Analysis: The Anti-Revolutionary Agitations of the Terai

The following is a non-revolutionary analysis (originally published in The Hindu) of the disturbances in Nepal’s southern agricultural bread basket — the Terai — where secessionist and anti-Maoist forces have waged a series of strike and blockages over the last year. This piece provides background to the disturbances — from a conservative Indian view.

The rumblings in Nepal’s Tarai Inside Nepal
by Siddharth Varadarajan

Identity Crisis: In Sunsari district 57 Pahadi families forced to leave their land by armed extremists from the Madhesi Tigers say they have no place to cast their vote. The people of Nepal go to the polls on Thursday to elect a Constituent Assembly (CA). While the eyes of the world are focussed on what the results will mean for the Maoists and the Monarchy, what happens to the Madhesis and their movement for autonomy will, in many ways, be even more crucial. After spending nearly a week covering the election campaign in the eastern and western Tarai of Nepal, this correspondent came away with a sense of foreboding about the future. Though the ‘Madhesi street’ is calm, armed extremist groups operate with impunity, and it is not uncommon to encounter in the discourse of Madhesi activists a tinge of communalism and even separatism. Unless the legitimate grievances are addressed with sensitivity and grace, illegitimate aspirations will rise up to take their place. In a sense, this process has already begun.

The Tarai belt is Nepal’s most densely populated region and accounts for half the country’s 29 million people.

Prachanda warns of Counter Revolution

We urge everyone to think deeply about the implications of these developments — not just for Nepal but for our work here. There is a real possibility of a test of strength emerging from the political struggle following the April 10 elections and the coming (May 28?) abolition of the monarchy.

The following was posted on the Democracy and Class Struggle blog.

Maoist chairman Prachanda today said there is a possibility of counter-revolution in the country because of growing differences among the parties.

“I’m saying this sincerely.there is a possibility of counter-revolution in the country,” Prachanda said during a picnic programme organised by Human Rights Concern Centre at Matatirtha, Kathmandu.

Alluding to the recent reactions of Nepali Congress and CPN-UML leaders to the Maoist victory in the polls, Prachanda said the reluctance of “some parties” in accepting the people’s mandate has given rise to the possibility of counter-revolution in the country.

“Those who had not anticipated this kind of election result are finding it difficult to accept the mandate of the people,” the Maoist chairman said, adding that huge masses should take to the streets across the country from May 27 to 29 as the first sitting of the Constituent Assembly on May 28 is set to abolish monarchy and declare the country a republic. He said reactionaries could try to stage a counter-revolution during this period.

Prachanda responds on Koteshwore incident

Anti-Maoist forces are circulating this picture — showing Ramhari Shrestha (encircled) hosting a dinner for Maoist leaders Prachanda and Bhattarai.

Prachanda cautions against giving political colour to Koteshwore incident

Maoist chairman Prachanda has issued a statement cautioning all concerned against giving ‘political colour’ and permitting ‘fishing in troubled waters’ regarding the incident of killing of a local trader of Koteshwore. Prachanda has expressed deepest condolences to the family of Ramhari Shrestha, who was killed by some Maoist cadres a few days ago. Shrestha, who was a Maoist sympathizer, was reportedly killed by some Maoist cadres after abducting him under accusations that he stole their money.

In the statement, Prachanda has said his party had initiated investigation over the killing. Rejecting any institutional hand of Maoist party or People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in the incident, Prachanda said his party was willing to cooperate with police investigation to take action against the culprits. “We are shocked by his killing by conspiracy of some selfish elements that had infiltrated our party,” he states in the statement.

Anti-Maoist Demos and Accusations in Nepal

Throughout this last period, there have been accusations that the Communist Party of Nepal Maoist (and especially its youth organization, the Young Communist League) have been continuing to carry out actions for consolidating revolutionary power in various areas — mobilizing people against reactionaries. There have been demands by the conservative parties that the YCL (and the People’s Liberation Army) be disbanded.

Kasama site believes that our readers need to know about these anti-Maoist (and anti-revolutionary) mobilizations. (Earlier lists of similar accusations are listed here: Eye on Maoist).

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People on the Street Chant a New Slogan: Down With Maoist

A reporter’s diary detailing pre-election atrocities of the Maoist in far west Nepal. Posted on May 16th, 2008

Even after the surprise victory in the April 10 CA polls, the Maoist hasn’t changed its wartime behavior of intimidation, abduction and killings. The Maoist is increasingly looking like a criminal gang with its YCL engaged in organized efforts to take law into their hands. Here are a few examples of how Maoist (or YCL) are engaged in criminal activities:

Video: Maoist Troops in Rolpa base are, 2006