Situation in Nepal

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http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2008/mar/pic/Prachanda.jpg

Maoist chairman Prachanda has said he is saddened by what he claims as discrimination by the media against his party.

"Already seven of our party cadres have been killed. But the media has not seriously raised this issue," he said, complaining at what he said as 'one-sided attack by media against Maoists.'

He also vehemently criticised the 'army generals' for issuing strong statements denying any meeting between him and generals.

"I had met them. I can give time, date and venue if necessary. But I am surprised why they are coming out with such statements," he said.

Prachanda said that his party will contest the election come what may. "We will contest the polls. We will not run away from peace process. If we have to die, we will die here only," he said.

http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2008/mar/mar23/news12.php

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"If we have to die, we will die here only"

What do you think he means by that?

Is he referring to the sacrifices individuals may have to make or does he mean the movement and the revolution's future depends on the election?

Perhaps I'm reading too much into it.

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Its a hard one to understand what he was really saying and maybe it was clearer in the original language.

I think that basically he was saying that they are prepared to die for their beliefs. I have been following things quite closely and they certainly not putting forward the line that everything depends on the election, though it is seen as a key juncture for what direction society will take.

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The Maoists enforced bandh (shutdown strike) in Rupandehi, Nawalpasari and Kapilvastu districts on Tuesday to protest what they call clandestine import of arms from India last night.

Main bazaars, educational institutions and highways in these three districts were closed as the Maoist cadres staged angry protests at several places.

Butwal particularly remained tense with the cadres of the Maoist-aligned Young Communist League (YCL) clashing with riot police during their demonstration. Reports said YCL's street protest started early morning in Butwal and continued till evening.

The Maoists were angered by the "mysterious import of arms" by the police force at a time when the nation is preparing for a crucial vote on April 10.

Their anger intensified after police forcefully freed two trucks from Yogikuti area at around 3:30 am in the morning from the clutches of YCL.

YCL cadres led by Maoist central leaders Devendra Poudel and Bamdev Chhetri had seized the trucks on Monday night.

The trucks were coming from Sunauli border point into Nepal. Officials have claimed that it contained logistics for Armed Police Force (APF).

The Maoist cadres also organised protests in Kathmandu against alleged import of arms which, if true, breaches the comprehensive peace agreement.

Meanwhile, talking to reporters in Biratnagar, Maoist chairman Prachanda has asked the government to clarify about the arms import episode. He said he has already talked with Home Minister regarding the issue.

Home Minister Krishna Sitaula, on the other hand, said the government will sort out the issue at central level.

Home Secretary Umesh Mainali urged all concerned not to create any disruption over this episode since the trucks were only carrying logistics for police personnel.

http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2008/mar/mar25/news08.php

http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=LCo455KgGSI&e

[An Céachta Dearg]

Quirke

I was unaware of this Maoist insurrection in Nepal. How long has it been going on?
Where can I get info?
And finally long may it continue

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The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) launched their peoples was in 1996 and by the time it ended in 2006 they controlled over 80% of the country. In these areas they made massive advances in many fields. Infrastructure was built, people were educated and they seriously began to deal with problems such as the oppression of women and lower castes.

They decided however to take the political road at that time while never rejecting their right to use armed struggle if it fails. One of the reasons they did so is that to have taken the rest of the country including the main cities would have caused a bloodbath and so they will do it through politics if possible.

The constituent assembly elections are due for 10th April though have already been postponed twice. The CPN(M) feel that they will win a majority and set about constructing socialism. A socialist Nepal would serve as a base area to spread the revolution throughout Asia and so the imperialists are very worried and will no doubt do all in their power to prevent this.

Many on the left have criticised the CPN(M) for entering politics however I think this is a dogmatic position to take. The road they have chosen has many dangers however I think we should give them the benefit of the doubt and wait and see.

Things will heat up alot in the run up to the election.

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Its a hard one to understand what he was really saying and maybe it was clearer in the original language.

I think that basically he was saying that they are prepared to die for their beliefs. I have been following things quite closely and they certainly not putting forward the line that everything depends on the election, though it is seen as a key juncture for what direction society will take.

I see.

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Maoist chairman Prachanda has said the possibility of electoral alliance with the CPN-UML, the other major communist party in the country, has ended.

Speaking to journalists in Mirchaiya of Siraha district Thursday morning, Prachanda blamed UML of being regressive and non-communist group acting on the direction of foreign powers.

Stating that UML was more concerned to get seats in the post poll government, Prachanda claimed his party would go singly in the polls fray and can win more than 150 seats.

He also warned of further protests across the country if the government did not release the money committed for families of those killed during the insurgency immediately.

He praised the YCL attack on Nepal Congress members in Solukhumbu on Wednesday where Nepali Congress Bal Bahadur KC was seriously injured and one Maoist cadre was killed.

In the meantime, the Maoist affiliated Kirat State Committee has called indefinite general strike in six districts in the east to protest the killing of one their cadres in Solukhumbu.

The strike has virtually brought general life to a halt. Except the education centres, where SLC examinations were taken this morning, all sectors remain shut.

http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2008/mar/mar27/news11.php

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I merged several threads about Nepal and ask that everyone post anything about Nepal in this thread.

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Maoist chairman Prachanda has said that he is totally certain of his party's victory in the Constituent Assembly (CA) election.

Talking to Nepal FM, Prachanda said, "I have seen from east to west and also in Madhes that there is a huge wave in favour of our party."

"Only conspiracies can defeat us now," he said, adding that the Maoists will not accept defeat in the election.

And if people are defeated, they will automatically launch revolt, he said.

On the issue of electoral alliance with the UML, Prachanda said that the possibility was almost dead.

"Though there is still some chance for such alliance, I think it is almost dead," he said.

http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2008/mar/mar28/news13.php