The Maoists staged a show of military strength to commemorate the 14th anniversary of their revolution on Thursday in a camp in Nawalparasi at a time when splinter groups are threatening the already-rocky peace process.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal told his former guerrillas: "I am not here today as your supreme commander, but as the prime minister."

He said the PLA would now "in principle" be directed by the Special Committee on integration, and he asked the former fighters to "accept this unconditionally...with honesty and responsibility".

Dahal underlined the need to keep the peace process on track by setting up a "new national army" and a "new people's constitution". Significantly, a banner on the stage read 'Federal Republic of Nepal'?the word 'Democratic' was missing.

Dahal appeared to be preparing his fighters to the prospect that not everyone would be inducted into the Nepal Army. The Maoist anniversary coincided with new splits within the party. Dahal still controls his army through loyal commanders, but some ex-guerrillas attacking police stations appear to be taking orders from a parallel hierarchy.

On Wednesday, Madhesi Maoist leader Matrika Yadav set up his own party and vowed to "restore the revolutionary Maoist path".

Past and present splits within the Maoist movement are along regional or communal lines, and by elements within autonomous councils who promised ethnic self-determination. Recent attacks on police stations in Khotang, Makwanpur, Nuwakot and Piuthan have been carried out by ex-Maoist groups.

PICS: KIRAN PANDAY

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