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Curzon
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Curzon

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May 22nd, 2006

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“The actual situation in Nepal is as such”

I’ve recieved a report from the ground in Nepal from reader Shyam with an interesting outlook on the current situation:

The seven opposition parties are fronting the Maoists. The whole mass uprising was created by the Maoists—when the seven parties called for strikes few months earlier, the public was unresponsive. But when the Maoists threatened physical harm, turn-out was unexpectedly high. You can verify this with Reuters reporting about Maoist infiltration in the mass mobilization.

The unholy alliance between the opposition parties has given way to the Maoists being able to dictate norms, language and action according to their ideology, with the parties as a front. And the parties are in no position to speak out against them. Case in point: yesterday they held a national assembly and proclaimed statues which are in fact that of Maoists, there was no dissent or talk of Maoist. It was as if “one party rule” was already in place.

The idea that is floating around is that the Maoist are already so entrenched in all aspect of government that they cannot be stopped. It is said they are ready to replicate the 1917 Bolshevik revolution, page by page. From the look of it, I see the same.

What really befuddles me is nonchalant attitude of countries like US. Under the pretext of support for democracy they are actually supporting Maoists to destroy every pillar of Nepalese society, from the monarchy to the army. The ground reality is quite different and is obvious to everyone. The Army had never declared war on the Maoist, who are free to recruit, extort and kill while the army is stuck in the barracks. The Maoist strategy even states they will take the capital and the country through the back of political parties.

The main threat is the parties who profess “democracy” while the Maoists, who smell victory, are in control. This has even spread into India, with the victory in a local election by Leftists. Look also at the terrorist attack of a bus bombing in the Chattisgad district of India by Maoists. The time has come to make a hard choice, choose between lesser of two evil or face anarchy that will spread to all region of this sub continent.

I hope I have been able to shed some light of events that is transpiring in Kingdom of Nepal.

An interesting report. This may be strange coming from me, but criticizing only the Maoists misses the King’s numerous transgressions. Certainly the only reports on Maoist infiltrations on the protest are that the government has said this was the case. But it’s an interesting report that I am pleased to pass on to readers.

Comments to this entry

mark safranski
May 22, 2006
3:03 am
If I were Nepalese and had any ability to get out, even on foot, I would leave now before the door slams shut.

Reminds me of the scene in the killing fields at the moment when the government had just fallen to the Khmer Rouge and people were hopefully waving flags.
D. Michael Van De Veer-mike4radio@yahoo.com
May 22, 2006
4:24 am
This is the most uninformed post I have yet to read re: Nepal !
A few weeks ago when there were over 2-million Pro-Democracy Demonstrators ready to march on thr Palace, King Gyanendra was forced to back down and call of his brutal US trained and armed Police and Army..

It was the 12-Point Agreement hammered out by the 12-Party Alliance & The CPN(M) Maoist, in India last Nov., that has helped the Nepalese people take a first step toward an inclusive-democracy...

The "Ground-report" does not have anything to do with what is happening in Nepal.. PURE FANTASY !!!

D. Michael Van De Veer- Freelance Journalist, PO Box 21218, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
PurpleSlog » Blog Archive » Nepal Update - Situation Getting Worse
May 22, 2006
6:20 am
[...] Coming Anarchy has a reader update on the Situation in Nepal were a potential Communist take-over is gaining (I blogged on this earlier): The idea that is floating around is that the Maoist are already so entrenched in all aspect of government that they cannot be stopped. It is said they are ready to replicate the 1917 Bolshevik revolution, page by page. From the look of it, I see the same. [...]
Shyam Khatri
May 22, 2006
11:25 am
D. Michael is renowned among all the (Nepali sites) bloggers that what he purports is nothing but a fabricated and intentionally misguided observation which he writes with abandon- without any mention of credible source, data or justification. He even claimed threat "American Embassy was evacuated" and "American were piloting Helicopters and bombing Maoist hide-outs." This man, whatever his motive, lacks credibility to claim that " actual situation in Nepal is as such," a PURE FANTASY.

I take your point in regards to infiltration of Maoist in the rally. To this I say, unlike Mr. D. Michael who is good at speaking his mind without anything to back it up with, there is abundant of proof in person and in reporting as well as in claims made by the Maoist themselves. I do not mean to deny the fact that people did turn up, they did but it is also quiet necessary to understand how they did turn up. Even a policeman charging the mob was astonished to see his own wife in the front line of the mob. And when he asked how come you are here? she replied " if I say No! then they would blow-up our house." So foreigners looking in will have hard time picking this up, the only media who took this up was Reuters and CNN but this was not hyped as it should have been. But this was the reality.

My concern as a citizen of this country is end of brutality in the name of Maoist, freedom of expression ( but not like Mr. D. Michael- one with responsibility), protection of individual rights, liberty and pursuit of happiness. The sad part is, I see this being eroded day by day in the pretext of people's movement, Supreme Assembly (aka Communist), cost for peace ( appeasement by the parties to the Maoist) where they are cutting down pillars of our society. So the fear is in the end- rather than getting peace, democracy, freedom and liberty- we might end up being pariah nation (Maoist).
Elizabeth
May 22, 2006
11:44 am
"criticizing only the Maoists misses the King's numerous transgressions"

Surely Curzon would never have written, "criticising only the Bolsheviks misses the Tsar's numerous trangressions"?

Not that I'm complaining. I do think people tend to underestimate the fault of capitalist and royalist leaders when analyzing the roots of communist, fascist and populist revolutions. If these leaders would allow open debate, extremists would never stand up to criticism. The poor leadership endorsed by the US and propagated across many Muslim nations is one of the leading causes of the idiotic brand of political Islamism we see today.
Curzon
May 22, 2006
6:43 pm
Shyam: thanks again for the comment. You took the words right out of my mouth regardin the options in Nepal (and as I've said before, the choice is between "a bad option and an evil option,":http://www.cominganarchy.com/2006/03/23/history-morality/ ). I am somewhat optimistic that the current quasi-democratic alternative is an appropriate third-way solution that will ultimately discredit the Maoists and allow for a long-term constitutional monarchy; but I share your concerns about the Maoists staying power.

Elizabeth: Touché! And well said -- I have nothing with which to disagree in your comment.
D. Michael Van De Veer
May 22, 2006
7:56 pm
The American Embassy evacuated all Non-Essential employees, their families, and closed it's doors last month.The employees were sent to Wash. D.C at the cost of over 1 million dollers. THAT IS A FACT. Get a life and some information before you reply .

The artical I printed 2 years ago stated, "reports of Caucasions flying hilicopters".. as it turns out the trainers, were Russian & the type of hilicopter was misidentified.. BUT IT IS A FACT THAT NON-NEPALI CAUCASIONS WERE IN HILICOPTERS THAT OPENED FIRE ON CIVILIANS..
Also in the last months(March-April 2006) before the Democratic Forces started to take control, there were 2 cases of RNA-hilicopters bombing schools, to get at supposed Maoist.

The Maoist in Nepal are "home-grown" and, IN MY OPINION, will help bring stabllity to the New Democracy.
I look forward to the New Constitution and a Maoist PM.

PS Speak to the ideas, not to the person, if you really have anything to say..
Many come to these blogs who have only visited nepal a few times to trekk or smoke drugs and think they have some understanding of life on the ground in Nepal.. Too bad for them and the confusion they bring with the grammer-school opinions they post.....
Curzon
May 22, 2006
8:53 pm
I look forward to... a Maoist PM.


Thanks for that. I'm now very confident that you're totally nuts.
Razib Ahmed
May 22, 2006
11:39 pm
I wish that Nepalese people can get real peace and stability this time. What is needed at this moment is that all the political parties try to remain united until the next election and focus on Nepalse economy which is in a bad shape.
In the recent days, Nepal has come to the headlines for its political crisis
and falling economic growth. However, Nepal's success in using biogas has
remained virtually unnoticed so far. Nepal is one of the poorest countries in
the world but in terms of
biogas unit per capita
it is way ahead of India and China the two emerging
giants in the world economy.
I wish that this kind of success stories of Nepal get more covergae in the media.
Pavlov3
May 22, 2006
11:39 pm
DMVDV _A Maoist PM_ that's a life long position usually isn't it? I suspect we will see you skull on a pyramid after the "election". Maoists usually get around to erradicating the foreigners after they kill all the teachers.
mark safranski
May 23, 2006
1:10 am
He's most likely using a psuedonym anyway. You don't have to be crazy to be an apologist for a murderous ideology but it helps.

Hey Van der Luube, here's the Maoist program from one of the movement's leaders:

http://hotzone.yahoo.com/b/hotzone/blogs4485

an excerpt:

"SINGH-BHANDARI: First, no people around the world should feel the international pressures from imperialist powers.

Second, we want to present another economic solution to the new market orientation which has created problems for people, such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, which is just collecting money centrally and making poor people even poorer.

The final point, and most importantly, we want to implement Marxism, Leninism and Maoism so we can have real social justice in Nepal.

SITES: How will that bring about social justice?

SINGH-BHANDARI: Marxism, Leninism and Maoism give people a different solution after domination by a market-oriented society.

SITES: But the 20th Century is filled with failed communist states. And in this century, North Korea's people are starving and China has fully embraced capitalism in all but name.

SINGH-BHANDARI: There's an illusion that there's a communist system in North Korea, China and Cambodia. There's no communism in these countries though the world thinks so. But the base of the development of Russia was established under Lenin and Stalin.

And Mao provided the real basis for the development of China, with his polices before 1976.

The current reformists that are revising China's policies are a deviation from the real communism. We have learned from that and have to implement the original Marxism in a new way.

That is why our ten-year's people war has been successful.

SITES: But why model yourself after movements in which millions were killed, both under Stalin and Mao's Cultural Revolution?

SINGH-BHANDARI: That's a fraud. That's a kind of defaming of communism — the massacres of Tiananmen Square were done in the name of communism but it was not communism.

As far as the Cultural Revolution, it was good since it was only the rich that were dealt with.

SITES: People were killed for completely negligible reasons.

SINGH-BHANDARI: No, people weren't killed during the Cultural Revolution, but yes, during Tiananmen.

SITES: People were killed during Mao's Cultural Revolution. A member of my staff's own father was killed as a result of the Cultural Revolution. But I think the point here is, once in power, will you use violence to achieve your social goals and economic goals?


SINGH-BHANDARI: There were limitations during those times (Stalin) and you can't find examples of so many people being killed during Mao. But after Mao there were leaders and rulers that carried out those actions. And [during the] time of Stalin more people were killed because of the Second World War.

But our party in Nepal is moving ahead, reforming and learning lessons from those past limitations."

I bet.
Shyam Khatri
May 23, 2006
6:14 am
The scary effect of Maoist dominant entrance in Nepali politics has given fear to reemergence of communism in the world. This must be stopped at any cost.

Communism is nothing but Reign of Terror.
snow
May 23, 2006
11:25 am
Yes, my grammar school opinion is that Dr. Michael Van den Veer could prove to be yet another useful idiot apologist for Maoist totalitarians.

Then again, as the good Dr. says, what do I know about Nepal? Not much.

But it doesn't take any inside information or deep insight to know that any movement that holds Mao or Stalin in such high regard shouldn't be trusted. Millions of deaths from famine in the name of communism is nothing to look up to. What lengths will the Maoists go to to implement what they think is 'true communism'? If Cambodia and others are any indication, the possibilities are chilling.

I guess we will just have to wait and see what happens and hope for the best. And I really hope I'm proven wrong about the Maoists. Maybe they won't slaughter indiscriminately, but will they ever be as good at running the country as even such lousy rulers as the king? I highly doubt it. Every country that has tried to put some form of 'communism' into practice has failed its people economically (as Bolivia and Venezuela will eventually find out).
Shyam Khatri
May 25, 2006
7:40 am
I am posting news report which should illustrate contribution Maoist made during so-called-uprising.

Maoists claim April movement succeeded with their help
By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu , 23 May: Maoists again claimed success for the April movement and warned against attempts to sideline them.

Maoist spokesman Krishna Bahadur Mahara said this in an interview with Kantipur Tuesday.

"Parliamentary parties were on a movement for two and a half years. So many attempts were made to give it momentum but without success.

"Everyone has seen where the movement was before the 12-point understanding.

"Our participation, presence and political leadership have been clearly understood by all after the development of the movement following the 2-point agreement.

"There is our definite presence in the movement. We are an important part and parcel of the movement.

"Before the talks and without consultations with us, if moves will be made without us, problems will not be resolved. The problem will only be compounded.

"At that moment, we will give leadership to the wishes and desires of the Nepali people," Mahara said.

Mahara warned Maoists could again take up violence if rebels are sidelined.

""But if there are obstacles, conspiracies and treachery from any quarter in our desire to move ahead peacefully, we can take that path without out wishes and desire," the Maoist spokesman said in reply to a question.

Mahara said Maoists have no representation in parliament.

"Where are we in this House of Representatives? We are a power outside parliament. There is only the representation of seven parties in parliament.

"Again, it will be a mistake to say that only there were only seven parties in the movement.

"This parliament was elected seven, right years ago. The 2063 movement has another foundation."

Mahara called for the release of jailed Maoists to start talks with the government.

"Right now, many of our friends are in jail. They should be released. There shouldn't be any delay confidence has developed rapidly along with the 12-point understanding," Mahara said in reply to a question when talks will start.

Mahara demanded the whereabouts of missing persons should be made public for the launch of talks.

"Then the road for a dialogue will open soon."

Mahara said: "We will not participate in this government but will join an interim government."

Mahara confirmed Prachanda will join the final summit talks to seal an agreement for a constituent assembly.

"This depends [Prachanda's participation in summit talks] on an environment of trust. When the practical process for a constitutional assembly begins, the chairman and other senior comrades will be present for a final conclusion.

"The Chairman will come for final talks with Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala. We will prepare all homework for that."

Mahara said Maoists will raise the issue on extortion in the talks.

"We will raise this issue seriously in the talks. We can stop this, if the government seriously make a definite budget for our army," Mahara said in reply to a question why Maoists are continuing extortions.

People's News/BR


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5,000 Maoists enter Valley
Kathmandu , 23 May: Maoists have started storing their weapons encased in plastic underground and in cliffs, Dhristi reports.

Sources said Maoists are 'dumping' their weapons to come to the Valley on 2 June for a mass meeting at the Open Air Theatre.

Guerrillas from 11 districts under the special central command are coming to the Valley.

Five thousand workers have already been mobilized for the mass meeting.

Many Maoists have entered the Valley for treatment.
Shyam Khatri
May 25, 2006
7:44 am
Here is another one- Prachanda is the head of Maoist outfit. He has named his movement as prachandapath (aka similar to Marxism).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maoists hold ultimate power: Prachanda
Kathmandu, 22 May: Although the sovereign rights of Nepal has been gone to the parliament, the ultimate power of Nepalese political core and the nation is in the hands of Maoists, Prachanda writes Janakari weekly.

America and India played a major role in order to bring this dramatic change in the Nepalese politics scenario. But both of these nations keep the same old ideology of distrust and suspicion towards the Maoists.

Both India and America have not lifted the terrorist tag from the Maoists.

Although the Maoists prisoners are being released in Nepal, those Maoists prisoners in India have not been released yet. This kind of attitude by the Indian government as well as the American government shows that they still have doubts about the Maoists coming in the government.

People's News/KDB
ComingAnarchy.com » Blog Archive » Hotspots: East Timor, Afghanistan, and Somalia
May 27, 2006
5:03 am
[...] On a somewhat positive note, Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Solomon Islands both look notably better than they did last month.) What say you? [...]
Shyam Khatri
May 28, 2006
5:50 am
Nepal looked "notably better than they did last month" is not an appropiate evaluation of the situation. Just becuase there is calm and no more street demonstrations, does not take into account the undercurrent disquite that there is in this country.

Even security agencies are predicting civil war- design and policies set forth by the Maoist/political parties/India/ US will bear a fruit that will scar this nation for a long time.

Nepal will become hotbeds for all the wrong reason. Lull in the strife should not be viewed as "improvement" as it has not reached the conclusion yet. Just hope that "Hell does not break loose" because of vested interest ( foreigners), misguided priorities, and call for wrongended democracy.
Shyam Khatri
June 7, 2006
6:38 am
Prime Minster of Nepal has gone to India and US Ambassador says he will be visiting home shortly- all because respective countries rather than view Nepal independently, sane option, preferred to look at Nepal only through India's eyes, a very wrong thing to do. Now, the thunder struck- Maoist are the only force that is to be reckoned with, not political parties or now the Palace. The reading of the ground realities was misunderstood by the Ambassadors. The reason being they only consulted political actors and civic society stalwarts- they distorted the fact. It was in their interest to do so. I say this because most of the civic society members are in the payroll of non governmental agencies, they have the history of looking at things from a very different prospective, mostly donation and grant oriented) They champion the cause that is in their interest, rather in collective's interest. In Nepal these people are termed "dollar farmers."

Every sane people knew, the extent of Maoist hold in the country, mostly through intimidation and killings. Undeniable fact but this was not the concern of few stalwarts in the civil society, they only harped about the Democracy & civil liberties (nothing wrong in this but simply it was not the time) while latently supporting Maoist by not speaking against them and their brutal atrocities. In fact few of these even called for armed overthrow of the government. As is the case now, political parties are in the grip of the Maoist, civil society was in cahoots with the Maoist then.

I therefore feel Ambassador's zeal (misguided), civil societies actions with overdose of political activitism has brought about a change in Nepal's political landscape that will be hard to rectify. Nepalese Prime Minster may fly to India or US Ambassadors may fly back home for consultation - the damage is done. I see no recourse in containing Maoist or their influence in political aspect. To defeat this Maoist threat - It is necessary to pump up one credible powerhouse in Nepal, through arms and money. Brutal it may sound but I see no other way.
snow
June 7, 2006
3:46 pm
Best of luck, Shyam Khatri. I feel sorry for the people of Nepal.
Shyam Khatri
June 8, 2006
10:58 am
Just wanted to point out - US failed in Somalia and Nepal is next in line.

The uneasy quite spells of relgious, ethnic , social and class conflicts in Nepal. The bitter truth is, it will be a safe haven for all the outcasts- from Al queda to all the separatist & religious fanatics. When that happens no one can stop it.

The kangaroos in the assembly are running on empty on the vaporized fuel of euphoria and the maoist are stepping in with a sign "dead-end," comrades, now its our turn.

God save Nepal
Shyam Khatri
June 17, 2006
6:12 am
It has finally happened, The Maoist have entered the Prime Minister's residence. In pretext of "summit" they are conducting a dialogue on the theme and agenda set by them. Political parties, being at their mercy, have no recourse but except them and their agenda by making it palatable to people in general at the press conference. Its a total rout.

I feel humilated and numb. I knew this was to be and I also feel this is quite deserving for Nepalese- at least taste the test.
ComingAnarchy.com » Blog Archive » The End of Nepal’s Royal House
May 28, 2008
12:47 pm
[...] power of Nepal’s Maoist movement. You can read those old posts here, here, here, here, here, here, and [...]