Nepalese hit streets - again - for change

[hedgetrimmer]

~snip~
from the July 27, 2006 edition

By Bikash Sangraula | Correspondent of The Christian Science Monitor

KATHMANDU, NEPAL – Building peace with Maoist rebels has proved more difficult for Nepal's mainstream political parties than ousting an ambitious absolute monarch from the seat of power.

Just three months after massive street protests forced King Gyanendra to reinstate parliament, thousands of citizens took to the streets again Wednesday in a bid to prevent differences between parties and Maoist rebels from hurting the peace process.


STAND FOR PROGRESS: A disabled man joined in protests Wednesday to demand ongoing democratic reform in Nepal.
SHRUTI SHRESTHA/REUTERS

About 2,000 people in Kathmandu blocked traffic in a peaceful rally that continued for about one hour. Members of a Maoist student organization also participated. Police kept an eye on the gathering but did not intervene, although they did arrest some two dozen physically challenged people at a rally that was on its way to participate in the sit-in.

Civil society leaders are worried by the slow pace of the peace process and recent bitter verbal exchanges between those in government offices and rebel leaders. The pressure campaign aims to push for quick resolution of the armed conflict that has left the country with nearly 14,000 dead and an ailing economy.

more... http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0727/p07s02-wosc.html

[Redstone]

1. Well, Maoists are SO reasonable, there shouldn't be a problem.

After all, the Maoist Great Leap forward only starved 20 or 30 million Chinese in the 1960s, so why should it be any problem dealing with this particular set of Maoists?

Redstone

[hedgetrimmer]

2. It's not just the Maoists, every group wants the power...

However, the king jumped right up to save his own ass but the Maoists are still chomping on the bit...you are right there.