The signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the SPA government and the Maoists has paved the way for the rehabilitation of the internally displaced people (IDPs). The responsibility now rests with both of them to create a favourable environment to ensure that all the IDPs return to their villages as early as possible. The fear psychosis among many IDPs is so deep that they are not fully confident that their returning home is a good idea. In this connection, three UN bodies have initiated a three-week media campaign to create awareness about the rights of the IDPs, whose number runs into tens of thousand, to return home safely and in a dignified manner.

Rehabilitation is a gigantic task. This calls for seriousness on the part of all concerned, not to mention the funds that will be required to complete the process. But money may not be the main barrier, as donors are more than willing to contribute generously. Nepal only has to demonstrate that the job would be undertaken in good faith and the resources would be used properly. The Maoists could play a vital role in filling the gap between the IDPs’ ardent desire to return home and their lack of confidence in doing so. Rehabilitation is much more than mere return. It entails renovation of houses, resettlement expenses, resumption of school calendar for the children, and reinventing means of livelihood. In the case of families with one or more member, or even their bread-winner, killed or maimed, additional special provisions are required. Rehabilitation in most cases means starting from scratch.