Another commitment

The integration and rehabilitation of the Maoist combatants were making no headway for long as the Special Committee for Supervision, Integration and Rehabilitation of Maoist Combatants could not hold its meeting since the fall of the Maoist-led

government. Although Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal had reconstituted the committee on July 14, the Maoists had not been cooperating insisting that the previous committee be allowed to

function. This had resulted in a stalemate. Now, the Maoists have decided to take part in the committee by sending two representatives enabling the first meeting of the Special Committee to be held Tuesday. The committee has made a commitment to complete this mission within six months. The task cut out for the committee is not going to be easy considering the complex issues involved. It would be possible only by reaching a consensus as there are differing views as to how the integration and rehabilitation would be done of the Maoist combatants. As a lot of work needs to be done in achieving the compromise and with much technicalities involved, the meeting has decided to extend the term of the Technical Committee by three months.

The writing of the new constitution could not be done and the peace process would not reach its logical conclusion without the integration and rehabilitation of the Maoist fighters. The Special Committee is expected to set the criteria for integration of the Maoist combatants in the Nepal Army. A tricky deal has to be struck. It goes without saying that only those combatants who meet it should be allowed to join the national army. Then there are those who are against integrating “politically indoctrinated” recruits in the army. The Maoists are also accused of having the ultimate goal of capturing state power and that their activities substantiates this like the action taken against the Army Chief that created a row leading to the resignation of the then Prime Minister Puspha Kamal Dahal “Prachanda”. The raising of the slogan for the so-called “civilian supremacy” is another example. By refusing to let the House function normally, the Maoists have created further delay in the urgent business of the House.

As far as the case of Maoist fighters is concerned, there may be alternatives. At this juncture, the country is witnessing challenges to its security. Strikes, bandhs and other forms of protests have become common day occurrences. The law and order situation is in an appalling state and the present security apparatus is hard put to bring a semblance of order and peace in the country. The Maoist combatants could serve in bodies like industrial security providing forces and also as special security forces to guard the borders. The combatants could also be rehabilitated in the society by providing them with jobs and the requisite training so that they could earn for their livelihood and look forward to a bright future. Furthermore, it is regrettable that even after the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement three years back, the envisaged rehabilitation and integration of the Maoist combatants have not materialized, and this hits the Maoists the hardest.

Benefit of doubt

The 100 day syndrome is quite used to in the context of our country. It seems to be a usual practice to sit down and start counting the days that a new government is in power, howsoever futile jotting down the numerals may sound. In fact, now it is the turn of the UML-led government to come under the scanner. Of course, like in the case with every previous government, there’s not much to be excited about this time except for the fact that the government is moving along receiving brickbat as well appreciation as the days have passed. So far, except for the House being stalled for almost a month and a half, courtesy the UCPN (M), the floods and landslides, the steep hike in the prices of every conceivable items of daily requirement, the usual breaks in the smooth vehicular movement along the highways, and so on, the going can’t be said to be bad.

The constitution drafting process has got stalled, and that is not the fault of PM Madhav Kumar Nepal or rather the government. It is not to be blamed if the peace process doesn’t budge even an inch. It can’t help when others don’t chip in as they should. Whatever the honeymoon period saw, the days ahead cannot be worse than that.