Maoist extortion throughout the country has reached new heights and analysts are divided on whether this means the rebels are desperate for cash or it is a part of their final push. The Maoist Valley Command in a statement this week admitted that it was engaged in a 'donation campaign' to fund the revolution.

To put further pressure on businesses, the Maoist-affiliated trade union this week warned it would resume its stoppage of all major industries like they did in September unless its demands are met. Their deadline is 13 January, the same day that the government's own ultimatum for the Maoists to resume negotiations expires.

The FNCCI says it is going to urge business houses to implement its recommendations to address the demands of the Maoists in September. FNCCI President Binod Bahadur Shrestha said the recommendations include fixing minimum wages of workers, their employment letter and issues of contract labour. "These were issues raised by Maoist trade unionists and we will urge the business houses to address them through our recommendations," Shrestha said.

But it is unlikely the rebels will be satisfied with that since the threat to stop businesses is tied to their overall strategy to put pressure on the government. And the FNCCI's plan to make its recommendations public comes in response to the Maoist trade unionists warning to launch "serious action" if the promises made in September are not met.

Maoist trade unionist Shalikram Jammarkattel issued a press statement on Monday saying the government and the business community were not meeting his union's demands. In September, 50 of the country's top businesses were forced to close after Maoist threats. Its demands included public information of the whereabouts of their comrades held by the security forces. Rebel trade unionists allowed industries to reopen after two of their leaders were released and the business community agreed to meet their demands.

FNCCI had deputed a team of consultants to prepare a report addressing the demands of the Maoist trade unionists. "The report has been submitted and we have held internal discussions," Shrestha said. A letter to a business house in Birganj this week asked for Rs 50,000 in 'donation' to the revolutionary cause. Most businesses have no choice but to pay up.