Power fights

Reposted from Nepali Times.

The government has asked the security forces to remain on high alert in the run up to nationwide protests planned for International Labour Day by the Maoists. The Kathmandu Post writes:

An informal Cabinet meeting on Thursday asked the Maoists to immediately stop their nationwide ‘military training’ and withdraw their mass protests. It also warned of stern action if the Maoists ignore the appeal. The meeting attended by chiefs of three security agencies – Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and National Investigation Department – directed the security agencies to initiate special security arrangements to avert possible violence during the Maoist protests.

Meanwhile, the Maoists have intensified their efforts to train their cadres and collect donations to fund the planned protests on 1 May. Republica reports:

In Dang district, Young Communist League (YCL) has begun lathi and khukuri training to youths in the districts and expedited donation collection drive which the Maoist youth wing said is for a people’s revolt.

Youths from all 39 VDCs and two municipalities of Dang have been taking part in the training. YCL said that it has planned to train around 10,000 youths in the district alone. The participants are trained to use lathis (sticks) and khukuris. But the Maoists have termed the training as a sport training.

Local landlords have been forced to give donations worth Rs 5,000 to Rs 100,000. But the Maoists have denied the charge and said the people have been asked to donate voluntarily.

Maoists have said the training is also being given to provide security to their leaders, The Himalayan Times writes:

Maoists have been imparting paramilitary training to its cadres to use traditional weapons such as khukuris and swords to, what the Maoists said, provide security to its leaders in the rallies to be held in the capital and elsewhere.

Yesterday Home Minister Bhim Rawal told the Cabinet that the Maoists were looking to seize power by creating chaos and disorder in the country. Kantipur writes:

“The Maoists want to bring the nation to a halt and seize power by creating disorder. Their ultimate goal is to seize power,” Minister of Industry Mahendra Yadav quoted Rawal as saying.

Maoist leaders have said the demonstrations will be peaceful. Kantipur reports:

“The government is threatened by a peaceful demonstration,” Maoist Vice Chairman Narayankaji Shrestha said. “It wants to oppress us by saying we want to seize power.” He said the government would be responsible for any adversarial consequences if it tries to oppress the protestors.

Friday, April 23rd, 2010