US Concern in the Maoist Problem of Nepal

By Rajat KC

The United States, the only super power of the world wants to ensure democracy to flourish all over the world. Similarly, America has expressed her desire to see Nepal as a peaceful democratic country. Unfortunately, the democracy and freedom of Nepal is jeopardized due to the ongoing Maoist problem. The Maoist insurgency with rejected philosophy by the world community poses a threat to democracy in Nepal. On the other hand the tactics of the Maoists is purely based on terrorist acts, which is also against the US policy, which has drawn its attention and serious concern to the Maoist problem of Nepal.

Former US Ambassador Mr. Michael E Malinowski expressed his view on his exclusive interview to Spotlight (English Weekly, April 9-15,2004); before he had completed his tenure in Nepal "Terrorism in Nepal is of great concern to the United States. We have been a friend of Nepal for many years; we have been a partner for many years. We root for your democracy and the democracy is being threatened by the Maoists. We do not want to see the democracy brought down by the groups that use terrorism as a tactic succeed anywhere in the world."

When the Maoists were declared terrorists in Nepal, the international community also tagged the Maoists in the terrorist category. USA, under the Patriot Act (2001), has designated the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), a Terrorist Organization. Ever since, the US provided massive security assistance to the Government of Nepal for the war against terrorism. All lethal and non lethal support including training and education assistance was provided by the US authorities to Nepalese security forces. Even in the post February 1 scenario, only lethal supports were not provided, however, other support were continuing and it is still in effect till this date.

Nepalese government became extraordinarily flexible to the Maoists demand with the great hope of resolving the crisis through peaceful means. The government lifted the terrorist tag and red corner notice, immediately after it was formed. Almost all demands of the rebels were fulfilled by the government; nothing was left on the government's side for bargaining.

Despite the Nepalese government's decisions, international communities are still doubtful regarding the faith of the Maoists. Therefore, these Maoists are still terrorists in the world's perspective. In the same way, the US Government has not lifted the terrorist tag on the Maoists, so the US Acts restrict them from making any type of connection with the Maoists. The European Union's policy is also in the same line.

The remarks made by Ms. Nina Gill, leader of the EU delegation during her recent visit to Nepal ought to be highlighted "no political party can participate in election with parties private armed forces." The UK and India have also strongly urged the Maoists to decommission the rebel force and their weapons before joining the government and the election of Constituent Assembly.

US stand in favor of democracy and well being of Nepalese people. US wants permanent decommissioning of the Maoists weapons before they join the government. The US Senator, Mr. Arien Spector has said at the end of his recent visit to Nepal, "Maoists have a Military force. They cant' have an army of their own within an army when they are in the government."

The US Ambassador to Nepal, Mr. James F. Moriarty, also said in his speech on June 28, 2006, "I am concerned by the continued gap between Maoist commitments and Maoist actions. Kidnapping, extortion, intimidation and murder are not tools for mainstream democratic political parties." He also expressed, "Some of what happening in Nepal right now brings to mind the excitement in Russia in the spring of 1917. The Russian people hoped their February revolution would bring democracy. Indeed, a constituent assembly to write a new constitution was planned for the next year. Amidst this election mixed with uncertainty, the Bolshevik party and its leader Lenin violently and aggressively asserted their dominance over the other parties, sidelined the constituent assembly entirely, and created their own republic. The "second" Russian Revolution was complete and a totalitarian state was created." He quoted Prachanda's interview of June 18, "If the talk fails, there will definitely be an October Revolution of its own kind in Nepal. We are ready to lead that revolution." Another Prachanda interview to local TV that "The Nepalese people have the right to have an October revolution just like the way they had in Russia."

The Maoists want to impose one party dictatorship by declaring Nepal, a Maoist State. They are in the process of destroying the complete democratic setup of the country as their ultimate aim is to create a new set up of People's Republic in Nepal. The Maoist leaders are seen uncompromising on decommissioning of the Maoist troops. Their affection towards arms and desire of October Revolution always undermine the prospect of peace in Nepal. In one way, Bolshevik Revolution of Russia and the Maoist Revolution of Nepal at present situation are seen as two sides of a coin. Because of this reason, the Maoists in Nepal are not seen as trustworthy to the present ongoing peace process.

The present century is known as century of freedom and democracy. So far, no other political system is considered superior to the democratic political system. Therefore, totalitarian one party dictatorship posing a threat to democracy cannot be accepted by the Nepalese people or by the world community.

Now, at this stage international power can prevent Nepal from declaring as a Maoist state. The United States of America can play a pivotal role to protect freedom and justice in Nepal. Mr. Richard Boucher, assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian Affairs, said that the Maoists must renounce violence and lay down their weapons. He also mentioned that the US is willing to help Nepal's security forces if the government requests. As American authorities have expressed the US stand and policy on different occasions, the time has come to make it true in the implementation part to resolve the crisis. The word itself is not enough unless it is shown correctly in action.

The Monarch's role is noteworthy especially in the scenario of post April people's movement, after his proclamation of 21st and 24th April this year. He has not interfered in any sort of political process of the country. Despite so many harsh decisions made against him by the ruling Seven Party Alliance (SPA), his position at present is absolutely non controversial. This type of attitude of the palace creates a positive environment in the peace process. There are still millions of people who respect the King and have belief in the Institution of Monarchy in Nepal. Now, people may not prefer the King in active politics but he is well accepted as a Guardian of the Nation and Symbol of Unity. However, the conflicting and contradicting statements made by the SPA leaders in almost every instance and the opportunistic and selfish attitude of the Maoists are creating a state of uncertainty and chaotic environment in the country. The demand of suspension and cornering the monarchy before election of a constituent assembly has created hurdles in the process of peace. One should not forget that if this type of behavior is cto ontinue that will create a serious disaster in the future.

The leadership of Nepal must understand clearly that attainment of everlasting peace through peaceful means and a sustainable democratic political system is the need of present and future Nepal. No one should compromise on this reality. All of us must comprehend the truth that unless and until an environment is created for free and fair elections, the proposed election of constituent assembly is meaningless. The rebels must recognize the fact that they have no choice except disarming themselves before joining the interim government and have patience to adore the people's verdict on the role of monarchy

(Mr. Rajat KC is freelancer and can be reached at Email: rajatkc@gmail.com)

alan@newsblaze.com