Five years after signing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the process of discharging the Maoist combatants from their cantonments has indeed begun. Over 6,000 combatants have already decided to leave the cantonments. This is a good sign in the peace process. However, it is yet to be seen how Nepal’s political parties will complete the remaining task, the most difficult, in the process, that is, of integration. We have decided to analyze the entire process of discharge of the Maoists ex-fighters and implications in Nepal’s future peace process as a cover story for this week. The comprehensive analysis discusses pros and cons related to the peace process and insurgency in Nepal’s history.
Along with regular columns and thoughtful articles on contemporary issues, including the recently published reports of the State Restructuring Commission, we have also covered political developments and projects which are serving the poor people of Nepal. A deadlock has followed the decision of the government to legalize the land deals endorsed by the People’s Court. We have interviewed prime minister Baburam Bhattarai for this issue. Despite the government’s efforts to maintain the supply of petroleum products, scarcity of petroleum products is yet to go away. That is another topic for this edition. Following the pressure from the students, the government reduced the prices of petroleum products. As the scarcity continues and the government is in no position to provide subsidy to Nepal Oil Corporation of over Rs 1.5 billion a month, Nepalese are certain to face more ordeals before the resumption of regular supplies.
Keshab Poudel
Editor