आधुनिक प्रहरीको दर्शन, चुनौतिहरु र हाम्रो मानसिकता

 

आधुनिक प्रहरीको दर्शन, चुनौतिहरु र हाम्रो मानसिकता
डा. गोविन्द प्रसाद थापा, पूर्व प्रहरी अतिरिक्त महानिरीक्षक

देशमा शान्ति सुव्यवस्था कायम राखी अपराधको रोकथाम तथा अनुसन्धान गर्ने उत्तरदायित्व राज्यले प्रहरीलाई सुम्पेको हुन्छ । प्रहरी राज्यको एउटा महत्वपूर्ण निकाय हो । सस्तो, सर्वसुलभ, निष्पक्ष तथा छिटो छरितो न्याय प्रदान गर्नमा प्रहरीको भूमिका महत्वपूर्ण हुन्छ । प्रहरी निष्पक्ष, निस्वार्थ, सक्षम, दक्ष र सम्वेदनशील हुन नसकेमा ऊबाट अपेक्षित प्रतिफल आउन सक्दैन । फेरी प्रहरीकै कामको आधारमा राज्यको मुल्याङ्कन पनि हुने गर्दछ । आजको विज्ञानको युगमा प्रहरी संगठनले समय, काल र परिस्थिति अनुरुप आफुलाई ढाल्न सक्नुपर्ने हुन्छ । समय सापेक्ष हुन नसकेमा विकल्पको खोजी प्रारम्भ हुन्छ । बर्तमान स्थितिमा नेपाल प्रहरीमाथि थुप्रै चुनौतिहरु थपिएका छन् । आमजनताको बिश्वास कायम राख्नको लागि यस संगठनले उक्त चुनौतिहरुको सक्षमतापूर्वक मुकावला गर्न सक्नु पर्दछ । विद्यमान चुनौतिहरुका साथै नेपाल प्रहरीले भावि दिनहरुमा आई पर्ने ठूला ठूला र जटिल समस्याहरुको समेत सफलतापूर्वक सामना गर्न आधुनिक प्रहरी दर्शनलाई आत्मसात गरी सुधारका काम गर्नु पर्ने देखिन्छ ।

प्रहरी विशुद्ध सामाजिक सेवा प्रदान गर्ने संस्था हो । तर हाम्रो मानसिकता हालसम्म पनि प्रहरीमा जागिर खानु भनेको सेवा गर्न होइन, शासन गर्न हो भन्ने नै छ । पुरानो प्रहरी संस्कार शासकहरु विरुद्ध कुरा उठाउनेहरुलाई तह लगाउने परम्परामा आधारित थियो । हामी सबैले बुझ्नु पर्ने कुरा के हो भने प्रहरी बल नभै सेवा प्रदान गर्ने निकाय हो । तर विडम्बना नै भन्नु पर्दछ कि हामीले अहिले पनि यसलाई सेवामुखीभन्दा हुकुमी शासनको रुपमा नै लिइरहेका छौं । यसको मूख्य कारण परम्परागत संस्कार नै हो । अंग्रेजहरुले भारतमा उनिहरुको शासनका विरोधीहरुलाई दवाउन व्यापक प्रहरी परिचालन गरेका थिए । त्यही संस्कार, सस्कृति र मान्यता दक्षिण एसिया भरी नै एउटा रोगको रुपमा आज पनि हावी भएको छ । तर वास्तविक रुपमा हामीले हाम्रो अवधारणामा आमूल परिवर्तन ल्याउन जरुरी भै सकेको छ ।

            प्रहरीका सबै कार्य प्रहरी आफैले मात्र गर्न कठिन मात्र नभै असम्भव नै हुने गर्दछ । यसको लागि जनताको सहयोग अपरिहार्य हुन्छ । जनताको सहयोग तव मात्र प्राप्त हुन्छ जव प्रहरीले जनतासँग  हातेमालो गर्दै उनिहरुका पीर मार्का तथा गुनासाहरुको निष्पक्ष तवरबाट समाधान गरी जनहितका कार्यहरु गर्दछ । तसर्थ प्रहरीले काम गर्दा जनमुखी भई अर्थात जनताको सल्लाह, सहमति र सहभागितामा ध्यान दिई गर्नु पर्ने हुन्छ । अन्यथा प्रहरी र जनता वीच ठूलो खाडल उत्पन्न हुन जाने हुन्छ । उदाहरण स्वरुप नुवाकोट जिल्लाको ध्याङ्गफेदी गाउंका तामाङ र लामा समुदायको वीचमा सप्तरी जिल्लाको यादव वा कुर्मी वा झा थरको व्यक्तिलाई पठाउंदा सो समुदाय र व्यक्ति वीच मनमुटाव वा झगडा शुरु हुने प्रवल सम्भावना हुन्छ । किनकी झा थरको व्यक्ति त्यहांको रितिरिवाज र संस्कृतिसंग अनभिज्ञ हुन्छ । यस्तो अवस्थामा कसरी प्रहरी प्रशासनले अपेक्षित जन सहयोग प्राप्त गर्न सक्दछ ? मलाई लाग्दछ असम्भव नै हुन्छ ।

वास्तविक रुपमा प्रहरीलाई सहयोग नगर्नुको अर्थ सरकारलाई सहयोग नगर्नु हो । तसर्थ यो समस्याको निराकरण भनेको समुदायमा आधारित प्रहरी व्यबस्था नै हो । प्रहरी प्रशासनको जग हालिंदा सो कुरालाई मनन गर्न अत्यन्त जरुरी छ । अर्को शव्दमा भन्ने हो भने प्रहरी सेवामा भर्ना छनौट वा नियुक्ति गर्दा जुन समुदायबाट ऊ आएको हो सम्भव भए सम्म त्यही समुदायमा काम लगाउनु बुद्धिमानी हुन्छ । सही अर्थमा प्रहरी प्रशासन वा राज्य प्रणालीको जग पनि त्यही हो । हाम्रो अनुभवमा बिगतमा बन कार्यालय र आम उपभोक्ताहरु बीच हुने गरेको द्धन्द स्थानीय बन व्यवस्थापनको जिम्मा उपभोक्ताहरुकै समुहलाई दिई सामुदायिक बनको अवधारणा लागू गरे पश्चात अन्त मात्र नभई बनको संरक्षण र प्रबद्र्धन पनि भएको छ ।

यसै गरी प्रहरीमा पनि सोही किसिमको अवधारणाको अवलम्बन भएमा निश्चयनै प्रहरी वा राज्य प्रशासन हाम्रो पनि हो भन्ने धारणाको विकाश हुन्छ । यस्तो जागृतिले सकारात्मक र अपनत्वको भावनाको विकास हुन्छ र प्रहरी प्रशासन सही मानेमा नागकिहरुको सेवा गर्न सक्षम हुन जान्छ । यसको प्रत्यक्ष उदाहरण विदेश तिर नियाल्ने हो भने छिमेकी राष्ट्र बंगलादेशमा प्रत्येक गाउंमा ग्रामीण प्रहरीको नियुक्ति गरिन्छ । त्यस्तै त्यहां प्रत्येक गाउमा पैंतिस जना पुरुष र पैंतिस जना महिलालाई गाउं सुरक्षा समिति ९ द्यबलनबिमभकज ब्लकबच बलम ख्म्ए(ख्ष्ििबनभ म्भखभयिऊभलत एबचतथ ०मा मनोनित गरिन्छ । यि समितिहरुले गाउंको बिकास र सुरक्षाका सवालमा कार्य गर्दछन् । त्यस्तै गरी वेलायतमा शिख समुदायको वाहुल्य रहेको शहरमा प्रहरीलाई खटाउदा सम्भव भए सम्म त्यही समुदायको व्यक्ति र सो नभए त्यो समुदायको वारेमा ज्ञान दिलाई पठाउने प्रचलन रहेको छ । फलस्वरुप त्यहा निकै हद सम्म राम्रो प्रहरी कार्य भएको पाइन्छ । यस कुराको हामीले पनि मनन् गर्न आवश्यक छ ।

            सूचना शक्तिशाली हुन्छ । प्रहरी प्रशासन सूचना मुखी हुनु अत्यन्त जरुरी छ । अपराध अुनसन्धानको क्षेत्रमा प्रहरी विधालाई आवश्यक पर्ने सूचना र बिज्ञानको महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका हुन्छ । जसलाई अनुसन्धानका दुई आंखाको रुपमा पनि व्याख्या गर्न सकिन्छ । राम्रो, सही, पर्याप्त र भरपर्दो सूचना नभएको अवस्थामा प्रहरी प्रशासन कुहिरोको काग झै दिशा विहिन हुन जान्छ । बर्तमान अवस्थिती, गन्तव्य र त्यहांसम्म पुग्ने उपयुक्त मार्गको बारेमा अन्यौलको अवस्था सदैव रहन्छ । यसो हुंदा हाम्रो प्रशासन उत्पादकत्वपूर्ण हुदैन । सही सूचना प्राप्त गर्न, सूचनाको खोजी गरिनु जरुरी छ । त्यसको लागि प्रशस्त समय व्यतित गर्नुका साथै गहन अध्ययन तथा चिन्तन गरिनु पनि जरुरी देखिन्छ ।

यसका लागि शोध वा अनुसन्धान गर्न यथासक्य बढी लगानी गर्नु पर्ने हुन्छ । कुनै पनि कार्य वा योजनाको सफलताको मात्रा त्यसको शुरुवातमा भएको गृहकार्य वा शोधमा भर पर्दछ । निर्णयमा दूरदर्शिताको कमी वा तत्कालको समस्या टार्ने गरी अल्पदृष्टीमा निर्णय लिने प्रवृत्तिले क्षणिक रुपमा केहि सफलता प्राप्त भएतापनि दीर्घकालीन वा दूरगामी रुपमा अत्यन्त तितो सावित हुन पुग्दछ । तर हामीमा अझै पनि झारा टार्ने किसिमको टालटुले नीति अपनाई वा हतपतमा निर्णय गरी कार्य प्रारम्भ गर्ने प्रचलन विद्यमान रहेको छ । यो रोगको सम्पूर्ण रुपले उपचार गरिनु जरुरी छ । गहन विश्लेषण र अनुसन्धान प्रक्रियाको थालनी नै उक्त रोगको उपचार हो ।

            अपराध अनुसन्धानको अर्को आंखा वा पाटो बिज्ञानको प्रयोग हो । हाम्रो अनुसन्धानको विद्यमान पद्धति परम्परागत रुपको वयान र साबितीमुखी रहेको छ । आजको वैज्ञानिक युगमा अपराध अनुसन्धानमा विज्ञानको प्रयोग छिटो छरितो, भरपर्दो, निष्पक्ष, सस्तो र पिडित पक्षहरुको सामाजिक तथा मनोवैज्ञानिक समस्याहरुलाई बुझने किसिमले सेवा प्रदान गर्नको लागि गरिनु पर्दछ । विद्यमान सूचनाको प्रबिधिलाई वढी भन्दा वढी सदुपयोग गरिनु पर्दछ । जसको लागि हाल कायम रहेको आफैं खोज नगर्ने, शंकित व्यक्तिवाटै सम्पूर्ण तथ्य पत्ता लगाउन चाहाने र छोटो वाटो अपनाउने जस्ता गलत पद्धतिलाई त्याग्नु पर्दछ । अझै पनि शंकित व्यक्तिको मानव अधिकारको संरक्षण तर्फ धेरै कम ध्यान जाने गरेको अवस्था विद्यमान छ ।

हाम्रो अनुसन्धान वयानमुखी नभै प्रमाणमुखी हुन जरुरी छ । फौज्दारी न्यायको सिद्धान्त नै छ “९ जना अपराधीहरु छुटुन् तर १ जना पनि निर्दाेष व्यक्तिले सजाय नपाओेस्” । न्याय सम्पादन गर्दा सो कुराको पालना गरिनु नितान्त जरुरी छ । किनकी एउटा निर्दोष व्यक्तिले सजाय भोग्नु परेको खण्डमा सयांै अपराधीहरु जन्मन सक्ने सम्भावना रहन्छ । यसै सन्दर्भमा मेरो सम्झना अझै ताजै छ, २०३२ सालमा प्रमाण ऐन लागु हुंदा तत्कालीन प्रहरी महानिरीक्षक श्रीमान खड्गजीत बरालज्यूले “यो ऐन हामी भन्दा २० वर्ष अगाडि आएको छ । तसर्थ हामीले धेरै मिहिनेत गर्नु पर्ने भएको छ” भन्नु भएको थियो । हुन त आज ३० वर्ष भइसक्यो तैपनि प्रमाणमुखी अनुसन्धान गर्ने शैली, परिपाटी, शिप र धारणाको अपेक्षित मात्रामा विकास हुन सकेको छैन । यसको दुष्परिणाम सर्वसाधारण नागरिकहरुले भोग्नु परिरहेको छ । यथेष्ट प्रमाणको अभावमा कतिपय संगठित ठूला अपराधीहरुले समेत सफाई पाएका छन् । यस्तो दण्ड विहीनताको अवस्थाले गर्दा न्याय प्रशासन प्रणाली माथि नै सर्वसाधारणको विश्वास डगमगाउन पुग्दछ जुन हामी सवैको लागि घातक सिद्ध हुन जाने तथ्य ज्यादै मननयोग्य छ ।

अर्को तर्फ सहयोगको लागि संजाल नितान्त आवश्यक हुन्छ । प्रहरी आफैले मात्र केही गर्न सक्दैन । यसका लागि राष्ट्रिय अन्तराष्ट्रिय संघ संस्थासंग आवद्ध भै काम गर्नु जरुरी छ । नेपालमा कार्यरत न्याय, मानव अधिकार र महिला तथा वालवालिकाहरुको हक हितको क्षेत्रमा काम गर्ने राष्ट्रिय तथा अन्तराष्ट्रिय संघ संस्थाहरुको कार्य सम्पादनको प्रयास प्रशंसनीय रहेको छ । प्रहरी संगठनले उनिहरुलाई चुनौतिको रुपमा नहेरेर एक सहयोगी र सहकर्मीको रुपमा स्वीकार गर्नु पर्दछ । आजको युगमा अन्तराष्ट्रिय अपराधको गिरोह र माफियाहरु संगठित तथा अत्यन्त सक्षम र सबल देखिन्छन् । उनीहरु कुनै एउटा देशमा मात्र सिमित नरही अन्तराष्ट्रिय स्तरमा अपराध घटाउने सामथ्र्य राख्दछन् । त्यस्ता अपराधीहरु एक देशमा बसीबसी अर्को देशमा अपराध घटाउन वा एक देशमा अपराध घटाएर तुरुन्तै अर्को देशमा लुक्न सक्दछन् ।

यस्तो अवस्थामा अपराध रोकथाम गर्न नेपाल प्रहरीले अन्तराष्ट्रिय संगठन क्ष्लतभचउय िसंग हातेमालो नगरी प्रायः असम्भव नै देखिन्छ । क्ष्लतभचउय िसंगको हाम्रो सम्बन्ध पुरानै भएतापनि अझ वढी सार्थक वनाउन आवश्यक देखिन्छ । यसै सन्दर्भमा केहि बर्ष अगाडी प्रहरी सहयोगका बिषयमा दक्षिण एशियाली सहयोग संगठन (सार्क)को नेपाल र पछिल्लो वर्ष पाकिस्तानको ईस्लामावादमा भएको सम्मेलनमा हामीले सार्क क्षेत्रको आपसी सहयोग र समन्वय जुटाउन सार्क पोल ९ क्ब्ब्च्ऋएय ि० को अवधारणा अगाडी सारेका थियौं । यो अवधारणालाई आगामी सम्मेलनहरुबाट पूर्णता दिने तर्फ ध्यान जान जरुरी छ भन्ने मेरो मान्यता रहेको छ । यसो हुन सकेको अवस्थामा मात्र सार्क सन्धीको पक्षमा सार्कपोलले प्रत्यक्ष रुपमा प्रभावकारी भूमिका निर्वाह गर्न सक्दछ । सम्पूर्ण दक्षिण एशियाली राष्ट्रहरुको हित पनि यसैमा छ ।

उपर्युक्त सबै दर्शनहरु अनुरुप हामी अगाडी बढनु पर्ने कुरा अब हाम्रो रुचिको बिषय नभई आजको समयको आवश्यकताको विषय पनि हो । त्यस्तै प्रहरी संगठन भित्रै पनि दुईवटा क्षेत्रमा सुधार गर्नु जरुरी छ । त्यो हो व्यक्ति र संगठनमा सुधार ।

संगठनमा कार्यरत तथा नव प्रवेशी जनशक्तिको आचरण, योग्यता, प्रतिबद्धता तथा सेवाको भावनामा समयानुकूल परिबर्तन ल्याई मानव अधिकार प्रति सकारात्मक धारणाको बिकास गर्नु पर्दछ । त्यस्तै गरी नीति निर्माणको तहमा रहने नेतृत्व बर्गले दूरदर्शिता अपनाउनु पर्दछ । दूरगामी दृष्टि राखेर संगठनको स्वरुप र आकारमा समय सापेक्ष परिमार्जन गर्दै उपलव्ध जनशक्ति र साधन श्रोतको सदुपयोग अत्याधिक रुपमा गरी प्रहरी संगठनलाई सबल, सक्षम, भरपर्दो र प्रभावकारी मात्र नभई लागत प्रभावकारी ९ऋयकत भाभअतष्खभ० समेत बनाउनु पर्ने भएको छ ।

बिशिष्टीकरणको अवधारणालाई मूर्त रुप दिन ढिलो भइसकेको अवस्थामा सो को विपरित  हाम्रो संगठनमा फरक फरक योग्यता, शिप, दक्षता र क्षमता भएका सम्पूर्ण जनशक्तिलाई एउटै वर्गमा राखेर उनीहरुमा भएको क्षमताको वास्तै नगरी जहां आवश्यक परयो त्यहीं खटाउने प्रचलन हालसम्म पनि विद्यमान छ । यसो हुंदा कार्यदक्षतामा उत्कृष्टता आउन नसक्ने मात्र नभई जनशक्तिको गलत प्रयोग समेत हुन सक्दछ । तसर्थ बिशिष्टीकरणको अवधारणालाई यथासक्य चांडो अगाडी बढाउनु पर्ने देखिन्छ । जसअनुसार संगठनको लागि बर्तमान र भबिष्यमा समेत आबश्यक पर्ने  जनशक्तिको दक्षताको मापदण्ड निर्धारण गरी आगामी दिनहरुमा बिशेष कामका लागि बिशेष दक्षता भएका प्रहरी कर्मचारीको चयन, बिकास र सदुपयोग गरिनु पर्दछ र बढुवाको आधार बिशेषज्ञतालाई बनाइनु पर्दछ । यसको लागि प्रहरी प्रशासन निष्पक्ष हुन जरुरी छ ।

को, कसको मान्छे? भन्नु भन्दा पनि को, कस्तो मान्छे? भन्ने कुराको आधारमा छनौट र पुरस्कृत गरिनु पर्दछ । व्यक्तिको मूल्यांकनको आधार शिप, कला, ज्ञान, इमान्दारी, प्रतिबद्धता र कौशललाई बनाइदा उचित व्यक्तिले उचित स्थान पाउनुको साथै राम्रा काम गर्नेहरुको मनोबल उच्च रहन जान्छ भने नराम्रा काम गर्नेहरु स्वतः निरुत्साहित भई राम्रो काम गर्ने तर्फ अग्रसर हुनेछन् भन्ने मलाई लाग्दछ । यसैमा हामी सबैको भलाई छ ।

सानी र न्याय, एउटा केस अध्ययन बाट

 सानी र न्याय, एउटा केस अध्ययन बाट

डा. गोविन्द प्रसाद थापा

सानी १२ वर्षकी भएपछि नुवाकोटबाट काठमान्डुको बालाजुको गलैचा कारखानामा आमा संग काम गर्न थाल्छिन् । त्यहाँ आमाछोरीले जेनतेन ज्यान पालेका हुन्छन् । यस्तैमा करीब १५ महिना पछि सानी अचानक हराउँछिन् । उनकी आमाले हार गुहार गर्छिन् । बालाजुको प्रहरी थानामा मोखिक खबर गर्न पुग्छिन् । थानाले हुलिया जाहेरी गर्छ ।

उता सानीलाइ बम्बइको कुनै कोठीमा पुरयाइन्छ । शारीरिक र मानसिक यातना हरू माझ उनि कलिलै उमेरमा पाशविक कार्यको शिकार हुन पुग्छिन् । नरकतुल्य वेश्यालयमा सात वर्ष जति विताए पछि अत्यन्त कडा योनरोगबाट ग्रस्त हुन्छिन् । उनलाइ वेश्यालयकी मालिकनीले कोठीबाट निकाले पछि उनीलाइ असहाय अवस्थामा प्रेरणा नामक सामाजिक संस्थाले फेला पार्छ । आफनो र गाउँको नाउँ मात्र भन्न सक्ने सानी संग वेश्यालयको बारेमा खासै उपयोगी जानकारी हुन्न । प्रेरणाको सहयोगमा सानीलाइ नेपालको वेलहिया थानामा बुझाइन्छ । प्रहरी थानाले सोधपुछ गर्दा आफुलाइ नुवाकोटकै एक जना लाहुरेले ललाइ फकाइ भगाएको भन्ने सम्मको कुरा भन्छीन् ।

सानी डरलाग्दो रोगबाट ग्रस्त भएकोले प्रहरीले नजीकको अस्पतालमा जँचाउन लैजाँदा औषधि खर्चकालागी पनि सानी संग पैसा हुदैन । प्रहरी कार्यालयसंग पनि यस्तो प्रयोजनकालागि बजेट हुँदैन । प्रहरी थानाले सानीलाइ एउटा सामाजिक संस्थामा सहयोगकालागी पुरयाउँ छ । उक्त संस्थाले सामान्य उपचार एवम् रेखदेख गर्छ । संस्थाकै पहलमा सानीलाइ ललाइ फकाइ बम्बइ सम्म पुरयाउने नुवाकोट गाउँकै लाहुरे भन्ने माथि कारवाहीकालागी रूपन्देहि प्रहरी कार्यालयमा जाहेरी दरखास्त दिइन्छ ।

रूपन्देही जिल्ला अदालतबाट सानीको भनाइलाइ प्रमाणित गरेपछि मुद्दाको मिसील थप अनुसन्धानकालागी काठमान्डु जिल्ला प्रहरी कार्यालयमा पुग्छ । सानी पनि मिसिलसंगै पुग्छिन् । यतिका वर्ष भित्र धेरै परिवर्तन भएकोहुन्छ । सानीको अमाको मृत्यु भै सकेको हुन्छ । कतै गएर बस्ने ओत पनि हुदैन । सानी पिडित पक्ष भए पनि अपराधी झैं प्रहरी कार्यालयमै बस्नु पर्ने वाध्यता हुन्छ ।

प्रहरी कार्यालयकै अनुरोधमा एउटा गैह्र सरकारी संस्थाले सानीलाइ ओत दिन्छ । उता लाहुरेको खोजी कार्य शुरू हुन्छ । तीन वर्ष पछि मात्र लाहुरे फेला पर्छ । लाहुरेले प्रहरी समक्ष अपराध सकार्छ । काठमान्डु जिल्ला अदालतमा मुद्दा दर्ता गरिन्छ । लाहुरेको तर्फबाट उक्त सामाजिक संस्था लाइ विभिन्न प्रकारका डर, धमकी दिइन्छ ।

सानी लाइ अदालतमा झिकाइन्छ । अपराध प्रमाणित गर्न र सहयोग पुग्ने कुनै खास प्रमाण सानी संग हुदैन । अदालतमा लाहुरेले प्रहरी कार्यालयमा गरेको वयान बदलिन्छ । प्रहरीले कुटपिट गरेर गर्दै नगरेको अपराध गरेको भनि झुटठा मुद्दा लगाएको दावि गर्छ । अदालतमा सरकारी पक्षको दावि प्रमाणित हुदैन । लाहुरेले सफार्इ पाउँछ । सानीको स्वास्थ्य विग्रदै गएर केही समय पछि उनको मृत्यु हुन्छ।

न्याय निरूपणका क्रममा केही जल्दो बल्दोसबै जनाबाट यि प्रश्न हरू बारे यथोचित उपायहरूको अशा गरेको छु । धन्यवाद । विषय हरूमा उठने गरेका प्रश्न हरू ।

क. विदेशमा रोजगार सम्बन्धि विध्दधमान व्यवस्थामा के कस्तो कानुनी व्यवस्था हुन उपयुक्त होला?

ख. भारतीय भूभागमा हुने योनजन्य अपराधिक कार्य नियन्त्रणकालागी के कस्तो व्यवस्था गर्ने ?

ग. पिडित पक्षकालागी नेपाल सरकारले के कस्तो व्यवस्था गर्न उपयुक्त होला?

घ. छिटो छरितो र सरल र सुलभ न्यायकालागी कसरी, कहाँ, के गर्न सकिदन्छ?

ङ. सामाजिक चेतना अभिवृद्धिका लागि प्रभावकारी कदम हरू के, कसरी गर्न सकिन्छ?

च. हराएका व्यक्ति हरूको खोजतलाशकालागी के कस्तो व्यवस्था भए प्रभावकारी हुन सक्छ होला?

Security challenges in Nepal

 Security in Nepal faces a complex blend of internal, external, and non-traditional threats, driven by its delicate geopolitical position between India and China, porous borders, and weak governance. Key issues include political instability, transnational crime, economic fragility, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and disaster risks. Addressing these requires comprehensive security sector reforms and enhanced border management. 

Key security challenges include:

• Geopolitical and Border Vulnerabilities: Located between India and China, Nepal faces challenges in maintaining a balanced foreign policy and navigating security pressures from neighboring powers. The open border with India facilitates transnational crimes like human trafficking, smuggling, and the movement of criminal elements.
• Internal Political and Socio-economic Instability: Frequent changes in government, bureaucratic inefficiency, and weak law enforcement accountability hamper security. Pervasive poverty, inequality, and ethnic/religious tensions can lead to localized, violent conflicts.
• Non-Traditional Threats: The rise of cybercrimes, including, but not limited to, cyber espionage and ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure, poses a significant threat.
• Environmental and Health Disasters: As a disaster-prone nation, Nepal faces major security threats from earthquakes, floods, and landslides, which are exacerbated by climate change. Weak health infrastructure also leaves the country vulnerable to pandemics.
• Weak Security Governance: The security sector lacks adequate modernization, and there is a need for better democratic control and accountability over security institutions.
• Organized Crime and Insurgency: Despite the end of the Maoist insurgency, threats from organized crime, political extremism, and armed groups in the Terai region continue to challenge internal stability. 

To mitigate these, experts emphasize the need for a comprehensive national security strategy that addresses both traditional military concerns and modern, non-traditional security challenges. 

The Criminal Justice System: A Comprehensive Analysis of Contemporary Issues Gibran Raza*

 The Criminal Justice System: A Comprehensive Analysis of Contemporary Issues Gibran Raza* 

 Abstract: The chapter titled “The Criminal Justice System: A Comprehensive Analysis of Contemporary Issues” will offer a thorough investigation into the present challenges faced by the justice system. This book chapter will underscore the importance of a strong system within the context of the evolving social landscape of the modern digital world, wherein the relevance of mitigating cybercrime and establishing legal systems is critical. It will also analyse the pivotal function of the criminal justice system in maintaining the supremacy of the law and safeguarding fundamental human rights amidst worldwide obstacles such as corruption, destitution, and lack of knowledge. This book chapter will delve into the pervasive and complex subject matter of cybercrime, where the focus has been to delineate the diverse classifications of cybercrime, encompassing their aetiologies, ramifications, and the obstacles encountered by law enforcement in thwarting such illicit activities. Furthermore, comprehensive examinations of existing legal structures and cybercrime procedures are presented. 

 Keywords: Cyber Crime, Criminal Justice, Contemporary, Issues. *

Undergraduate Student, Department of Law, Integral University, Lucknow ISBN: 978-93-5842-059-3 2 1. 

Introduction The criminal justice system is a pivotal component in preserving social order and safeguarding fundamental human rights. 

The contemporary incidence of cybercrime within contemporary digital contexts necessitates adaptations to legal frameworks and law enforcement tactics (Bello & Griffiths, 2020). This chapter examines the legal implications related to protecting against cyber-attacks. The stated goal is achieved through a thorough evaluation of current legal frameworks, challenges faced by law enforcement entities, and the imperative for ongoing progress in addressing cybercrime. The rapid progression of technology has resulted in the digital sphere occupying a significant role in contemporary society, offering both benefits and potential hazards (Suhartono, 2019). The unauthorised usage of digital technology, commonly known as cybercrime, poses significant risks to individuals, businesses, and the global population. The establishment of a comprehensive criminal justice framework is crucial for tackling the problem of cybercrime. This chapter provides a more in-depth examination of the obstacles faced by law enforcement officials in the performance of their duties. The aim of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive comprehension of the complexities and ramifications of cybercrime through an in-depth examination of pertinent legal precedents. 

The constantly changing and developing nature of cyber threats underscores the critical significance of robust legal frameworks and flexible law enforcement strategies (Bello & Griffiths, 2020). The upcoming chapter will propose potential modifications to legal structures and law enforcement procedures in order to enhance the efficacy of countering cybercrime and protecting individuals and enterprises in the digital domain. 2. Importance of a Strong Criminal Justice System in Addressing Cybercrime The efficacy of a criminal justice system is contingent upon its adherence to legal and social norms, prioritisation of safeguarding fundamental human rights, and resolution of global ISBN: 978-93-5842-059-3 3 concerns (Borwell et al., 2021). The importance of a proficient criminal justice system cannot be overstated in light of the considerable challenges presented by the cybercrime in contemporary technologically advanced societies. This section expounds upon the importance of a sturdy criminal justice system in the deterrence of the cybercrime. This assertion is supported by pertinent legal precedents. 

A strong criminal justice system is imperative in addressing the intricacies of global cybercrime, which is often linked to societal issues such as corruption, poverty, and low levels of literacy (Richards & Eboibi, 2022). The legal system's pertinence to cybercrime cases is exemplified by the 2014 court case of R. v. Spencer. The present scenario involves the abuse of power by a government official to obtain and reveal sensitive data pertaining to management. The court's verdict exemplifies the legal framework's dedication towards ensuring, that individuals who exploit their power are answerable for their conduct and eliminating malfeasance in the realm of digital technology. The effective combatting of cybercrime necessitates the establishment of a sturdy criminal justice system. Ensuring a secure digital environment and preventing cybercrime necessitates the upholding of legal frameworks, safeguarding of fundamental human rights, and prioritisation of international concerns (Borwell et al., 2021). 

The cases of United States v. Fishman, of the year 2012 and R. v. Spencer in 2014, serve as examples of the legal system's ability to successfully prosecute cybercriminals while simultaneously safeguarding individual liberties and confronting worldwide concerns such as corruption (Richards & Eboibi, 2022). In order to enhance the efficacy of cybersecurity protocols and establish a more robust and dependable digital milieu, it is imperative to fortify the criminal justice infrastructure, modernise legal precedents, and broaden the purview of law enforcement. 3. Understanding Cybercrime from a Legal Perspective Comprehending cybercrime is imperative in order to alleviate the escalating hazards presented by illicit digital pursuits. 

The present research underscores the importance of cybercrime through the reference to pertinent legal precedents (Rahman & Islam, 2021). The declaration underscores the importance of adopting and implementing suitable legal frameworks to address this enduring issue. The umbrella term "cybercrime" encompasses a wide range of illicit actions carried out through the utilisation of digital technology. A legal case United States v. Mitra, of ISBN: 978-93-5842-059-3 4 2019, offers a comprehensive elucidation and extent of cybercrime. Subsequently, the accused was convicted of masterminding an intricately planned cyber assault on a financial establishment, leading to substantial monetary losses and the revelation of classified data (Button et al., 2022). The court's verdict provided a lucid definition of cybercrime as the utilisation of technology within the digital realm to perpetrate conventional criminal acts like theft and deceit. The argument underscores the necessity of a thorough comprehension of cybercrime that surpasses conventional unlawful practices. The impact of cybercrime is not limited to individuals but rather extends to broader societal and organisational domains. The commission of cybercrime has the potential to result in financial detriment, psychological anguish, and physical harm. The legal proceedings pertaining to the theft of user data by Yahoo! Inc. in 2019 serve as a notable example of the significant economic consequences that may ensue as a result of cyber intrusion (Rahman & Islam, 2021). 

The occurrence of a security breach resulted in a substantial financial loss for both the organisation and its clients due to the compromise of a considerable number of user accounts. The ongoing incident underscores the importance of efficient cybersecurity protocols and the economic implications of cyber offences. Moreover, cybercrime exerts notable psychological and personal impacts on individuals. The R. v. Healy case of the year 1999, serves as a prime example of the adverse impacts of cybercrime on individuals, particularly in the form of online harassment and surveillance (Button et al., 2022). The perpetrator's continuous utilisation of cyberbullying and intimidation tactics resulted in substantial psychological harm to the victim. The antecedent case underscores the necessity of legal establishments that safeguard individuals from the detrimental consequences of cyberbullying and tackle the distinctive obstacles presented by this type of mistreatment. 

In order to effectively address the persistent issue of cybercrime, it is imperative to first gain a comprehensive understanding of its fundamental principles (Nwankwo & Chiwuike Ukaoha, 2020). The Mitra case in the United States underscores the importance of understanding technology-facilitated unlawful conduct within the framework and standards of cybercrime. The investigation and prosecution of the case posed significant challenges due to the involvement of a substantial number of individuals, the implementation of anonymisation techniques, and the intentional masking of digital traces (Mohsin, 2020). In order to effectively identify and penalise individuals engaging in fraudulent activities, advanced forensic tools and global collaboration are imperative. Law enforcement agencies often face resource and personnel ISBN: 978-93-5842-059-3 5 shortages in their endeavours to combat cybercrime (Nwankwo & Chiwuike Ukaoha, 2020). 

The legal case of R. v. Williams, of 2020, serves as an exemplar of the challenges that may ensue as a result of limitations in resources (Mohsin, 2020). The defendant committed cybercrime by taking advantage of weaknesses in electronic payment systems. Insufficient financial resources posed a hindrance to the inquiry and consequent legal proceedings, thereby impeding the overarching endeavour to address cybercrime (Nwankwo & Chiwuike Ukaoha, 2020). Adequate funding, specialised training, and access to state-of-the-art technologies and procedures are essential for law enforcement agencies to effectively address cyber threats. To effectively address cybercrime, it is essential that the criminal justice system evolve and modify its procedures on an ongoing basis. 

Cybercrime regulation is hindered by a number of factors, including the rapid rate of technological advancements, the prevalence of cybercrime, and the difficulty of apprehending cybercriminals. The rapid development of technology highlights the need for law enforcement agencies to have the skills, strategies, and resources necessary to investigate, prevent, and apprehend cybercriminals (Chandra & Snowe, 2020). The complexities surrounding issues of jurisdiction, extradition procedures, and data privacy laws highlight the importance of global cooperation in combating cross-border cybercrime (Nwankwo & Chiwuike Ukaoha, 2020). It is essential to amend legal frameworks and incorporate international agreements into national laws for accurate prediction of future events (Chandra & Snowe, 2020). 

Regular evaluation and modification of the existing regulatory framework are required to ensure its compatibility with the constantly shifting landscape of cybercriminal activities. Successful implementation of cybercrime legislation requires an increase in funding for law enforcement agencies, a better understanding of digital forensics, and the promotion of public-private cooperation (Nwankwo & Chiwuike Ukaoha, 2020). From a legal perspective, it is critically important to emphasise best practices associated with creating long-term competencies and enhancing the quality of outcomes through legal mechanisms which enable institutions to improve performance and inculcate a higher degree of control over challenging factors associated with cybercrime that have a detrimental impact on the global population that is increasingly dependent on digital platforms and the internet. ISBN: 978-93-5842-059-3 6 4. 

Challenges Faced by Legal Systems and Law Enforcement Combating cybercrime on a worldwide scale provides a number of issues for law enforcement organisations. The current analysis emphasises the complexities caused by rapid technological advancement, the global scope of cybercrime, the difficulties in identifying and apprehending cyber offenders, a lack of resources and expertise, and the need for international cooperation to address this pervasive issue by utilising relevant legal precedents (Button et al., 2022). The increasing speed of technological development poses a huge challenge for law enforcement authorities. According to the decision in the case of United States v. Hutchins, 2019, the defendant was in charge of designing and propagating the Kronos banking Trojan as well as employing cutting-edge tactics to circumvent security safeguards. The aforementioned incident occurred in 2019 (Chandra & Snowe, 2020). Law enforcement officials have a difficult time keeping up with the methods and equipment utilised by cybercriminals due to the fluid and ever- changing nature of their activities (Button et al., 2022). 

Cybercrime is a problem that affects the entire world, and as a result, it comes at a price that is reasonable given how prevalent it is. Another American case demonstrates the challenges of opening an international criminal investigation. The defendant, who was born outside the nation, was in charge of organising a major cybercrime operation with the explicit goal of victimising Americans (Chandra & Snowe, 2020). The court procedures underscored the importance of international cooperation in combating cybercrime, given the obstacles caused by jurisdictional complexities, legal cooperation, and intergovernmental data transfer. 5. Legal Structures and Cybercrime Procedures The development of strong legal frameworks and standards is imperative in addressing the intricate challenges posed by cybercrime, which is on the rise and involves unlawful actors in the technology industry (Chang, 2019). 

The present research investigates the techniques and materials employed in the investigation of cybercrime, with a particular emphasis on the importance of digital forensic analysis, evidence gathering, cybersecurity-related communication, and deterrence. The central topic of our discussion will mainly centre on the current legal issues related to cybercrime (Eboibi, 2020). The legal strategies employed to address cybercrime are based on ISBN: 978-93-5842-059-3 7 both national legislation and global agreements. The utilisation of domestic legislation to tackle cybercrime is exemplified by the prominent legal case of United States v. Ulbricht, 2017. The Budapest Convention, along with other international accords, is a crucial resource in the battle against cybercrime around the world since it encourages the harmonisation of legal frameworks and facilitates international cooperation. 

The Budapest Convention, like the R. v. McKinney decision, offers provisions for the criminal prosecution of those who engage in the sexual exploitation of children via the Internet (Chang, 2019). Extradition, evidence collection, and international investigations are all areas where the Convention aims to improve upon current practices. The goal is to strengthen the ability of international legal systems to deter cybercrime. Limits imposed by regulation are a practical strategy for combating cybercrime. The success of goals depends on regular assessment and adjustment (De Paoli et al., 2020). The case of Grunin v. Facebook, Inc, of the year 2014, exemplifies the complexities that might develop during cybercrime investigations, especially when it comes to questions of jurisdiction (Eboibi, 2020). 

Facebook has filed lawsuits against individuals and businesses that have spread malware or engaged in questionable commercial practices. The court's judgement emphasised the significance of protecting the independence of the judicial system while enforcing legislation to combat global cybercrime. The adoption of resilient cybersecurity protocols and pre-emptive tactics is imperative in combatting cybercriminal activities. The case of R. v. Patel, 2017, highlights the significance of implementing pre-emptive measures to alleviate the possible risks associated with cyber assaults. The alleged offence involved the accused party's unauthorised acquisition of confidential medical records (De Paoli et al., 2020). It is crucial for enterprises to implement comprehensive cybersecurity measures, such as encryption, access controls, and periodic security assessments, in order to minimise potential risks and safeguard sensitive information from malicious actors. The existing legal structures and regulations that relate to cybercrime serve as the basis for managing and supervising such behaviour (Hall et al., 2020). 

The legal frameworks governing cybercrime at national and international levels are shaped by domestic legislation and international agreements. Ensuring the continued relevance and effectiveness of strategies aimed at preventing cybercrime in the constantly evolving realm of this issue, requires continuous evaluation and improvement (De Paoli et al., 2020). The effective execution of cybersecurity measures and preventative protocols is of paramount importance in the proficient conviction of cyber offenders, the mitigation ISBN: 978-93-5842-059-3 8 of subsequent cyber offences, and the advancement of investigative methodologies such as digital forensics and evidence collection (Hall et al., 2020). By implementing robust cybersecurity protocols, employing modern investigative methodologies, and strengthening legislative frameworks, society can effectively combat cybercrime and protect individuals, businesses, and critical digital infrastructure from its harmful effects. 6. 

Conclusion 

In the contemporary digital landscape, safeguarding against cybercrime is of paramount importance. To address the ubiquitous and ever-evolving nature of cybercrime, it is imperative that the criminal justice system implement a proactive and all-encompassing approach without delay. The study highlights the importance of a strong criminal justice system in maintaining legal order, protecting essential human rights, and tackling cybercrime issues at a worldwide level. The issue of cybercrime necessitates robust legislative frameworks and efficacious law enforcement measures. Cybercrime is a phenomenon that affects various entities, including individuals, businesses, and the wider public. The situation presents discernible financial, psychological, and emotional ramifications. Research conducted on cybercrime has exposed the gravity of the matter and the possible detrimental effects it could inflict upon various enterprises. 

To effectively combat cybercrime, it is imperative that the criminal justice system undergoes a constant process of evolution and modification of its procedures. The impediments to regulating cybercrime effectively include the pace of technological progress, the ubiquity of cybercrime, and the challenges associated with apprehending cybercriminals. The swift progression of technology necessitates that law enforcement agencies possess the requisite competencies, approaches, and assets to scrutinise, forestall, and detain cyber offenders. International collaboration is imperative in the fight against transnational cybercrime, owing to concerns surrounding jurisdictional matters, extradition protocols, and data privacy regulations. In order to accurately anticipate forthcoming occurrences, it is imperative to revise legal structures and integrate global accords into domestic statutes. Frequent evaluation and modification of the current regulatory structure are imperative to ensure its alignment with the constantly evolving landscape of cybercrime. The effective enforcement of cybercrime legislation necessitates ISBN: 978-93-5842-059-3 9 augmented financial resources for law enforcement agencies, an enhanced understanding of digital forensics, and the fostering of collaboration between public and private entities. 

ISBN: 978-93-5842-059-3 10 

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Borwell, J., Jansen, J., & Stol, W. (2021). Comparing the victimization impact of cybercrime and traditional crime. Journal of Digital Social Research, 3(3), 85–110. https://doi.org/10.33621/jdsr.v3i3.66 

Button, M., Shepherd, D., Blackbourn, D., Sugiura, L., Kapend, R., & Wang, V. (2022). Assessing the seriousness of cybercrime: The case of computer misuse crime in the United Kingdom and the victims’ perspective. Criminology & Criminal Justice, 0(0), 145–180. https://doi.org/10.1177/17488958221128128 

Chandra, A., & Snowe, M. J. (2020). A taxonomy of cybercrime: Theory and design. International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, 38(3), 100–467. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.accinf.2020.100467 

Chang, L. Y.-C. (2019). Criminological perspectives on cybercrime: risk, routine activity, and cybercrime. Research Handbook on Transnational Crime, 3(2), 327–343. https://www.elgaronline.com/abstract/edcoll/9781784719432/9781784719432.00030.xml De Paoli, S., 

Johnstone, J., Coull, N., Ferguson, I., Sinclair, G., Tomkins, P., Brown, M., & Martin, R. (2020). A Qualitative Exploratory Study of the Knowledge, Forensic, and Legal Challenges from the Perspective of Police Cybercrime Specialists. 

Policing: A Journal of Policy and Practice, 15(2), 15–30. https://doi.org/10.1093/police/paaa027 Eboibi, F. E. (2020). Concerns of cyber criminality in South Africa, Ghana, Ethiopia and Nigeria: rethinking cybercrime policy implementation and institutional accountability. 

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EXPLAINING MAOIST STRATEGY: IT’S ALL IN THE SCRIPT

 

EXPLAINING MAOIST STRATEGY: IT’S ALL IN THE SCRIPT

By Dr. Thomas A. Marks, April 13, 2006

Even as I write, events in Nepal unfold as if a Broadway play – nary a miscue from the script passed out months ago in the Nepalese media.

Having declared a “ceasefire inside the Kathmandu Valley,” thus to gain the media “spin” that would necessarily come from “peaceful protestors” being “attacked,” the Maoists proceeded elsewhere in the country to attack positions. The Butwal attack is only the most recent example.

Open use of violence “outside” the urban centers has been accompanied by orchestrated rioting “inside.” That the foreign media (with the help of the anti-government sectors in the Nepali media) persist in calling such “peaceful protest” only demonstrates how thoroughly detached they are from the reality of the people’s war approach.

From the Maoist Playbook

To outline the Maoist strategy for those who were not present at the auditions for parts:

● Overload the security forces “inside” while attacking with main forces “outside.” Claim to be only supporting “peaceful” forces for change.

● Use government troop deployments to advantage. If the security forces must move more men inside, flow into the vacuums left behind. If they move outside, send urban partisans inside.

● Exploit every death and claim that any setback (e.g. failure to overthrow the government) proves that only the violent way is left to install “absolute democracy.”

● Break the RNA at all costs. RNA is the one real obstacle remaining in the quest for power. So caught up is the SPA in its short-term effort to remain relevant that it is oblivious to long-term peril. SPA can be counted upon to mindlessly perform on cue.

● Move now to exploit the opening provided by Indian perfidy. New Delhi senses an opportunity to at long last create of Nepal a dependency that will do as it is told.

From the Maoist perspective, they have adopted a “win/win” course of action: no matter what actually happens, they will benefit.

By declaring a “ceasefire outside Kathmandu Valley,” they seal off the battle area, declaring that it will be a fight between rival bodies of manpower. They feel that the SPA manpower on the streets can overwhelm whatever the police and APF (the backup) can put on the playing field.

When the authorities make mistakes, which ultimately they must if SPAM plans go off as scripted, the government is again “human rights abusers” — and the howls can already be heard from the usual suspects. Some elements of the Nepali media appear to be working deliberately to fan the anti-government flames.

Further, the violence allows the Maoists to claim they at least gave “peace” a chance.

The dream scenario, from the SPAM perspective, is to replay 1990, with masses rushing across the open boulevard leading to the main palace gate, the troops forced to open fire, bodies filmed by international media and beamed worldwide, India declaring it can no longer stand by “as democracy is crushed.”

Role of India

India’s role remains to be untangled, but no one who was in Sri Lanka in July 1987 – as I was – can overlook the startling similarities. The Indian invasion, conveniently disguised as the IPKF (Indian Peace Keeping Force), was but the culmination of half a decade of support for Tamil insurgents/terrorists that New Delhi thought it could “manage.”

Then, as now, the shape of the international arena played a significant role. India, many have forgotten, had sided with the Evil Empire. There were some 6-7,000 Soviet advisors in the country. It was the first country outside the Warsaw Pact to receive the MIG-29 fighter, the first (and only) ever to be rented a nuclear submarine.

Beyond all else, in a relationship only now emerging from files of the KGB spirited out of the country prior to the resumption of the authoritarianism, the government of Indira Gandhi allowed itself to be fed Soviet disinformation that convinced it Sri Lanka was a threat.

Alleged “special intelligence” provided by Moscow purported to prove Colombo was on the verge of granting Washington basing and spying facilities, India became involved with the Tamil insurgents, eventually training, arming, and basing them. When an initial massing of forces to invade in early 1984 was warned off by the Reagan administration, Delhi simply waited for a more propitious moment. This came in July 1987, as the Sri Lankans moved to crush the trapped insurgents in Jaffna.

What that moment shares with the present is the astonishingly bad “intelligence” that drove Indian policymaking, as well as the claim that “foreign hands” support the monarch. Putting the word in quotation marks only highlights what Indian field commanders realized within days of landing in Jaffna – there was little they had been given in their briefing packets that was accurate.

That India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) had produced “analysis” every bit as flawed as any in the annals of intelligence debacles has since been recognized by no less than India’s imperious Proconsul at the time, J.N. Dixit (now deceased) – though he continued to claim, even in his last writings, that India’s information on America’s intentions was completely reliable.

That India had completely botched its assessments of Sri Lankan ground realities would not surprise anyone who has followed what has emerged as the dominant government position in the present Nepali crisis. Indeed, Indian participants in panels held in Washington, DC, such as S.D. Muni, have distinguished themselves principally in what can only be characterized as willful ignorance of SPAM pronouncements and motives.

To cite but the most egregious example, the Indians continue to claim SPAM is willing to negotiate for itself a role in a parliamentary framework headed by a constitutional monarchy, even as the Maoists give press conferences claiming they will try the monarch in a people’s court.

There do seem to be analysts who have correctly identified the astonishingly strategic myopia involved in destabilizing Nepal further even as India itself grapples with its own growing Maoist challenge. In his recent “India, Maoism and Nepal,” former Finance Minister Madhukar S.J.B. Rana hit the nail squarely on the head when he wrote, “India is playing a dangerous game of pure real politic where it seeks to intervene in Nepal militarily by using the Maoist [as published] as proxy under the unbelievable propaganda ‘to secure peace and democracy for the Nepalese people and to arrest the impending refugee inflow into its own territory’.”

Change a word here and there, and the logic is identical to the debacle that became IPKF. It is further noteworthy that in the three bloody years that followed July 1987, IPKF acquitted itself well in “India’s Vietnam” (as it was called by the press), even as Indian policymakers sought to cast blame for the blunder on anyone and everyone except themselves. (The most ludicrous position, of course, was the very one the Maoists advance now: it is all the fault of American imperialism.)

Where to From Here?

As irony would have it, it is the growing amicability of India and the US which has served as the strategic cover for New Delhi to bring Kathmandu to heel. Nepali sources have become increasingly blunt (and strident) in the same manner as the Sri Lankans all those years ago, as the Indian ties to Nepali violence become more clear.

One does not have to engage in plot mongering to posit that India is making a major policy error in steering its present course. Neither does one have to cast aspersions to point out the obvious: the SPA portion of SPAM has been willing to play the quisling for momentary political gain.

For it will be momentary, come what may. Let us suppose that the present government collapsed tomorrow. Where would that leave SPA? With two useless pieces of paper and a worthless sheath of promises.

What is tragic is that very little would seem to separate the sides at the moment save profound mistrust. The king agrees that parliamentary democracy should be restored with a constitutional monarch. The Maoists claim they will accept a democratic republic of whatever sort is decided by a constitutional convention. SPA claims the same. SPAM as a whole claims to desire a “ceremonial monarch” (but the “M” has been unwilling to desist from claiming a trial or exile is the only way out for the present monarch). RNA would become a true “national” army, which, not surprisingly, it already thinks it is.

It is important to interject RNA into the discussion, because the shape of any successor organization was a major sticking point in the previous 2003 round of ceasefire talks. SPAM seems to think this institution will simply agree to dissolve itself without discussions of what this entails.

That this will not happen was put to the Maoists directly in 2003, but they were as unwilling then to grapple with the complexities thus raised as they appear to be now. Yet the growing stratum of combat-tested, politically astute officers is not simply going to go as lambs to the slaughter.

Thus a great deal more thought is required upon the part of all sides. This will not take place as long as SPAM persists in its present course.

Dr. Thomas A. Marks is a political risk consultant based in Honolulu, Hawaii and a frequent visitor to Nepal. He has authored a number of benchmark works on Maoist insurgency. Please send your comments to feedback@mos.com.np.

(Editor’s Note: Nepalis, wherever they live, as well as friends of Nepal around the globe are requested to contribute their views/opinions/recollections etc. on issues concerning present day Nepal to the Guest Column of Nepalnews. Length of the article should not be more than 1,000 words and may be edited for the purpose of clarity and space. Relevant photos as well as photo of the author may also be sent along with the article. Please send your write-ups to editors@mos.com.np)