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VOL. 28, NO. 18, Jan 09, 2009 (Paush 25 2065 B.S.)
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Opening All Fronts
From media to religion and army to business communities, Maoists-led government opens all fronts for confrontation
By KESHAB POUDEL
As the anger against the Maoists generated by the attack on media house, particularly Himalmedia and Kantipur, and independence of judiciary are yet to die down, it has simultaneously opened confrontations with two important fronts: Army and Religion.
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PM Prachanda: Opening all fronts |
At a time when Nepal Army which has been showing most cooperative attitude to the new elected government led by Maoists, the directions given by the Maoist leader and prime minister Prachanda and defense minister Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal to stop the recruitment of soldiers in vacant positions souring the relations.
The threat of Minister of Defense Badal to take necessary action against Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Rookmangud Katawal for giving politically motivated remarks widened the differences much. As Nepali Congress and CPN-UML has decided to oppose any move against Maoists designed to replace COAS, Maoists are now in isolation.
"General Katawal exceeded his limitation by speaking publicly on political affairs. The government would be within its rights to act against those disobeying its directives of indulging in anti democratic rhetoric," said Badal (The Himalayan Times, January 6).
Defense minister Badal has been asking CoAS to stop the recruitment process. However, CPN-UML and Nepali Congress is defending the army's position saying that NA can recruit the army in the positions that became vacant after the retirements of soldiers.
"There is no such restriction in Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Nepal Army cannot recruit the new soldiers but it can recruit in vacant positions. I don't understand why even UNMIN chief Ian Martin is raising objections this time. Army has already filled the vacant positions in the last two years," said Nepali Congress leader Ram Chandra Poudel.
CPN-UML leaders, too, have similar voice. "If the recruitment in the vacant position is against the spirit of CMPA, Nepal Army will become completely defunct," said CPN-UML leader Rajhuji Panta.
With the interference in the Pashupti Temple, Maoists opened another sentimental front, which irked all its internal and external backers. “We replaced the Indian Bhattas since they used to pay donations to former Kings to New Delhi. There is no question to change our decision,” said Information and Communication Krishna Bahadur Mahara.
By appointing two Nepali Bhattas replacing the centuries old practice of appointment of Indian priests at Pashupati Temple without taking wider consultations, the Maoists have not only irritated large sections of Nepali but a large Hindu population in India where Maoist get safe sanctuary.
Looking at the wider opposition in India, Indian political leader D.P. Tripathy who is known as a sympathizer of Maoists, indirectly regretted over their decision to replace Indian Bhattas. 'The government's decision to replace the Indian priests at the temple has
irked people both in India and Nepal. I have full faith in the intelligence and wisdom of Prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and the government. I believe the Pashupatinath temple row will be settled soon," said Tripathy, general secretary of India's Nationalist Congress Party and Nepal Democracy Solidarity Committee.
Although Maoist government led by Puhpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, somehow, managed to compromise with main opposition party Nepali Congress agreeing on date line to meet nine point demands, Maoists have now angered CPN-UML and regional based party Madheshi Janadhikar Forum.
Maoists leaders challenged UML leader asking them either to quit the government or behave like partner of ruling party. "Since the CPN-UML is a partner of CPN-Maoist, it must act as a ruling party or quit the government if it wants to play opposition role," said C.P. Gajurel, senior Maoist leader.
Amid such development, the visit by India's top military commander seems to be very significant. Although Indian Army's second in command met Maoist leaders particularly two commanders of People's Liberation Army in Indian Embassy premises and reportedly discussed adjustment issues, its details are yet to emerge.
Although the Maoists are facing opposition in all the fronts, Prachanda’s government does not seem in imminent danger as yet. As Indian political leader Tripathy, who is said to have close relations with Indian establishment and who played key role to bring seven parties and Maoists together to sign 12 point agreement in New Delhi, said, "It is too soon to talk about the alternative of Prachanda's government but looking for an alternative government is not unnatural in a multi-party democracy."
As Maoist themselves are, knowingly or unknowingly, opening the fronts, there is indeed a lurking threat for the government in the coming days.
