Last week all Nepalis were shown, on television, the most recent pictures of Maoist leaders, and were told that they were crooks. The security forces told us: take a good look at these guys, because we have been looking all over for them, but we can't find them. Have you seen any of them? We all dutifully took a long look at them. Baburam comes across like he is leaner and meaner without his beard. Comrade Prachanda has developed quite a midriff. It was interesting to see how the appearance of our revolutionaries has changed over the years.

Anyway, on Tuesday we are told that Chakra Prasad Bastola has taken a letter from Girija Prasad Koirala and delivered it personally to Dr Baburam in Noida outside New Delhi. Huh? Then on Wednesday the government announces a Rs 50 lakh reward for the capture of Dr Baburam and Comrade Prachanda, dead or alive. There is also half that amount for anyone that gives information leading to the arrest of the two. So, that basically makes Chakraji eligible for Rs 25 lakhs since he knows where Dr Baburam is hiding.

Riddle: If you are asking for their heads, then why talk? If you are talking, then why not deliver their heads?
That's not all. The army is also offering a reward of Rs 25,000 for "factory-made revolvers and pistols". Trouble is, factory-made pistols are available in Darbhanga (in Bihar) for about Rs 5-10,000. I expect there is now going to be a big boom in the sale of factory-made pistols across the border. And why not, if you can make a cool Rs 10,000 profit on each pistol?