The editorial 'The EPA' (#318) is either overly optimistic or plain naive. The opening statement, 'Nepal is on the mend', borders on the delusional. The Maoist leaders' statements and behaviour show that they consider themselves victors, not that they have 'achieved failure'. They also deny that they were looking for a 'soft landing'. Having conquered the countryside, they are in the cities, without having fired a single shot. Their cadre indulge in extortion, kidnapping, illegal taxation, murder, and beatings daily, yet the editors address them as a legitimate party, failing to realise that violence is the mainstay of their ideology and that it is by allowing extortion that the Maoist leadership keeps its cadre loyal.

Moreover the statement about the Maoists 'showing flexibility on arms management' has been proven to be wishful thinking. The king, blinded by his arrogance, made a mess of the country and has paid dearly for it. Now the 'seasoned politicians', darlings of Nepali Times editors, and the self-righteous Kathmandu intelligentsia are eagerly following his example.

SK Aryal,
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