KATHMANDU, Oct 18: CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has drawn parallels between the criticism faced by the Gen Z movement and the labels once used against the Maoists during the insurgency.
Speaking at a public event on Saturday, Chairman Dahal said that those who previously branded Maoist cadres as “terrorists” are now using the same term for Gen Z protesters. “There are two views within the country. One calls you [Gen Z] terrorists. You have heard it — there are people who once called our movement terrorist as well,” Dahal said.
3 soldiers, 3 terrorists killed in clash in NW Pakistan
He accused “certain parties and leaders” of making such remarks and added, “You will be shocked if I tell you who is calling you terrorists.”
Recalling the Maoist insurgency, Dahal said, “Yesterday, when we fought for the rights of the oppressed castes, classes, regions, genders and communities, we too were branded as terrorists. Now, the same forces are labeling you the same way.”
Dahal, who led the decade-long Maoist insurgency that ended with the Comprehensive Peace Accord in 2006, appeared to express sympathy for the Gen Z protesters. Many see his remarks as an attempt to gain sympathy of Gen Z for the Maoist Center.
