May 1, 2007: The Maoists want a republic
declared within three weeks, or else. Apparently that means more demonstrations
and unrest if the king does not go. It was a year ago that the king handed
power back to parliament, which had allied itself with the Maoists. In the
south, Mahadhesis (ethnic Indian groups) are seeking aid from political parties
across the border in India.
April 30, 2007: In the west, several hundred
Maoists attacked a police station and kidnapped six police officers. The area
where this happened had, for several years, largely been controlled by the
Maoists, and the Maoist officials resent the return of the police. Throughout
the country, Maoists are not allowing people who fled their attacks, to return
and reclaim their property.
April 20, 2007: In the south, Mahadhesis
(ethnic Indian groups) are trying to shut things down with a general strike.
They want the Minister of the Interior to resign, and take responsibility for
the death of 30 Mahadhesis during earlier riots. The government gave into
most other Mahadhesis, but the southerners are on a roll. Other groups in the
south are seeking greater autonomy.
April 13, 2007: The army has completed
registering 2,855 weapons (rifles, machine guns, sub-machine guns, pistols as
well as mortars) with the UN. These are now locked up under UN supervision as
part of the peace deal.
April 10, 2007: The Maoists have officially
registered as a political party.
April 9, 2007: Unrest between ethnic Indians
and Maoists in the south continues, with brawls and kidnappings, plus demonstrations
and lots of strong words. Some of the Maoists have declared themselves separate
from the mainline Maoist organization, and are basically rebelling against just
about everyone.
