I would like to invite everyone to take some time and think, and ask yourselves a question what emotions and thougths a word 'maoists' brought to each of you when it first came in use in Nepali society and in each Nepali family .If you have positive emotions and would give  a positive reply to all the questions you value for the society and a family then go ahead and support the best you find in this group who calls themselves a party for people and by people ,but if you can not,then you must stop and go ahead ,because we have wasted so much time trying to understand,compromise and we have done it to the extent which is even not excusable,but being humans we have gone a step further,we have accomodated thousands of people from the PLA in our hearts knowing that most of them were forced or are ignorant to understand the whole meaning of maoist promises, but now is the time to go ahead and someone must take an action,an actions based on our analysis,actions based on our needs for the people and it means for the country and its needs .Having different opinions,views  is something always worth keeping  as it doesn't let us stagnate,however for the progress of society we can not take sides therefore everyone must keep an open mind.

The question for me was and is,why the so called PLA was accepted in the first place, in my opinion it was a gang of people who went looting,forcing and killing innocent  people to join the gang As it was not the army in its real meaning of the word, as any government should have only one national army that protects and serves to people and its  government .

Therefore a question about integrating  PLA should not have beeen even a question as they did not represent Nepali society and did not protect its citizens.We can not call them  responsible soldiers of Nepali Army,however if that point was taken as a point to start the peace process it should go ahead. Each army has special forces ,ones that protect air space.land,sea etc  of the country and there are forces that help build infrastructure of the country and in my opinion this is the place where Maoist Party  must use their group of so called soldiers if they are sincere in progress.Now we are spending so much money just to keep them at bay without them actually giving  back to the nation.It's the work force that could build roads,bridges etc.it is equally important for the country and the society .

And let's not play blaming games,this is a famous process everyone tends to do and it has been done again by both opposition parties.NC says they do not mind presence of UNMIN ,they just want to limit UNMIN from monitoring the Nepal Army.This in my opinion was the first compromise made  by NC, but it was not said or acknowledged before ,because as you well understand that each government should have only one army and that is exactly what UNMIN let happen,they accepted PLA as a result of consequences made by Maoist Party and a way out of deadlock ,however,problem must be solved as we are now participants of the problem and we chose this step knowingly.UNMIN was a first logical step during the calming period and it was the right step.It gave us time to crystalize and hear out different sides,which is the positive outcome from having UNMIN in Nepal.If you look at the official documents of UNMIN you will see that they never promissed to solve our problems at home,they never promissed to take responsibility for the actions and consequences we as a society made,it was there as a peace keeper ,as an adviser.And we must remember,that it was the Nepalese Government that invited them and I am sure that for the Constitution to be written at the higher level of its meaning ,Nepalese law makers will still need help ,because we can not afford to write constitution every time we change goverment or every time some other party is leading the government.

One party retains its private combatant force? This is absolute absurd,how could ever maoists believe or think ,if they goals were to have a safe society to bring the gang ,they themselves organized ,as question to be discussed.It was their parties primary responsibility and duty to take care of people,they call them PLA,as they were the ones to give promisses to these people.Again,the problem is present and now we all have taken the responsibility,therefore the only way out is to integrate,but as I said,every army has different forces and in my opinion they could be integrated as working forces for restructuring and building the infrastructure of the Nepali society,even though they might be not high skilled,therefore there are skilled officers of Nepali Army who can lead.Every soldier of an army has a code of conduct and every soldier gives the Oath  to protect and serve its country and citizens and this is the only measure we must follow and accept,there are no other ways around this problem and there are no any special conditions.This is a question of Principal and the meaning of having army ,there are no compromises,this is what maoist leaders must understand,we do not need their ability to talk,we have heard and seen their actions and promises,that have never been kept.Someone must stop .Anything we do in life will be insignificant,however we must do it anyway,we must participate.

However exit of UNMIN is a positive step and it should be made,but without blaming,we need to realize that no one can bring peace at home,if the members of the family do not show good will to trust and try.Forcing has never brought results we want ,it limits growth .This is why we are  here at this stage ,because we have been trying out different approaches,but I hope that parties have understood that it doesn't bring growth and development for the people and its country and it is the urgency of a time to make big decisions .

Outstanding issues in the peace process include completing the drafting of the new constitution and resolving the future of the Nepal Army .The termination of UNMIN  is a logical step too, however UN will have to remain closely engaged and supportive in the peace process that hopefully will take lift up towards economic growth of the country .

My wish to every family in NEW YEAR 2011 is believe in the best of every member of your family,keep an open mind and roll up sleeves,we have so much to do.Enjoy the process.Health and wealth to everyone.

Good morning ,

Merry Christmas!

I have been waiting for one acknowledgement,accepting own mistakes,acceptance and open mind,but reading the comments above,I have understood that we still have a long way to go,some are cynical and only talk and still devide people in castes and social groups according to their opinions without acknowledging how we ,each of us are better than the other,are we??????????????????Embrace the difference!!!!!!!!!!!!

First of all we need to understand what is the role of UN  and what is the role of UNMIN .What is your role as an individual in the society?Do we let them lead our lives or we decide,what we want and how we want our lives to be lived in our home.The word is compromise and an open mind but members of political parties haven't understood that,there is a mistrust and the greed for power.I think it's time they make a decission,we need to understand there are no loosers,we can all be winners if we embrace the progress.

If two brothers have an argument,who do you think is to solve the problem?....

I am giving examples using simple words,and I think every politician should use them too, so that millions of  our brothers and sisters would understand you and vote for you.Politicians are not a group of people from above,you walk the same road as we do in the mornings,you walk the same road we walk in the evenings,the question is what do we do between these walks?

I would like to quote these words'In fact, UNMIN did their job to the best of circumstances ,to the the political parties did not......' Their own lack of commitment and power of greed for spheres of influence,that has been responsible for the mess.'That's so right!

An opinion isn't necessarily a bias, and that's where some of us debaters miss the point. First of all, just because a news source is biased, it does not make it wrong about everything.

Sincerely,

Vija

Mahesh Sharma

Kanak has been carefully gentler towards UNMIN in this article particularly in raising rather a meek voice about the accountability of UNMIN. Obviously, had it not been UNMIN's presence Maoist would probably have never agreed to put their fighters in the cantonment and disqualified would not have been released. But it must be noted that UNMIN was invited only after government and Maoist decided for peace accord. In other words, it is not UNMIN that brought conflicting party together and made them agree on peace accord. Nonetheless, UNMIN did its job and it should have left long back. But instead they invented many excuses and reasons to extend there stay in Nepal. Neither UNMIN nor UN tried or facilitated to strengthen the Special Committee to take the monitoring responsibility. Clearly, strengthening Special Committee is suicidal game for both the UNMIN and Maoist. This non functional special committee worked quite well for the interest of both the UNMIN and Maoist. For Maoist, on the cover of UNMIN they continued to play their game in whatever way they wanted to do and for UNMIN has been an excuse to stay longer in the expense of huge cost and be part of international politics. Evidently, longer UNMIN�s presence not only jeopardise the peace process, but also blind folds Nepalese� vision to seek long term solution independently.

If Maoist truly believes the large number of voters as true and honest (not coerced) they should not see the only 20,000 combatant as their strength. As a matter of fact it is the peoples� vote, not the combatant that made Prachand prime minister of Nepal

The Government,Maoists have always and repeatedly agreed on short ceasefres many years during the Dashain Festival and Tihar.Isn't it strange that decissions ofsuch scale and width were made in a matter of days and for many years!Were Maoists ever serious about the course they had taken or was it the usual midle age crises ,looking for fulfillment of own dreams ,not understanding that the only way to fulfillment is through learning,understanding ,hard work and acceptance of differences.The willingness to help many people comes from within and forcing something one doesn't want to do is not the way.We start from ourselves.So,did both sides invite UNMIN  then?

Festivals,nostalgy for home ,respect to people's needs?These emotions are not separable parts of ourselves and our lifes and it goes hand in hand  every day of our lives ,but  then the process of life had gone much further with new diversions and developments and in this case the only common ground was removal of the King and the question what do we  do next?

 They had too biopolar opinions on issues that is the reason they agreed to invite UNMIN as an obser and adviser  and both sides,Government and Maoists knew too well and know now that   decision will be made only by these two otherwise why do we need such Government which doesn't know difference between UN and UNMIN.Why are we  part of UN and why did we invite UNMIN?

It was not the purpose of UNMIN to bring them together,we need to read their official documents to understand  the purpose of inviting UNMIN.It was a very wise step on the part of Government and Maoists however the decisions must be made and steps taken by ourselves not by UNMIN 

What is UNMIN?

The United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) is a special political mission in support of the peace process in Nepal. It was established in response to the letter to the Secretary-General sent on 9 August 2006, in which the then Seven-Party Alliance Government and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) requested United Nations' assistance in creating a free and fair atmosphere for the election of the Constituent Assembly and the entire peace process.

             and that is so frustrating to read,that many of us still have not understood that and the reason it has no development so far is the greed for power and spheres of influence ,but we need only progress in our lives,the time to work and succeed in peace.

The vision to seek long term solutions independently is needed and there is no one to blame,I repeat,let's not play blaming games,let's not engage in unprofessional behaviour.

Not Missing UNMIN

The need of the day is, take responsibility and make independent decisions without but's and if's  without violence,can we do that in the family ,Nepal,

We know there will be a Blast again, that is sure. People are too much frustrate with politicians. Sujata to Makune�s every move made normal public annoyed. Maoist and NC opposite behavior! Terrible!!

Big reason is, no new constitution. All these made Nepali public in the mood of Blast. We saw lot of Blast/changes earlier, but only one thing making me scared, India�s physical/army interference.

Let�s pray that never happens! At least if UNMIN was there, India can�t directly interfere us, Now India is free with help of US to do anything they want in Nepal. This is the grand plan, I think so�.

Agreement to agree.

Let us think ,what does it mean?
When undertaking negotiations it is all too easy to leave things unfinished,which can result in an unenforceable �agreement to agree�

Example ''Out of 210 contentious issues in the reports prepared by the seven thematic committees of the CA, the taskforce formed with UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal as the Coordinator had settled 127 issues. ''

We all would like to know what exactly are the prioritising and the remaining contentious issues that Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal as the Coordinaror wouldn't agree with? You all represent people of Nepal and we have the right to know .

I think it is time that Nepali newspapers let people in on what exactly was discussed during the meetings not just showing few rabbits and putting them back in the sack.

Taking independent advice and settlement contracts such as these brings to an end the dispute as it is the solicitors' responsibility to ensure that their client's agreements are in fact binding.

So is UNMIN�s withdrawal as it formally winds up MA can�ton�ment , temporary quarters for troops and Barracking of the Nepal Army.

 
However the rehabilitation packages for reintegration to those discharged into the society and supported by the Government and the United Nations in Nepal are:like to draw your attention UN not UNMIN include:  formal schooling, vocational training, training as health workers, and setting up of small/micro-enterprises. A discharged person shall have 12 months from the date of discharge to sign up for one of these packages.

A UN team will monitor the Action Plan that the discharged person will not engage in violent activities within Maoists affiliated organizations.  It is verified that the when the Maoist party shall have fully complied the plan, the party shall consider for removal the list of parties that recruit and use children in conflict through the annual UN Secretary-General�s report on Children and Armed Conflict.

Under the Plan, monitoring will last for six months, and monitoring under Security Council  will continue beyond that date.

Therefore  another UN political mission,  with a different name, would be a must to accomplish the monitoring and supervision of the arms and armies of both sides, in addition to the necessary technical support to the Maoist army for (re)integration and rehabilitation.

 Absence of UNMIN is not the main issue here,it is the good will,promises made and signed,as most of the signed documents have no legal binding after the date expired.If we continue this road of mistrust,anger,just demanding ,not participating in betterment of one self,we will have long way to go,but I like to believe that we are able to overcome bitterness and gorgive mistakes and go on ,this is again one chance to do so.

Mr. Dixit, I am sure you learned some dixiya from the UNMIN and Maoists' at the last minute.

A great article, hope India will not have its cold hands in handling the peace process and constitution writing (Hope will not dictate).

Great to know from you that finally UNMIN, which was a curse and burden to Nepal will be leaving soon.

With all the best and Happy New Year 2011.

Once again Kanak dai, I see where you are coming from but cannot say that I agree with you. In your heart, and those of a few other well meaning folks living materially comfortable lives, who genuinely believe in the free enterprise and democratic governance, the present situation in Nepal demands all the show of support to the so called democratic parties. It is not the belief in democracy that I question, because I am all for it myself. Rather, it is the blind arrogance emanating from self-perceived moral (read: material) superiority of the so-called democratic system as practiced in Nepal, and your support by extension to the parties that are its carriers no matter how repulsive they are. Like you, I witnessed Al Gore concede his election victory to GW Bush, and for all the deformities in the US political system, felt that there were some things that are truly democratic in that country. While I rightly did not and perhaps never can or will assume that Nepali democrats will turn out to be as magnanimous as that, it seems like you are still not grounded in the core reality of the differences in the way we do democracy here. Tacit in your blind support of the looters in the form of saints, I sense a degree of hope that you have cherished for the country and the vision you have nurtured of one day having a truly democratic Nepal where values such as the one described above could simply be superimposed along with the moral authority in these democrats. That is the reason you perhaps ask people to give these guys more time, as they would need to be changed. My argument is that the way that the political system has developed in this country and the manner in which party systems are built does not point in any way towards that vision. Quite the contrary, I see these thugs being emboldened even more, with each passing day, extending the scope and reach of their rampant pillaging, arresting our potential and tearing apart the whole fabric of our society.   

What you conveniently seek to hide- and to our own detriment most of us tend to forget- are the small steps that have led us up to this point. Despite your blind and fervent support for the �democratic forces� which characteristically absolves them of all their follies, it is they, who I hold responsible for the sorry state of this nation. UNMIN or not, the reality is that these status-quoists in the guise of �democrats� are ruled hopelessly by a selfish lot of self centered, immoral, misguided buffoons hell-bent on preserving their own clans, and being selfish even at that. Although you have been indoctrinated to support- perhaps with the belief that one day they will turn their pages- I see no hope of their transformation. You may cite the handful of 30 something young leaders as being the silver-lining- who I may argue are not detached from their patrons- but even if I were to buy-in to your assertion that indeed they are the new firebrand ambassadors of change, just in terms of their sheer size and numbers they are far from becoming a phenomena and making any credible impact beyond the meek emotions they may evoke while practicing their public speaking at sundry meetings.  Through your tacit or explicit support of their ideology, you may rejoice in feeding  your alter ego all you want, reflecting on how you never gave up on the all encompassing democracy and the democratic ideals, I argue that in fact you and your lot are doing the country a disservice.

What are the indications that you see that are remotely in place which you can cite to guarantee the bewildered lot as myself that your support of these quasi democrats is contributing towards achieving true democratic ideals and goals? Help me out here Kanak dai, for, your lack of concrete examples will only warrant a newer question from me. Instead of continuously erring on the side of the looters and their gang, why not give the Maoists, a force to be reckoned with that were never given their due in governance a real chance in getting this country move forward? Remember, moving forward in development is what people need.

Intellectual masturbation and theorizing can be the pastime of a handful of people gifted with the wherewithal to pass through the acts of life- getting their egos bloated along the way. Far from it, what the average Nepali needs and wants is a Nepal where Rishi Dhamala goes to prison when it is established that he was in on that ransom bid. It is a Nepal where Makune, as a soverengn nation's PM does not stoop down to the level of requesting the Thai ambassador during an official meeting to find a Post Graduate course for his daughter in Thailand OR when he gets caught doing so, is punished. They want every person who even considers enriching themselves with the expense of the poor by any untoward means is genuinely afraid to do so as that act would get caught and would come with severe punishment that does not discriminate. They want a Nepal where those found guilty of committing financial crimes are hanged to death. They want equitable redistribution of the resources. They do not want their half naked children sleeping on the street side begging for alms on a cold winter night while a tax inspector builds a multistoried shopping mall through his loot. They want a Nepal where they don�t get cursed at and bullied at the airports on their way out of the country to slave themselves as migrant labors by the government employees. They want a Nepal where they can get jobs and guaranteed health and education for their children.

Although in the interim it may seem like a disservice that you and your likes did to the country by staging an untimely exit of the Maoists, which to Prachanda�s credit, was an honorable one nonetheless, the majority of the poorer people- poor by virtue of geography, caste, creed, languge, Indian-ness etc- continue to look up to the Maoists for increasing their odds of getting anything out of the government. The short lived Maoist coalition government on which these people were pinning their hopes on was never given the space to function- a basic democratic norm in the countries whose models you perhaps wish to have emulated in Nepal- I may add- with all the impediments from the quasi-democratic tilting bureaucrats and detractors. Unlike your belief that the Maoists only won the majority in the elections by coercion and use of force and that they would not fare as well come the next elections, it is my challenge and assertion, given the simmering anger of betrayal the have-nots feel, that they will sweep the next election and come back with even more votes.

It would be interesting to see what antics you will come up with at that time. It would have been obvious by then, perhaps, that the semantic acrobatics that these thugs and their allies are so good at vomiting, does not work.

Maybe then you and I can have a beer and talk about how you feel about democracy in Nepal.

Until the next elections,

S. ARYAL