Shekhar Koirala want us to do and it is really pathetic to see them advocating this line, little realizing that, for their Maoist masters, they are nothing but "useful idiots" to be disposed off at a more convenient time. So, why not stand up to these thugs instead of appeasing them, whether in the cabinet, government, parliament, the streets, even within the established parties like the NC or, for that matter, any where else - as the saying goes, laat ko manchelai batt le hudaina. Why kid ourselves anylonger?
This is really an excellent piece.
Sid Vicious,do you have any input on this. Even you cann't disagree with the thrust of this piece.
What our political pundits have to say now? Especially those who gulped down the million dollars in the name of civil societies and human rights for brining the peace and democracy in Nepal. And spa leaders who are still not tired following the path of Prachanda by the name of Loktantric "New Nepal"
Well written. Not that this will fly among the pesudo intellectuals living off dollar signs or political circle who are knowingly happy to be in a drowning pool but common people know it.
The only recourse would be back track to 1990 constitution and move forward. Anything else will ruin this nation. What we need is implementation of 1990 constitutional farmework not structural change of the constitution. Unless this is understood even by rabid anti-monarchist who just for the sake of being mother of laktrantrbadi cannot fathom the reason- must accept rational for it beside their vinidictive and malicious intent.
Looking around- India has done the worst for itself by creating a monster in the name of loktrantra- all they have to show for now is autocarcy leaning towards dictattoship of worst kind envisioned, and they never thought some time what you create takes life its own.
SPA nor Maoist can stop the slide and army will not intervene so unless bottom falls out their is no recourse i.e., 1990 constitutiton is broough back alive.
Yes back to 1990 can only be the good solution to save all including the nation.
Back to 1990? Are you mad? What the hell are you people talking about? It is impossible to go back to a constitutional monarchy with Gyane and his progeny on the throne. To even suggest a move back to 1990 is compeltely off topic.
We need to move forward and there needs to be elections on a realistic timeframe.
To answer your question, Comrade Libre, Nepal's political pundits are blowing hot air and the non-Maoist political leaders are sitting on their well-fed asses quibbling among themselves or examining their horoscopes.
Jivan, if reinstating the 1990 Constitution means the furthering of Freedom and Democracy and the termination of Maoist danger, what is your problem? The monarchy has learned its lesson and will stay constitutional or even ceremonial if need be.
jivan,
forward where "Prachand Path" or "Indian Path" ? It is better to be ceremonial or constitutiona monarchy than these two paths.
Completely agree about going back to the so called "world's best constitution" of 1990.
Even the maoists had participated in the first two elections. They just got miffed when they got zero seats in the second election and headed to the jungle. (Just imagine, the utterly corrupt and venal Koirala could not even keep his own majority in the parliament. He wanted all the loot and everything for himself and his family.)
At the moment, I am witnessing what I saw with my own eyes in Sikkim in the early 70's. I was there. India is just going by the same script. First create disturbance; then pit one community against another; then discredit the monarch and the institution of monarchy (Indira Gandhi could not stand Hope Cook, Chogyal's wife and an increasingly independent line from Sikkim); then get a pliant leader and assembly to appeal to India and then merge with India after a bogus referendum. Just change the players and a few definitions like constituent assembly in Nepal's case and after 30 -35 years you have the same story. Ok they will have a more difficult time to digest Nepal but they can have it without merging. Witness what Rabindra Sharma said after his return from India a few days ago: that India got angry with Nepal because Nepal / king did not toe the Indain line completely and was equi-distant between China and India! Sikkim or Nepal? Same difference.
You need either the maoists or the monarchy to check the SPA. The people cannot do it. Had they been able to do it they would have never re-elected people like GPK or Madhav Nepal again and again. It is not very difficult to buy or steal votes. Happens all the time. Even Bush II to did it in 2000.Unfortunately enlightened people who write here and read this sort of blogs will never become members of parliament.
In 1945 in the aftermath of WWII Douglas MacArthur could have easily deposed and excuted Emperor Hirohito. He did not do so but wisely used the institution and the person to strengthen Japan and use it as a bulwark against extreme Japanese communists being financed by USSR. Today even those people who opposed such a policy at the time say what MacArthur did was the best. People like Yasuhiro Nakasone the former PM of Japan had in 1952 blamed Hirohito for the debacle of WWII and had wanted his removal. Later on even he revised his opinon.
My suggestion for Nepal is do what MacArthur did. Will it be right? Only history can tell but leaving a vacuum at that level and given the generally venal nature of politics in this country it would be better to have a properly chastened monarch than someone totally arrogant like Pushpa Dahal.
Forward to a future without Gyanendra and Paras. Need I be more specific?
Jivan- your anger has consumed you to a point where there is no rational. Not much different from rabid Maoist or SPA hangerons- try to see it in a broader perspective. Your anger will do nothing except make you blind without rationality. Should I blame all Bhauns as they seem to recklessly wrecking my motherland- as they seem to be in all and every party/Unions/Banks/Gov't departments then. Give a rest to your vinidictive rant
Anger? I think you're talking about yourself there. I'm calm as ever.
If you want to blame all bahuns, be my guest. I will stick to blaming the Bahunists.
But I don't see how blaming the Bahuns helps keep your vision of Gyanendra and Paras alive??
I can't wait to read the next article in the Washington Times by Maoist supporter Chitra Krishna Tiwari! Let's see how that weasel has to tell the American people this time! How is he going to justify the Maoists disruption of the democratic elections?
Anonymous,
Why don't you want to understand that Gyane & Son are unmitigated disasters who are nothing but liabilities for the monarchy? If you still disagree, sign in next time as "Gyane's bitch".
Hey Anonymous - yes the one writing about Sikkim...
Don't you think that that janajati "maila" who came up with that new national anthem should just eat his heart out? According to you, shouldn't we all start practising "jana mana gana..." - thanks to all those smelly bahunist!
What the brilliant "anonymous" was referring to from above is Lenin's "useful idots." I don't think Lenin used the words "stupid idiots."
A person who cannot even quote correctly, can only be a chakadi baaj of the "stupid idiots" like Gyane and Paras and be a "stupid idiot" themselves.
Anyonymous, if your goal is to save your dear monarchy then it is best you start thinking about alternatives to Paras and his father. The Nepali people will reject these two again and again.
Why do rabid republicans (so confident these days) fear monarchs good or bad? Should'nt their new constitution guarantee that monarchs behave and have their hands totally tied?
On the other hand a totalitarian communist state will run through the nation like a bulldozer before you can say ouch. Maybe the Sikkim anonymous fellow has a point regarding his take on history and the Japanese example to check die hard communists. Ask yourselves - is it easier to control a monarch (idiots in all your books and just a couple) or a wave of fanatical thugs ready to execute class enemies (this reminds me of Moriarty telling Bijay Kumar in an interview "you are also a beurgeos class enemy to them Bijay" - this stumped the bugger and probably got many Nepalese to rethink that the meaning of class enemies to maoists is not just "feudal" elites but anyone who opposes them.)
I don't buy arguments which say let's get rid of the monarchy first then we'll deal with these maoist - so why are the maoists so hell bent on getting rid of monarchy when there are other more pertinent issues to deal with in the new constitution? If the monarch is so weak (and I think the monarch is) as all the EPA say, why make such a huge deal of it? Why not take this opportunity to kill two birds with one stone - convert a potentially active monarchy like in the past into a purely constitutional one and supress any dreams of a totalitarian communist state that nutcracker individuals like Prachanda have (by hook or by crook).
Other suggestions that the SPA can handle themselves is hogwash as well. You think they could have done a janandolan without the maoists and their methodical gathering of masses from villages (mostly by coercion of course). The SPA were there for international appeal, but the masses were there on the maoists say so. Without the maoists the SPA can't tie their shoelaces. So - kill two birds with one stone - time for reform not revolution (these things are too bloody and messy and normally end up badly).
The regional parties will bring to an end of EPA syndicate ruling tactics. Many of the ethnic leaders of EPA are going to formed their own parties because of bahunism monopoly in current rulings although propogandas are made like "federal republic and New Nepal". For the maoist there is nothing left except to revolt but they can do nothing infront of ethnic groups like in terai.
Maharjan,
What can you do ? The Afghni people were more comfortable in monarchy system then now. You know after abolishing the monarchy, what happened to Afghanistan, Cambodia and other countries ? Do you like to see your sons to be the ultimate sufferer of your misdeeds like in Combodia, Afghanistan and other countries? We were more comfortable in the 1990 constitution then now ? Inbetween maoist came with fantastic propoganda and spa start to follow the path of Prachanda. Now the situation is becoming very much complicated than 1990. You wait and see how much complication it will be when ethnic groups raise the arms and start to attack the spaM candidates/leaders and at the end start kill each other. The only thing remained to you during that time is to regret but nothing more.....
I request the blog host to remove the post by Maharjan. We all are capable of using such uncouth, and vulgar language which is not only generally offensive but has a strong stench of disrespect for the women of the world.
Thank you.
Anonymous (10:06 pm):
Thank you for bringing the objectionable posting to our attention.
NepaliPerspectives Moderators
what is this, a competiting at reciting poems?
Stick to the point. Gyanendra and Paras are the biggest liabilities to the royal institution of Nepal.
See if anyone can debate this point. Prove that Gyanendra and Paras being the image of the monarchy in Nepal helps the insitution or prove that the Nepali people are prepared to accept Gyane and Paras.
If you are unable to assure yourselves, you can't possibly assure anyone else.
"Sikkim Anonymous" again. The following is the list of countries with best GINI coefficient which measures income / wealth equality. I am just giving the top 5 countries as per 2007 data from CIA World Factbook. (Gini as measured by family income in this case.)
The most equal is Denmark with Gini Index of only 23.2 followed by Sweden.
Denmark 23.2 (MONARCHY)
Sweden 25.0 (MONARCHY)
Belgium 25.0 (MONARCHY)
Norway 25.8 (MONARCHY)
Slovakia 25.8 (REPUBLIC)
In other words if a country is a monarchy it is not necessary that it will be "feudal" and unequal as the maoists would like us to believe. These monarchies are the most equal societies in the world! Wonder if Baburam, Pushpa Kamal, KP Sitaula et al will now eat the humble pie.
What then matters is how the politicians and rulers behave and how the constitution is protected and how much of rule of law there is. Perhaps someone can enlighten us how these top five countries fare in the Transparency International's corruption index rankings. I am sure they would be right there at the top as the least corrupt countries.
I wonder how North Korea the paragon of extreme communism fares in equality index. And corruption index too for that matter. Naturally in Dear Leader's country such discussion will mean concentration camp for three generations.
Anonymous, it is impossible to aruge with the quantitative nature of the GINI coefficient.
However, it is very easy to compare the characteristics of the royal families of the top four against Gyane and Paras.
So having a monarchy doesn't make Nepal feudal. Having Gyane and Paras makes monarchy in Nepal, impossible.
Jivan, I think you just agreed with sikkim anonymous!
What he said in effect was that just having a republic or a people's republic does not guarantee happiness, wealth and equality. So there is no advantage of one type of government over another. This is EXACTLY OPPOSITE of what the present lot of members of parliament and civil society people etc would have us belive.
Equality, wealth and happiness depends on how the leaders and SPECIALLY the people behave and what sort of attitude they have. If Nepalis continue to block streets at the slightly pretext or have bandhs every second day or damage and wantonly destroy public property or shut down education institutions or let lumpen elements control every aspect of life then west bengal or north korea will look like paradise on earth vis a vis Nepal.
As for comparing the monarchies of Europe to Nepal...hmmm. They have their share of rotten apples. For example I think Leopold II of Belgium was as murderous (in Congo) as Lenin, Stalin, Mao, Kim il Sung and Pol Pot. And Hitler too. His rule there probably constituted genocide with 2-15 million Africans dead. But Belgium was able to reform and look where they are today.
I think informed debate is missing in Nepal. At present the politicians are holding a gun to our heads and saying you better vote for us and the way we want you to and for their position on monarchy or other important issues. It is either their way or the highway. Important issues should be decided by referendum and direct democracy and not through the medium of indirect democracy of the venals. It is an insult to our intelligence that they decide everything for us.
Nepalis will do good to remember what happened to the Scottish Parliament of 1707. The ENTIRE parliament was bribed by the English to vote to join England. After 300 years they are yet to get their independence. So don't place too much faith in venal politicians. Remember Sikkim and remember Scotland.
So many anonymous people... use names, it's easier to track conversations.
Yes, I think what I said is like what Sikkim guy said.
So if Scotland = Nepal, does Prachanda = William Wallace (aka Braveheart)?
Jivan you come off as shallow, scheming and skimming kind- a true Bhaunist character- was it inherent or inheritance?
Did Brigadier General Kiran Basnyat really exist in the NA or in real life? And if he did, was he really assasinated by the Maoists?
Anonymous:
Here you go.... decide for yourself if Kiran Basnyat was a real person or a figment of the writer's imagination...
http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2021/stories/20031024001405400.htm
This article says Col. Kiran Basnyat...not Brigadier General Kiran Basnyat...but thanks for the info...
No problem.
He was promoted posthumoulsy (after he was murdered)so this is why the article says Col. vs. Brig. General.
His role at the time was as Valley Division Commander - in charge of cleaning up the Maoist scum in Kathmandu.
Also one more thing to add to Bhaire's comment... the present face of the NA for public speaking is Ramindra Chhetri... he was also gunned down by the Maoists but they could not kill him so now, the Maoists have to watch Chhetri's face every single day to remind them of what cowards they are.
Why are the Maoists so obsessed about the Monarchy? Why can't they talk about the more important issues for a change such as Poverty Alleviation, Sustainable Development, Education, Health, Women's Empowerment, Environment, Employment. If they could talk about these issues then the people could have the chance to decide about the Monarchy.
The Maoists don't talk about such things because:
1. They wouldn't know what to talk about because they have no plan
2. They are too busy dreaming up conspiracy theories to justify their decade of murder
3. Without the king and the monarchy, the Maoists are as good as gone.
What an interesting thought -Without the king and the monarchy, the Maoists are as good as gone -
Then that would suggest that the King and the Monarchy is keeping the Maoists alive and kicking. So, the next question would be what if we get rid of the King and the Monarchy? Won't that result in getting rid of the Maoists? And then what? Who is going to rule this country? The Congress?
Anyonymous, what makes you think we need anyone to RULE this country?
I agree that without the king there can be no Maoists also. It is just a matter of which goes first, the other will follow.
Who knows, maybe the UML will run the country or even the Janajanits or Madhesis? Why should only the Bahunist Congress be at the head of Nepal?
I'm sick and tired of watching these shows on TV about the life of Girija Bahun. Before he dies Girija should be shown the faces of 13 thousand people who died because of his failure to handle the Maoist insurgency properly in its infant statges.
'Rule the country' does sound autocratic...How about 'Govern the country?'
Although, I have always thought that Nepal is not yet ready to be governed and needs to be ruled or lets say led forward to the road to development by a strong and selfless leader. And for the love of God, I don't mean by a Terrorist like Mr. Dahal. Someone like Jung Bahadur :D
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