A month after winning majority in Constituent Assembly elections, Maoists are now faced with not so pleasant situation. Members of its youth group- Young Communist League (YCL) and some former rebels have yet to change their rough ways and accept being part of a democratic system.
Still The Same
Across Nepal incidents of YCL members threatening residents sometimes resorting to violence if their demands are not met, targeted attacks against schools, teachers and political opponents have been reported. These actions by the YCL members even after winning the elections and promising to abide by the law are raising serious concerns about the Maoists and their leadership.
Nepal’s human rights commission on Monday May 19th said that it is troubled by the way the YCL members are resorting to violence. A statement release by the commission says that “NHRC has received complaints and information that YCL has committed inhuman activities like abduction, murder, beating and issuing threats. NHRC expresses serious concern over these activities.” It also urged the government to investigate the incidents of violence and punish those guilty.
Tragic Consequences
As the Maoist leadership and the government are trying to find ways to deal with increasingly vocal and fearless YCL youths and some rouge members of their organization, the violence goes on. A Kathmandu businessman and Maoist sympathizer was killed a month after being abducted and tortured by members of Maoist affiliated People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
On Monday, victim Ram Hari Shrestha’s family accused the Maoist party leadership of trying to sweep the matters under a dirty rug and protecting those responsible. Prachanda, Maoists Chairman in a statement said that he is saddened by the news of Shrestha’s death but did not respond to the accusation that his men were behind the crime.
Growing Fireball
In the past Maoists have indulged in number of targeted murders and political vendetta, murder of Ram Hari Shrestha is certainly not the most atrocious crime committed by the former rebels but the way the incident is shaping public opinion against the party and its leadership could lead to big trouble, especially when the first meeting of newly elected constituent assembly is just days away. Growing opposition of the Maoists could hamper the party’s effort to exert its influence as the majority in the constituent assembly and also in the formation of new government.
Victim Shrestha’s family is organizing Kathmandu city wide programs to protest against the Maoists and a number of influential political groups have decided joined them. Nepal Student Union organization demonstration in the city to express solidarity with the family. Student leader and newly appointed Constituent Assembly member Gagan Thapa, Nepal Communist Party (United Marxist and Leninist) supported student leader Thakur Gaire, students of Ratna Rajyalaxmi Campus, all participated in protest rallies across Kathmandu against the Maoists.
United Nations Mission in Nepal on Monday condemned the murder of Ram Hari Shrestha and Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala is under increasing pressure to crack down on out of control Maoist members.
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