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| Evolution of Maoism in Nepal : Understanding Maoist Insurgency from Wider Perspective |
 PRINTABLE VERSION |
3.1 Imbalance of Political, Social, Economic and Cultural Opportunities
“In terms of caste and ethnic break-up, the country is essentially a conglomeration of minorities, with the two largest groups comprising but 16 percent (Chhetri) and nearly 13 percent (Bahun) of the population. None of the other groups constitute more than 10 percent of the population. …Regardless of the reality on the ground, Nepal is usually represented as a Hindu kingdom where different castes as well as ethnic, linguistic and religious groups have co-existed peacefully. …However, the subordinate groups are beginning to question this picture of tolerance and pluralism. Particularly since the restoration of multi-party democracy in 1990, the open political atmosphere has allowed the emergence of an energetic movement of ethnic assertion, whose leadership might regard Nepal as a pluralistic society, but one that is characterized by hierarchy, dominance and oppression. ”
“As early as 1992, British scholar Andrew Nichson had warned in an article entitled ‘Democratization and the Growth of communism in Nepal: A Peruvian Scenario in the Making’: ‘The future prospects of Maoism in Nepal will…depend largely on the extent to which the newly elected Nepali Congress government addresses the historic neglect and discrimination of the small rural communities which still make up the overwhelming bulk of the population of the country…[which] would mean a radical shake-up of the public administration system in order to make both more representative of the ethnic diversity of the country and more responsive to the needs of peasant communities.’ ”
Another notable characteristic of Maoist movement is the degree of women’s participation in guerrilla ranks. Women’s political participation in the past had been limited to electoral areas especially in voting and occasional candidacy in elections. It is a big surprise that Nepali women now have joined guerrilla organization under arms. Why many rural women have been a part of Maoist Movement? What specific life experiences convinced or compelled the women to take part in Maoist activities? Although it is very difficult to verify the exact number it is reported that women constitute anywhere between thirty and forty percent of Maoist military force, which according to conservative estimates, total at least 10,000 people. Among the women military personnel it is reported that most come from ethnic and Dalit groups, but there are also women from the Bahun-Chhetri castes. Ideologically, the Maoist claim to favor an end to the patriarchal organization of the society. In Nepali context, it appears that this position is exemplified by their demands for equal rights for women to inherit ancestral property. In the well-known forty-point demand submitted to the government just before the declaration of people’s war (Annex–I), one point deals exclusively with the patriarchal exploitation and discrimination against women should be stopped. Daughters should be allowed to access to parental property. However, the full liberation of women and gender equality is to be achieved only in a classless or communist society. Such a position is widely explained by the Maoist to the women through political classes, ‘cultural program, the party media and mass print media. So women are the interest group who Maoist have been time and again addressed women’s need to attract them to their activities. This is totally a new phenomenon in Nepal, which must not be taken lightly.
3.2 Nepal’s Geographical Condition and Unemployment Rate
Nepal’s rugged terrain (as similar to the Afghanistan and Peru) is one of the privileged to the Maoist to grow the roots of Maoism in Nepal. The geological structure of Nepal has been very suitable for the guerilla war operation and this is one of the important factors that have led to the growth of Maoism in Nepal. The inexperienced and untrained Maoist Rebel has been several times beaten the Nepal Police and Army force due to the geographical factor.
Similarly, giving the precarious economic situation in the country, joining Maoist Movement became an attractive option for young men and women in a growing number of districts. Literacy rates had increased over the preceding decades, more school leavers failed School Leaving failed the School Leaving Certificate examinations (to be taken at the end of the tenth year of school) than passed. If the Maoist is a young people’s movement then they appear to be an alternative or ‘outfall’ option for those who consider themselves unable to gain access to the formal system. The option to join the Maoist is additionally supported by the very high degree of failure in the School Leaving Certificate so that the failed pupils cannot hope to enter positions within the government or within, the very few, enterprises. This educated unemployment which increasing at geometrical proportions every year have neither a job nor a school to go where they could be kept busy. These unemployed youth, 15 to 18 years in age, are joining the ranks of armed guerrillas. So this is one of the reasons why the Maoist has been able to recruit immensely in their so-called People’s Army.
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Writer Profile
Manish Thapa
I am Manish Thapa from Nepal. I was born in 6th March 1981.I am pursuing Advanced International Study Program in Peace and Conflict Studies in European University Center fro Peace Studies (EPU), Austria, under Austrian Development Cooperation Fellowship.
I contribute regularly in Nepal Samacharpatra Daily (Nepali Daily Newspaper). Basically in Samacharpatra, I report about Development Issues and Human rights issues. I also contribute regularly in various development journals like Development Insight and Development Journal of Nepal.
I am also member of Vienna based International Press Institute (IPI) which is the global Body of International Press. IPI Nepal National Coordination Committee is working in Nepal to maintain Free, Fair and Ethical Journalism Practices.
Beside journalism, I am also running a Youth NGO called Youth Advocacy Group (YAG). YAG is a youth led NGO and I am serving as its President. YAG works with more than 10.000 youths in Nepal on different issues. YAG is a forum for youths of Nepal. Here in YAG we promote Youth Advocacy and Activism. Beside this we also run awareness campaigns on Sexual Reproductive Health, HIV/AIDS, Skill Based Training, Youth Empowerment Initiatives, Youth Journalism Project etc. On YAG, I am basically involved in formulating its plans and policies, fundraising activities and involved in training young people about Journalism.
I am also serving as Consultant (Program & Research) in Social Promotion and Integrated Development Center. Social Promotion and Integrated Development Center (SPIDC) is leading women led NGO in Nepal. I am consulting them on the issues related to Women Empowerment Activities and giving them training on Advocacy of Women Empowerment Issues at a national level.
I am actively involved with Taking IT Global Project (TIG). I am a active member of TIG and involved in many projects led by TIG such as Global Youth Advocacy Network (GYAN), "Speak Up for 2015 Campaign", MDG Asia Pacific Group etc.
Time to time, I involve myself in a consultancy job in various INGOs and UN organization. Recently I involved in UNFPA project called Reproductive Health Initiative For Youths in Asia (RHIYA) to write a booklet on “Meeting Generation Gap in Sexual Reproductive Health” and “Advocacy Leaflet on Sensitizing Sexual Reproductive Health Issues”.
I am currently involved with Mountain Resources Management Group an INGO with their Peace and Development Initiatives by preparing them various literatures on the Issues of peace and development. MRMG is working with The Carter Center of USA to initiate Peace Talks between the Government and the Maoist. The entire campaign is lead by President Jimmy Carter of USA.
So these are some of my activities on which I am currently engaged in. So summarizing my profile I can simply regard me myself as a Journalist, Youth Activist and a Development worker.
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