Interesting developments in Nepal?

It is being reported that a new organization claiming to be Maoist has formed out of various anti-Prachanda groupings. The new group is called the “Communist Party of Nepal-Maoists United Rebellion Front.” It is being reported that one of the leaders of this organization is Roshan alias Laxman Tharu. (1) It is reported that other leaders of this front include Rabindra Shrestha and Mani Thapa who are reported to have earlier called for a new cultural revolution and continuation of people’s war. Rabindra Shrestha and Mani Thapa were expelled by Prachanda’s clique some time ago.

It is reported that the new organization has issued an ultimatum that all of Prachanda’s ministers must resign from the government by September 1st, next month. The announcement of the new front coincides with Prachanda’s party’s ongoing plenum in Kathmandu. (2) Roshan alias Laxman Tharu threatened, “If the Maoists party ignores our instructions, we will bring the entire militias from the cantonment sites scattered in different parts of the country.” (3) Tharu also said, “If they continue to follow the reformist line by sabotaging the revolution instead of protecting it, then we will pull out the (PLA) army along with the arms.” The front claims to have 4,000 cadres and 1,000 PLA fighters on their side. (4) In addition, the front complains about imperialist and Indian hegemony in Nepal. The Prachanda clique has been under pressure from below for some time. The Prachanda clique is reportedly suffering mass desertions from some cantonment sites where the PLA is jailed. Some speculate that these desertions are coordinated. (5) MSH has no way to confirm any of this.

MSH has long declared the RIM-backed Prachanda clique to be renegade fakes. (6) It is no surprise to MSH that there are various revolts against the Prachanda clique. MSH simply does not have enough information on any of these specific revolts and organizations to make any in-depth comments. It would be opportunist for MSH to recognize any group as a vanguard in Nepal with so little information available to us. However, MSH supports those who would put the Nepalese people’s movement back on the path to power. MSH supports true Maoists everywhere. People’s war must be carried through to the end.

Notes.
1. http://www.telegraphnepal.com/news_det.php?news_id=1671
2. http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?nid=118087
3. http://www.telegraphnepal.com/news_det.php?news_id=1671
4. http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?nid=118087
5. http://www.telegraphnepal.com/news_det.php?news_id=1594
6. http://monkeysmashesheaven.wordpress.com/on-the-situation-in-nepal/

August 6, 2007