Fire on the mountain

The stand of the European Union to take a more intrusive interest in Nepal’s human rights in the context of the Maoist armed militancy that the government is battling against, is understandable but not adequately justifiable. Excesses by the security agencies would need to be seen in the context in which they are forced to operate. After all, few had heard of such violations in Nepal even well after the insurgency erupted eight years ago. There can be no sympathy with the repressive rule and violation of human rights by non-democratic and authoritarian governments. But where legitimate democratic governments have to battle violent terrorism, the situation becomes far more complex.

Post 9/11 experiences clearly remind us that even the most liberal democracies have had to curtail freedoms in the face of terrorism and militancy. Nepal’s basic problems stem from the iniquitous socio-economic conditions where 42 per cent of people lives below the poverty line, with half of the population below the age of 20. The Maoists had started to exploit this after failing to win even ten seats in the 205-member parliament in 1996 and opting for the gun in preference to seeking the popular support of the people. The problems have been further compounded by weak, and largely ineffective, governments and confrontational politics.

Nepal needs necessary understanding and assistance to deal with a difficult situation beyond mere good intentions from distant capitals. It is easy to take action against the state. But it is near impossible to act efficiently against non-state actors and groups like the Maoists engaged in violence against innocents. Under the circumstances, it is good that the Nepalese prime minister has pledged steps to address the human rights issues, and has said that the International Committee of the Red Cross would be allowed access to all detention centres. Ending militancy and terrorism would naturally reduce the potential for human rights violations. What is required is an urgent return to the peace process through dialogue and the resolution of differences in accordance with democratic principles.