TIPENI, SINDHUPALCHOK, APR 11 - The Royal Nepal Army (RNA) unit manning the Indrawati Hydro-project in Sindhupalchok district has started a ‘letter campaign’ as per its strategy to thwart the Maoist influence in Tipeni area.As per their common will and that of local residents, the security personnel have been sending letters to Maoists through their family members asking rebels to shun violence. Below is a draft of such a letter.
"Comrade, hope you are fine. We are aware of the factors that forced you to adopt the wrong path. However, there is no need to fear. It is better come to contact us at the earliest, least you might be caught in hostility."
As a result of this new campaign, two Maoists from Jyamire and Lagarche VDCs surrendered to the security personnel, four days ago. They surrendered the socket bombs they had with them.
"We are obliged not to publicise the names of the Maoists," said a high-level security official here. "First we try and understand with a rebel family why he/she chose the wrong path. Then we write to them. We do not mistreat the family of the rebels."
The security personnel of the Titepani area look after 10 VDCs. For the past two years, security unit here has been working in liaison with people. Every week local residents and security personnel meet at the camp and discuss various issues. The high security officials at the meeting ask locals if there have been any inconveniences or untoward instances, due to presence of the security personnel.
They have formed a code of conduct and both parties are committed to abide by it, co-operating with each other at the same time. The meeting is also a venue to decide the mode of punishment if one is found violating the set norms and values, according to villagers.
The villagers also said that his family members are allowed to meet with any surrendered rebel held in the camp.
"We do not shoot a Maoist at sight. We are working as per public feeling," said the high security official.Posted on: 2004-01-12 02:58

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