Turn likely, for better or worse
- Maoist protest
The Maoists are carefully calibrating the government’s response to their two-day old movement and their own reaction will depend on how they perceive the government is responding. They are saying that the nature of their protest could take a new turn if the government “continues to ignore our demands”.
Hitman Shakya, the party’s Kathmandu Valley-in-Charge, said, “If the government ignores our call to step down, we will bring more protesters to launch an aggressive movement,” he said.
From Tuesday, the Maoists are starting their ‘Red Ring Road Picketing’ from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Their indefinite strike from May 2 has so far been surprising in the sense that the banda has been peaceful, organised and ‘disciplined’, contrary to popular belief.
The arrest of Maoist cadres with homemade weapons on the eve of the strike had raised fears of things taking a nasty turn. However, except for stray incidents, the protest has not erupted in any clash between the demonstrators and the police. There was neither burning of tyres on roads nor obstruction in the movement of the press and or diplomatic missions.
The protests have, however, thrown up questions. Will this strategy of the Maoists continue or do they have ‘plan B’?
The arrangements made by the party show the protesters are in for a long haul. Tens of thousands of people brought here have been divided into smaller groups.
The Maoists have established 35 strategic arcs at different places in the Capital. A YCL leader said these arcs have been set up to connect cadres if the communication systems fails.
The Maoists will mobilise their activists on a rotation basis, while additional cadres will be brought to the capital from the Tamsaling and Newa Committees. Cadres who are tired and those falling sick will be sent back while fresh ones will come to give continuity to the agitation. However, core cadres — YCL members and volunteers — will remain here till the “last moment,” said Chandra Bahadur Thapa, YCL Valley-in-Charge.
Some Maoist leaders in favour of adopting a ‘Thailand style’ protest to topple the government. Interestingly, Maoist leader Janardan Sharma recently visited Thailand.
The Maoists have also started consultations with the valley people to get them to join the protest. The party feels that the agitation cannot go ahead without the active participation of Kathmanduites.
Posted on: 2010-05-04 08:50
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Abin
Shit! The note is lost. I had better avoid extemporising. ...have been told not to blab.
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