What are the Maoist rebels planning? Special - October 2003

Maoist rebels want to change their strategy

October 2003

Change of targets

Amidst fresh reports of violent conflicts, the Maoist leadership pledged to not take physical action against party leaders and activists, low-ranking security personnel and physical infrastructures.

The CPN-Maoist president and headman Prachanda announced the rebels would now target US-backed organisations and halt attacks on government infrastructure. He signalled a shift away from attacks on government buildings, telecommunications and other infrastructural works. Prachanda said Nepalese police would be given a chance to leave the force rather than be killed. Aid groups not funded by the US would be allowed to work in villages after consultations with the rebels, the rebel's most senior leader said. A new "tax" on businesses would replace extortions.

Change of smuggling routes

The Maoists, during the ceasefire period, smuggled in arms and ammunitions from Indian territories and other countries.

Most of the arms were brought in from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh of India. The arms were purchased in the open weapon market of Lucknow, the state capital of Uttar Pradesh. After the breakdown of the ceasefire the Maoists have altered the arms smuggling routes for security reasons. Before the ceasefire, arms were being smuggled through western Terai districts. Since a couple of months, the Maoists have mostly been using northern points of western Nepal to bring in arms. The entry points include Muchu and Taklakot of Humla district, and other places of Darchula and Baitadi districts.

Maoists rebels have contacts with the Indian rebel groups, such as Maoist Communist Center and People's War Group. These groups are dealing with weapons and provide logistics.

Maoists smuggling explosives from India, Tibet

Maoist rebels are smuggling explosives and arms into the country from Indian and Tibetan borders in the far western region.

The primary route used by the rebels is the Belauri checkpoint of Kanchanpur district and Melauli checkpoint at the border of Dadeldhura and Baitadi districts.

The Maoists are purchasing explosives from staff of the Dhauli Ganga hydro project at Dharchula in India. The Maoists are also smuggling arms and explosives in from the Tibetan border via Jharganda and Taklako. Once the explosives have been smuggled into Nepal, their next destination is usually Bajura and Achham.

New phase of war?

The Maoists on the other hand by launching attacks on Armed Police Force bases in Bhaluwang and Kusum, initiated a new phase in armed movement, which so far was concentrated in the hills. The armed offensives, though unsuccessful, meant the Maoists had shifted their focus to Terai and mostly concentrated in urban centres.