The Maoists have reached two conclusions. First, they believe they can go on fighting for a long time and that they can't be finished off by military might. The second is that they can't capture state power through the barrel of the gun. So the conclusion they have reached is that state power won through the barrel of gun can't be sustainable. They know the international situation is not in their favour. Neighbouring countries are not supportive of their cause. Past international experiences have shown that in the absence of a favourable international setting, such a regime can't last. The Maoists have considered all these ground realities and developed a new maturity. The seven-party alliance thinks people power can overcome guns. That is why we will never resort to violence. If the well-equipped Shah of Iran was uprooted by unarmed people, there is no reason why it can't happen in Nepal. If the Maoists resort to arms again, those in power will have to take the blame.

Everyone will point fingers at the monarchy for forcing the peace-seeking Maoists to take up guns once again and for sending them back to the jungle. If the government tries to provoke the Maoists at a time when we have been trying to bring them into peaceful politics, it will be clear that it is the people in power today who are the real obstacle for peace. Until yesterday, people used to criticise the Maoists for taking up guns. If they are forced back to violence, they will win the people's sympathy this time. The Maoists, however, know that they have no choice but to go for a people's republic while acknowledging the existence of other political parties.