he Maoist attacks in many areas of the country, especially in Rukum, Dailekh and Dolakha, have created panic in the minds of policemen, as this recent incident in Pyuthan shows.

The police heard that Maoists were going to attack police stations in a number of villages. Upon hearing the news, over 100 from one post surrendered their weapons and fled to the district headquarters, even as senior officials were instructing them to stay put. The policemen packed their bags, got onto buses and left for the district HQ. After the constables left, the officers followed.
Only a week ago, the police force at the post had been doubled from 50 to 100. This post is more than an hour's walk from the main road and is located between two hills. It is in an ideal target. The station had asked for additional personnel, but this request was turned down which is why they decided to leave the post. They complained that neither enough personnel nor weapons were supplied to the policemen on duty. Instead, if a policeman complained, he would be taken into custody, questioned and action would be taken against him. The policemen who have reached the district headquarters are just whiling away their time.