MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA

According to a source at army headquarters, the Maoists had always viewed COAS Rookmangud Katawal as an obstacle. In fact, PM Dahal had been pressuring him to resign and had even tried to lure him to do so with various rewards. When that didn't work, the threats began. His wife started receiving menacing calls at their home and Katawal told his core team of generals that his life was in danger.

Now the defence minister too has been quoted several times as saying Katawal will be dismissed. But sacking him would be difficult for the Maoists because it would involve lengthy legal procedures and because they lack support from partner parties. A retired army official adds that if the Maoists were perchance successful in dismissing Katawal, the whole army structure would collapse. It would also have a severely detrimental psychological effect on army personnel.

In a scenario in which the Maoists seem to be trying to weaken the state structures, the army has emerged as a strong body. Maybe the Maoists think that if the army is weakened, they can rule without any opposition. But meddling in issues that shouldn't be their prime concern has only weakened the Maoists. Whether Dahal is unable to explain to his party leaders that they can't do as they please or he doesn't want to, he should understand he is harming his own party.