Give them justice
The
Himalayan Times
10
November 2016
Give them
justice
The
Maoists who fought people’s war against the state had joined mainstream
politics a decade ago and is now one of the major political parties who are now
leading the coalition government for the last three months. This party had also
got the opportunity of running the country at the onset of republic government
in Nepal. However, it had completely failed to address its internal party
issues related to its combatants who were disqualified for joining the Nepal
Army due to being either underage or late entry into PLA. These disqualified
PLA fighters were not properly rehabilitated by both the mother party and the
state. So, it is not surprising to read the news “Disqualified PLA fighters
padlock CPN-MC HQ” (THT, 8 November, page 1) when their mother party is again
at the political helm.
They
have even threatened the state saying that if their concerns are not properly
addressed, country may have to grapple with another bout of insurgency. They
have accused the mother party of using them as human shield during people’s
war. They were assured of Rs 2 lakh each during their disqualification to
facilitate their return to society which never materialized. Claiming that
their entire child-hood was spent in the war, they could neither get proper
education nor can get any job now. As many as 4000 Maoist ex-combatants were
disqualified for integration into Nepali Army. Most of them seem to be
wandering around seeking justice from the mother party and the government.
Time
has come for the PM Dahal led government to amicably settle this issue rather
than denying them justice and fair treatment. If they are denied justice, they
may stand against their mother party and the state. The government should not
undermine their voices and try to suppress their demands. Both the government
and the mother party should honour their grievances and settle the issues on
time. Padlocking the head-quarter of CPN-MC by their ex-PLA fighters cannot be
seen as a good indication. All their senior leaders, who used to claim to be champions
of common people, are well-off now enjoying luxurious lives. Should they ignore
the demands of their fighters who had contributed to their luxurious life in
one way or the other?
Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharajgunj
