CPN Maoist leaders warn of another uprising

DOTI, Feb 3: Prakash Seti of Chautara-7, Chitwan district, anxiously watched a cultural program performed by young artists from Samana Sanskritik Pariwar, a cultural group affiliated to Netra Bikram Chand-led CPN Maoist. The artists were dressed in combat uniform and each of them had a fake rifle in their hands. They were showing their combat skills through dance.

While watching their performance, Prakash recalled how such dances used to be common during the decade-long Maoist insurgency. "Songs used in such dances alone are enough to send chills down my spine as they are full of exhortations for dying and killings," he said, adding that such "cultural programs" spread fear more than entertain people.


"My fear had decreased after the country remained comparatively peaceful in recent years. However, the revival of similar programs these days is making me fearful of another war," added Prakash.

Leaders who speak during such programs indirectly hint at the possibility of another rebellion. "People's movement is not over yet," said CPN Maoist politburo member Om Prakash Pun at the program. "Prachanda, Baburam and other Maoist leaders betrayed the people. If the state does not meet our demands, there is a possibility that we will raise our rifles again," he added.

According to him, they will reject the recently promulgated constitution as it does not fulfill their demands.

After attending the cultural program, faces of many in the audience turned serious with the fear of another war.

"They spoke of another war if the government does not listen to their demands. However, the government has not taken them seriously," said Prem Singh of Bashudevi. "If another insurgency is waged, how are we going to survive?" he added.

A common request of the audience was to move forward by solving all problems through talks.

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