Introduction to the People's War (Part I)

Contrary to what the title may have led you to believe, this isn't an introduction to Maoist tactics on guerilla warfare. Rather, it is an introduction to the people's war in Nepal. The summary is written as I remember it, and focused on the things that I think are interesting. I am no expert, but I have plenty of time.
The people's war (pw from now on) was started in February 1996 when the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) attacked several police posts and public installations on the Nepali countryside. The CPN(M) was formed a few years earlier, by smaller groupings on the Nepali left, who shared some views on the developments in world communism in the 20th century.Among others, these were:

The Soviet Union had some errors, but was mainly good until Khrutchev denounced Stalin in 1956. China was good until Mao died and Deng Xiaoping started on a "rightist, revisionist policy", by introducing limited market reforms with the goal of developing the productive forces.The cultural revolution was basically a progressive course of action.Lenin and Mao both made important contributions to the theory of Marxism, and thus the guiding ideology should be (Marxism-Leninism-Maoism).The only reason to join in parliamentary politics was to expose it's oppressive nature. In countries where feudal modes of production are predominant, the only solution is to liberate the people by a strategy of "protracted people's war".Furthermore, they agreed that the objective conditions of Nepal called for the initiation of people's war as soon as possible.

To agree that Nepal is favourable to guerilla warfare is not very difficult. Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world, and the vast majority of the population relies on subsistence agriculture to meet their needs. The state has traditionally been, and is, dominated by the large landowners and the king. Infact, until 1990, Nepal was effectively a dictatorship with the king on top. The new constitution formed in 1991, gave the king some veto powers, as well as de facto control over the army. Furthermore, the geography of Nepal is perfect for guerilla tactics. Mountains, jungle and forest all offer possibilities for hit and run tactics. In addition to this, infrastructure outside the Kathmandu valley is lacking, and huge parts of the countryside are without road access, and must rely on pack mules and porters for the transportation of goods.
Nepal is also a country consisting of several ethnic groups. People have trough the history of Nepal wandered in from Tibet, the Gangetic plains and Indian Himalaya. Many of these are effectively blocked from entering politics or business in Nepal(the two are often intertwined). One example is the Madhesi people, who came from the Gangetic plains several thousand years ago. They look more like Indians than Nepalis, and have therefore traditionally been seen as "Indian infiltrators" by the ruling classes. A Madhesi in Nepal has the right to vote, but not to run for office.

Before the CPN(M) started the attack, they made a list of 40 demands that were presented to the government. The demands covered many sections of society, and were put under different labels. Demands regard to nationalism, to the well being of the public and to people's livelihoods. The government oversaw the demands, and on the 13th of February, the people's army struck on various locations in mid-western Nepal.
At this point of time, the objective conditions seems to suggest that I should take a break. Stay with us for more revolutionary information!