The events of the last two weeks are an outcome of the Maoists' megalomania, and their over-ambitiousness. We can predict that the army will be able to control them now by suppressing their power. But I am curious about: what next? No doubt, the main cause of this problem is not the Maoists but the successive governments that have been formed after the restoration of the multiparty system in the country. I have closely watched the situation of people in the western hills of Nepal. Not one government effort to ameliorate the economic condition of the people has been successful there. The people are either forced to live with a half-full stomach or go to India to work as seasonal labourers. Nepotism and corruption have engulfed the country and decayed the people's sense of morality and hope.

The Maoists' populist sloganeering attracted the people. But it is a universal phenomenon that people revolt against widespread corruption and injustice. Why can't the government curb corruption? I am studying rural sociology overseas and have been reading lots of development theories. But I cannot understand why they do not work in my country, and why I always have to be apologetic when I mention that the per capita income of Nepal is $200. The Maoist problem is emblematic of all this. Medicating the leaves and branches will not help the rot in the root. I am not optimistic that we will see "people-centred" programmes even after all this is over.
L Kumar
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