The categorization process, though it missed its deadline, has moved forward and the survey of combatants is expected to be completed in the next few days. Whether categorization as a whole will be over by November 30, the day the CA term expires, paving the way for the Nepal Army to take charge of former Maoist combatants opting for integration, remains a question.
The Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), the major stakeholder in the process, has yet again failed to honor its commitment to return properties seized by its cadres during the conflict period. The Baidya-faction in the Maoist party has publicly opposed the return of seized properties and has threatened landowners with consequences if they try to get their lands back. To be fair to the Maoist leadership, especially Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dhahal, they have tried hard to return the properties and in the process they have been lampooned as "leaders of the feudals" by their own cadres.
But whether Dahal himself has done enough -- and given of his best-- to make sure that seized properties go back to the rightful owners, remains a question. NC and UML leaders have already complained that he hasn´t been forceful enough. The only agreement in the 7-point deal that is related to the constitution writing process, the formation of an expert panel on state restructuring, has been aborted, and replaced with a State Restructuring Commission. But the appointment to the Commission of individuals with close affiliation to the parties, and most of whom have no clue what federalism is or how it works, has already undermined its legitimacy.
Where do we go from here? Such dismal performance by the political parties in the last three weeks notwithstanding, any alternative to staying the course and implementing the 7-point deal could be disastrous. The only option for the parties is self-introspection and prompt action with renewed zeal. The Maoist leadership must realize that their failure to return seized properties has significantly eroded their credibility, raising serious questions about their trustworthiness. It’s time they demonstrated resolve and kept their promises.
And the NC must take the initiative to form the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Disappearance Commission and encourage the Maoist leadership to move forward. The last thing that the parties should attempt at this point is to topple the government before the goals of peace and constitution are achieved. As unwelcome as such an attempt would be, it could also derail the entire process, putting at risk the political gains made so far.
The parties should, therefore, show unity of purpose-- peace and constitution remains the single most important item in the nation’s agenda and they should sideline everything else to make sure that we achieve these tasks in time. The people will accept no excuse or apology this time.
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