Kathmandu, June 13 :

Even after the political changes, all the Maoist-run FM stations are run from underground. Many of the valley people are still unaware of the rebel-run radio that resumed operation recently. The Maoist cadres are the regular listeners of the Radio Janaganatantra Nepal 95.1Mega Hertz.

The Maoists had five mobile FM stations. One is still not working. Seti Mahakali, also known as Sema Regional Broadcasting service, covers the west, while Bheri-Karnali (Bheka) covers the two zones and the Rapti. The one at Rapti has a special broadcasting service.

Ishwor Chandra Gyawali, coordinator of the Valley Broadcasting Service of the Maoists, claimed that it is some kind of a record that they have run the FM mobile stations underground for nearly five years. The Tigers of Sri Lanka who also run FM stations have fixed FM stations.

The mobile FM broadcasting in the valley is run by a special central command, designed to cover the eastern, western and southern parts of the valley and adjoining districts.

The security forces had jammed the valley broadcasting of the Maoists. They stopped doing it a few weeks ago.

Gyawali claimed that the radio had played a crucial role in creating disaffection towards the monarchy and in making the villagers aware of their rights. The radio airs programmes on communist ideology, revolutionary songs, stories related to the “martyrs” of the people’s war and, of course, news. Recalling his experience during the difficult hours of broadcasting the radio, Gyawali said many lower level officers of the Nepal Police used to listen to Radio Janaganatantra Nepal daily.

The technician of the Valley Broadcasting Service Prabesh said they used to get around 200 letters from the listeners. “We have received only 15 letters after we resumed service ten days ago,” he said. He added that broadcasting is carried out from the ring area of the valley.