People's movement should yield positive results

The ongoing people's movement which began from April 6 should aim to introduce reforms in Nepali political system. Nepal should do away with feudalism and backwardness; it should move forward towards peace, development and prosperity. It is sickening to see that economic growth in Nepal is merely 2 percent according to ADB, while South Asian average growth stands at around 6-7 percent. This itself shows the impact of political upheaval and pandemic violence in Nepal.
Look at the example of Singapore. A port hamlet in 1940s have now transformed into Southeast Asia's economic powerhouse. We also need mission, vision when we think interms of developing this country. We cannot do this all by ourselves. Our diplomats abroad should convince friendly and prosperous countries to invest in what we have-- like water resources. Key to Nepal's development is foreign investment, whether you like it or not.
The country is in transitional phase. At one side ther is violent revolutionary movement which seeks to overthrow the present suystem with its own dicatorship. At the other side is the seven party alliance which is driving the present people's movement. We do need change. But what change?
One solution which I would like to propose is one which can bring the Maoists to the mainstream by meeting one of their key demands--constituent assembly. If the King and his government allow the election of constituent assembly, maoists can be asked to lay down their arms and participate in this process. But, here all sides need to compromise anfd agree to work this out. Its a great gamble for the king, but he has to agree as it would be a condition for Maoists to lay down their arms to a third party like the UN. The constituent assembly would draft a new constitution which should guarantee inclusive democracy. In this system, all peoples of Nepal would get equal opportunity. No one group or caste or family can rule over others. All leaders in the new system would be fully accountable to the people and nobody would be above law.
Let us just hope that we can find a peaceful resolution to all the crises affecting this country. Long live Nepal and its countrymen!

Ceasefire breakup, possible artillery acquisitions

The ceasefire is no more. The Maoists have broken the ceasefire on their own terms. They probably wish to target the government's municipal polls. The parties have said their 12 point understanding still sticks despite bombings which have followed the breakup of the ceasefire. Maoists have targeted flea market and public offices. They do not seem to have guts to attack the security forces. Their aim is to create panic among the public so as to create pressure upon the government to give in to their demands or at least appreciate their power.
Also on the news was the wrap up of military operation by government in Rolpa. Army units should keep up the pressure on Maoists in their strongholds. At least that's gonna keep many cadres busy on the defensive and on the run. The government should never hand over the initiative to the rebels. Limiting government action to reactive moves will leave the rebels with the upper hand.
A local weekly reported some time back that Maoists wanted to import artillery pieces to step up their war effort. Artillery is useful only agianst fixed positions. Positional battles for territory will involve artillery duels and bombardments to support infantry offensive. If in any case, the rebels do acquire artillery, the government should quickly acquire attack helicopters and fixed wing strike capability aircraft. These aircraft should be equipped with thermal sensors to detect artillery pieces under intensive camouflage. Artillery raids on built up area can cause horrendous civilian casualties in previously unseen proportions in Nepal.
Artillery was extensively used by such insurgent forces like the Viet Minh in the 1950s, LTTE in present Sri Lanka. If it can persuade India, Indian military assets should be tasked to destroy any heavy arms which find their way in the rebel arsenal. But it is always wise to rely on one's own defense forces to do clean up one's own backyard.