Maoist supremo Prachanda has proposed a united movement of all democratic forces, including parties and civil society. Such an effort on his part to attract the parties while they are facing a political crisis is no surprise. But before jumping to such an occasion, the parties and others should not forget that the Maoists believe in violence. A union between a force that believes in violence and one that doesn't is unnatural. The Nepali Congress has reminded the Maoists time and again that political unity with them is only possible if they renounce violence. The UML and other parties in mainstream politics should take the same line. All parties will be better off if they distance themselves from the policy of violence and destruction. After February First, the Maoists have stated that they will intensify their war against the state. But we have seen ordinary Nepalis suffer the most from armed conflict. This is the best opportunity for the Maoists to give up arms and work hand-in-hand with the Nepali people, political parties to build a democratic society. Any kind of revolution or political change is possible only when there is unity between the political and democratic forces. T