Remove the 'terrorists' tag from Maoists in Nepal

After a decade-long civil war in the country, we appreciate the Maoists in Nepal for their agreement on ceasefire, involvement in the Interim Government, and then their participation in the elections in a largely peaceful and fair manner.

While it is true that, in the course of the Maoist revolution in the past decade, many lives were lost and human rights were seriously violated by the rebels, it is important to note that the same took place from the side of the government, too. Unfortunately, some biased reports from the media prevented the world at large from understanding this. As a matter of fact, more Maoists than people from any other group were killed in the recent struggle against the monarchy towards the re-establishment of democracy.

The realities from the past are still subject to different interpretations, but keeping in view the need for the stability and legitimacy of the future democratic government, it is important that the international community stand in support of Nepalese people who have decided to forgive both the sides in order to help them forge a partnership to rebuild the country.

The election manifesto of the Maoists appears impressive, particularly, in their assurance about the continuity of multiparty democracy in Nepal. Their approach to ‘industrial capitalism, geared towards socialism’ holds a great potential for positive socio-economic reforms in the country. Nepalese people have for long been victims of gender, racial, and ethnic discrimination. In the midst of these challenges, it is encouraging to see the Maoists demonstrating their commitment, again and again, to social equality, which has been vividly reflected by their nominations for the election. With the representation of people from diverse backgrounds, the new constitution to be drafted seems to be promoting pluralism and inclusiveness as a consequence of which, for the first time in the country’s history, elected women and indigenous people are joining the House in substantive numbers and proportions.

After years of bloodshed in the country, there is, thus, a glimmer of hope and we feel that international support is extremely necessary for building a ‘New Nepal’ to which all the political parties and their representatives seem to be committed. We feel that this support is cherished by every Nepalese citizen for three different reasons – one, it is more than just a voluntary choice for the Nepalese because there is hardly an alternative to it both technically and non-technically; two, the urgency of such support is likely to grow in the near future; and three, the support of international community lends the process a certain legitimacy, ownership, and sustainability that play a positive role to universalize the twin processes of democratization and development.

It has been really encouraging to see Mr. Jimmy Carter’s request to the US government to reconsider the tag on Maoists on the basis of his direct observation of the polls followed by the strong support the Maoists have been able to garner in the polls. The recent official statement from the Indian Ambassador to Nepal also indicates that the Indian Government accepts the newly formed government as a “legitimate” one and that India will provide unconditional cooperation to the Maoist government. It is, therefore, time that the US Government reconsiders its position, too.

In case the terrorist tag is not removed, the relations between the US and the incoming government is likely to remain frigid leading to further complications, whereas a positive decision to remove the tag is likely to send positive message to quite a few hard regimes around the world. It will also help in dispelling the conservative image of the ruling US regime amongst the Nepalese people. Above all, such a step will protect Nepalese in Nepal and abroad from the wrong image that the Nepalese at large may have acquired over the years and from the undeserved persecution that they may be subjected to from time to time as a result of the tag.

We deeply appreciate the US Government for extending its support to Nepal in conducting the Constituent Assembly Polls and in the creation of an environment conducive for peace. As global citizens, who wish the welfare of Nepalese people, we appreciate the assurance given by the United States to “continue assistance to Nepal”, following the Maoists’ victory. Given the deep commitment that the United States has and the support that it has given to fledgling democracies the world over, what decision the United States takes at this particular hour can be of critical relevance in making and marring the relations with the regime that will soon be formed in Nepal. We, therefore, urge you to help remove the terrorist tag on the democratically elected party, which, we are certain, would go a long way to strengthen US-Nepal relationship.