Mahendra Goel, a garment manufacturer, had tried to stop members of a Maoist-affiliated trade union from writing slogans on the wall of his compound. In the attack that followed, he ended up with a fractured left arm. But the comrades were not content. They imposed a penalty of Rs 8,900 before the issue was declared settled. The incident took place in the heart of Baneswar, but the police refused to intervene.

This is not an isolated incident. It is just a classic example of how the state has become invisible in the everday life of its citizens. And the dysfunction is perceived not only by the international community, but the ruling coalition as well.

The ceasefire is on. But no one has any doubt about the clout the Maoists are wielding in the current round of negotiations with the government.

The government had surrendered all its authority to the rebels right at the beginning, when the dialogue began.

But the revived parliament—after a series of “radical declarations” aimed chiefly at curtailing the King’s power and empowering people—has now suddenly begun realising the impact of the move.

In a knee-jerk reaction, it has come up with the CPP resolution against the dissolution of parliament. In fact, the view that the dissolution of parliament will only lead to absence of democratic and representative institutions, has been endorsed by senior leaders of other political parties.

But the belated realisation has put a question mark on the future of the ongoing dialogue and the peace process with the Maoists. The timing, too, could not have been worse, for the government has already invited the United Nations to “work for management of weapons of the Nepal Army as well as the rebels”.

... contd.