Nepal’s Spreading Fire

A Maoist insurgency that has killed more than 8,000 people in seven years threatens to make Nepal known more for both sides’ human rights atrocities than for Mt. Everest. The fight could spill across borders as communists slip into India for refuge and medical treatment. A wider conflict would jeopardize stability in a region already on edge over tensions between India and Pakistan.

India and the United States have urged the Nepalese government to face reality. Guerrillas now hold about 40% of the country’s territory despite an increase in the size of Nepal’s army and ever more ferocious battles. A military solution seems further away than ever. King Gyanendra dissolved parliament more than a year ago and should call it back now. He needs elected representatives of the whole range of Nepalese political opinion to agree on a plan to end the violence.

Gyanendra succeeded his brother, Birendra, as king in 2001 after a bizarre shooting in the royal palace in which Birendra and the queen were killed by their son, the crown prince, who died soon afterward. The shooting came after years of political jockeying and massive street demonstrations by political parties that had pushed Birendra in 1990 to establish a parliamentary democracy.

After winning nine of 205 seats in parliamentary elections in 1996, the Maoists began killing police and soldiers in rural areas and extorting money from villagers. They have demanded an end to the monarchy, except for perhaps in ceremonial functions, and new elections for a constituent assembly. The final form of government they envision is unclear. A shaky cease-fire this year ended in August, after the army took 19 men from a village and executed them on suspicion of being guerrillas. The rebels responded with attacks on the capital, Katmandu. Soon after, they showed their strength with a three-day strike that paralyzed the country.

Gyanendra will not be able to end the violence without help from Nepal’s independent political parties, which are already planning protest rallies this week to demand the parliament’s revival. The fighting has devastated the economy of the already poor nation, scaring off tourists and foreign investors. The political parties will have to avoid their past petty bickering and decide how to satisfy Maoist demands. Also, they would reduce support for Maoists by including more representatives of the Hindu majority’s lower castes in decision-making. The cease-fire produced hints of accommodation that should be pursued. The alternative could be a failed state, a haven for lawlessness and terror.