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| Evolution of Maoism in Nepal : Understanding Maoist Insurgency from Wider Perspective |
 PRINTABLE VERSION |
3.3 Illegitimate, Undemocratic and Inefficient Governance
The frustrations associated with unfulfilled expectations following the replacement of absolute monarchy with multiparty democracy provided fertile ground for the Maoist movement. The lack of political and economic access has been compounded by bad governance and corruption. Despite enormous amount of funds being poured into Nepal for development, the proportion of Nepalis below the poverty line are now greater than ever before . The process of decentralization to improve governance and increase people’s participation has been implemented but has not been very effective. “The legitimacy of these structures has rested more on legal requirements and the financial and organizational “support” of the central government rather than on the stake holding of the local voters.”
“It remains Nepal’s singular misfortune that the political forces are always engrossed with changing the regime, but never with altering the substance of governance. … For the political elites and counter-elites, establishing rule-based governance and institutional procedures has so far proved less attractive than simply overthrowing the political opposition and ruling through patronage and fiat. ”
When the movement oriented political groups of the Panchayat era turned themselves into political parties, they failed to build their institution in democratic ways. While almost all of them mouthed democratic slogans none built mechanisms whereby the small illegalities of party leaders, ideologues and members could be disciplined through transparent, credible but decisive sets of intra-party rules and procedures. Some political misdemeanors were allowed to occur with impunity in each of the big parties – Nepali Congress (NC), Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist –Leninist) (CPM –UML) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) – were personal aggrandizement, often in the name of helping the party, was overlooked. Although opposition parties often indulged in moral posturing they too failed to come up with effective laws to tame excesses of the ruling party. The CPN (UML), which led the opposition for most of the period, was unable to create a social environment in which laws that would govern party finances -said to be the single most important source of political corruption in Nepal –could be passed. This kind of deceit on the part of the political parties contributed directly to a widespread disenchantment with the multi-arty democratic set-up, and facilitated the political arrival and growth of the Maoist.
3.4 Absence of Opportunities for the Peaceful Reconciliation of Group Interests and for Bridging Dividing Lines between Groups.
The situation in Nepal is perhaps more complicated than most, in addition to the multiparty system the monarchy is also a major player. This is especially true since the removal of the Prime Minister by the King in October 2002. Since then, the various political parties have refused to participate in the government. Of great concern is their steadfast refusal to date to participate in peace talks with the Maoists. Since many views the takeover by the King to be unconstitutional, the non-participation by the political parties is thus viewed as lack of input from the people.
3.5 Absence of an Active and Organized Civil Society
“In Nepal, where society comprises many castes, creeds and ethnic groups, strong patrimonial and patriarchal systems have long existed to perpetuate the domination of the elite. Subsidiary governance is realized only when people themselves become aware of their rights and exercise them as citizens and members of civil society to promote individual and collective well-being. ”
Regional Dynamics
It is important to understand the Maoist movement in the historical context and continuity that has thrived due to the geopolitical situation of South Asia. It is important to note here that the rulers in India had supported the pro-democracy movement in Nepal in 1950-51 when the Rana oligarchy collapsed. Again in 1990, Indian leaders arguably played a crucial role in restoring multiparty system by using a yearlong Indo-Nepal transit impasse to precipitate the collapse of the Panchayat regime. One can draw certain lessons from this experience. In spite of the Nepali state’s apparent weaknesses, it is capable of defusing domestic crises. However, whenever there is outside intervention/assistance, Nepal has been forced to make concessions. After 1990, India forced Nepal into signing several secret bilateral accords by manipulating the oppositional politics in Nepal. According to this argument the rebel leader Ram Raja Singh (during the Panchayat days) and now the Maoists are prime examples of India’s “strategic coercion” against the Nepali State. Without a base outside Nepal the Maoists will find it very hard to continue their guerilla war.
India has been supplying the Nepalese government with military hardware and training assistance. The Arms Assistance Agreement signed in 1965 to assist in reorganization and modernization of the Royal Nepal Army had the objective of strengthening the security and independence of Nepal. The agreement was in recognition of the military links between the two countries and established India as the primary supplier of arms to Nepal.
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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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