Six years into its "People's War," the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) seems to be moving towards a mediated settlement. A 25 February statement signed by Chairman Prachanda (hitherto, the general secretary) advocates a combination of an "armed mass revolt" and the People's War. By straightforward deduction, we can now expect the Maoists to become more active in everything from bandhs to chakka-jams even as they continue to "consolidate" their positions in the hinterland.

The "progressive shift" in the modus operandi is more realistic, says Shyam Shrestha, editor of the monthly magazine Mulyankan and a former member of the Unity Centre (part of which broke off to become the CPN-Maoist). "If you look at Nepal's political history you'll find that all struggles that started in the periphery have fizzled out. Only upheavals in urban centres, especially Kathmandu, have brought any political change."

The Maoist statement follows a recent conference at an undisclosed location in which it was decided that:

. Revolutionary models from elsewhere won't work in Nepal, hence the incorporation of 'Prachanda Path' with Marxism-Leninism-Maoism.

. A conference of political parties (including the Congress), and related organisations and associations should be held to decide on an interim government which will frame a 'people's constitution'.

. A 'Great Leap Forward' will push for the expansion of secure bases, strengthening of people's local governments and efforts toward the formation of a people's central government.

. A broad-based 'united front' should be formed to work toward forming a central-level people's government, to be backed by a 'mass line' that will moblise the masses.

Reading between the lines, Hari Rokka, an independent communist activist, says, "They were demanding a constituent assembly and now are talking of an interim government. Maybe they're moving towards a political solution. They've made a political proposal and I think talks are possible. The Maoists now have to avoid changing positions every time there is talk of talks, and the government must respond constructively."

The statement also gives indications that the Maoists have had to accommod-ate more people in leadership positions. The party constitution has been amended to form a three-tiered leadership: a central committee, a politburo and a standing committee. Following the Chinese model, it means a third of the central committee makes up the politburo, out of which a close-knit standing committee is named.

However, we get to know nothing about where the other well-known Maoist leader, Baburam Bhattarai, stands in the party hierarchy. He is mentioned twice-as having made the opening and closing statements at the party meet. In that sense, the restructuring could as well reflect a power struggle within and the new chairman's efforts to find a tactical power balance.