Some uncertainty still hangs over the formation of an interim government (IG), including the CPN-Maoist, as provided for under the Interim Constitution. First, the completion of the process of registration and storage of Maoist arms with UN monitors was made a precondition for such a government. When it was over, the possibility of under-disclosure of weapons was raised. As the doubters have not come up with any evidence to prove themselves, they have to give the Maoists the benefit of the doubt. However, the Maoists need also to take seriously the reservations being expressed about their conduct. Cases of their highhandedness — such as occasional arms-carrying, extortions, felling and selling of trees — are still giving legitimate cause for concern because their scale and frequency has the potential to assume gigantic proportions.

The Maoists should also think that should such activities continue their participation in the IG might create an embarrassment for the government at home and abroad. They must completely abide by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and other understandings. On their part, they may have their own grievances against the SPA as to the fulfilment of its commitments. But all these issues need to be sorted out through high-level talks. Some hiccups during the peace process are quite possible, including those which may arise as the Maoists change from arms-toting guerrillas to the actors of a mainstream political party. But it is the Nepalis who must decide what is acceptable and what is unacceptable in the Maoists, and whether the Maoists are fit to join the IG. The SPA government should not be seen to be acting under extraneous influence even while deciding on purely internal matters such as these.

The latest consultations between national political leaders — particularly those between PM Girija Prasad Koirala and Maoist chairman Prachanda — are nevertheless encouraging. The Maoists are reported to have promised to Koirala to return the seized property, help resettle the displaced, as well as abide by other commitments more fully. In Biratnagar on Saturday, Koirala told journalists that the IG would be formed by the first week of the Nepali month of Chaitra at the latest — in other words, within 10 days. It may be argued, with some justification, that the mere fact of induction in government is likely to compel the Maoists to correct their behaviour further. Anyway, the peace process cannot move forward if the kind of hardline approach to the Maoists, as being suggested by some, including foreigners, is adopted as a pre-condition for their inclusion in the IG. The IG is urgent as it clears the way for the CA polls. The election date needs to be announced without delay to end all uncertainty. There can, however, be no justification for dilly-dallying the poll schedule of mid-June only on grounds that the Maoists have not sufficiently improved their conduct although improve they must as a matter of faith.