Impact of Maoist Insurgency in Achham: A Case Study of Kuika VDC

Abstract

Nepal once a peaceful country is now in a critical Juncture due to various internal conflicts. One of which has been the Maoist insurgency that started its movement in the name of "People's War"; since 13th Feb.1996. Since the Maoist rebels launched the armed struggle against the state, 13092 individuals have lost their lives, similarly 47076 have been abducted and thousands of others become the victims of conflict(INSEC, 2006). At the same time, Nepal has created a new record in the world's history, in the sense of transforming the age old feudalisticpolitical system (Monarchy) through the 19th day's peaceful movement which is renounced in the name of "April Revolution". It is proved that the awareness level of people is very high and the whole sector (social,political, cultural, Economics) of the country is in the process of restructure. This study has aimed to assess the overall (political, socio-cultural and economic) impact of insurgency at Micro level/VDC level. The studyarea is Kuika, VDC of AchhamDistrict. Three wards, 2,3,4 has been sampled. The total households of study area are 258. Among them 65 household have been sampled randomly. Among them 27 household are from Brahamin, 23 from dalit and 15 from Chhetri. The information, for this study,has been collected from the primary and secondary sources. The primary data have been collected from focusgroup discussion, observation, questionnaire survey and key informant interview. The secondary data have been collected from published and unpublished written documents from individuals, experts and institutions. The study has identified the negative as well as positive impacts of insurgency in study area. Displacement of local people, demands of 5 food and shelter without payment, killings, stoppage of development activities, destruction of infrastructure, arbitrary law and order system,spread of sense of insecurity and fear are the negative impacts of insurgency. Similarly, reduction of social discriminations in terms ofcast and gender, reduction of social abuse as alcoholism and gambling has been stopped, lowered interest rates of moneylenders, control over corruption, suppression, transparency, empowerment of lower castes,ethnic groups and women, reduction of untouchability, reduction of Chupadi system are the positive impacts. In the present, changed situation, after the "April Revolution, 2006",people are looking for lasting peace and prosperity. People are very hopeful about the salvation from violence and murder. The great "Aprilrevolution 2006, has given a new knowledge to all stakeholders of conflict. The negotiation is the better way for solution. The displaced people want to return their homeland. All are playing no more bloodshed in the homeland. i.e. birthplace of Buddha. People arewaiting not only for peace but for the guarantee of their rights. The peace without rights is meaningless. So, for the lasting peace and prosperous society, both parties (GON/MB) should be honest/responsible toward the negotiation and peace building process.The essence of 12 points, 8 points understanding should be complied sincerely. The cease-fire monitoring mechanism should be made powerful and effective. Transformation of inhuman socio-cultural,economic and political discrimination should be addressed by the new political system in days ahead.