The Maoists are using bombs rather than guns to spread terror in the capital. The government's increased security has prevented the deaths of VIPs, but hasn't been able to control the blasts. Despite the security forces patrolling the city carrying the latest guns, bomb blasts are proving to be a headache that just won't go away.

"The Maoists are trying to threaten the army psychologically," says Brigadier General Rajendra Thapa. Bomb threats and blasts have increased in Kathmandu since the Pritna Headquarters were established. The Kathmandu district police headquarters says there have been 38 blasts in the Valley since 16 April. 62 people, civilians and security personnel, have been injured, and security forces estimate one to three Maoists are usually involved in a single incident.

The Maoists make bombs using household utensils and explosives imported from India. These can be made at minimum cost and wreck maximum damage. In the past Maoists have used pressure cooker bombs, petrol bombs, socket bombs and pipe bombs, but on 12 September in Kathmandu's Tinkune area the Maoists changed tactics and used a gas cylinder bomb. Sixteen people, including security personnel, were injured and a Tata mobile car and two motorcycles were destroyed.

Military analyst Indrajit Rai claims that the Maoists are using bombs to spread mental terror. He says, "Bombs wreck more mental and material damage, and cylinder bombs especially are very powerful and dangerous."
It is suspected the Maoists learn about bombs from the Indian Maoist Communist Centre, the People's Bar Association and former military personnel who have joined the movement. Information on making bombs also comes from the internet.

According to a Royal Nepali Army bomb specialist, the Maoists have given bomb warfare priority as it is cheap, creates a lot of damage and is hassle free for the perpetrators. It has also been suspected that the Maoists have different divisions for the people who make the bombs and the people who plant them.

The Royal Nepali Army has increased security, but Maoist activity has been increasing instead of decreasing. Brigadier General Dilip Karki, who is in charge of monitoring Maoist activity at the Pritna Headquarters, says that the army has a robotic 'bomb disposal' device but does not have the means to determine whether or not an object is a bomb. Brigadier General Deepak Gurung, spokesperson for the Royal Nepali Army, claims that Kathmandu has been an easy target due to its large population, but adds that the armed forces have been able to prevent Maoists from targeting prime locations.

The increasing number of blasts indicate the Maoists are making bombs within the Valley, but the army is still unable to gain intelligence to prevent the bombings. Despite the army's attempts at strategies, increased personnel, imported modern weapons and helicopters, the Maoists are still able to challenge the security forces. It is time for the governmnet to change its stragey to fight the Maoists. The odd, rather immature tactics of the security forces who stand at crossroads checking bags has been futile in discouraging the Maoist efforts. This checking only hassles civilians. Hence, it is probably best that the armed forces resort to more scientific methods to solve their problems.