PRAMOD SEDHAIN

Maoist hit second phase protest

Pramod Raj Sedhain

The Unified CPN-Maoists have hit the streets as part of their second phase of protest programs against what they say "President's unconstitutional move" to reinstate the then army chief. They picketed the District Administration Offices throughout the country. But the former rebels, who were accustomed to carrying guns, adapted to a different method of protest. They sang, danced and enjoyed instead of getting aggressive. +

The general concept was that Maoists are accustomed to guns, bombs and ambush. However, Maoist's method of protest in their second phase of agitation shocked the people. Instead of demonstrating their anger, the Maoists sang and danced to the tunes of folk music on the streets.

The venue seemed like a wedding ceremony. The whole air was filled with music and melodious tunes. There were traditional musical instruments like drums, including maadal and damaha. Even onlookers enjoyed the show on the streets. Most interestingly, it was a ticket-free show. Spectators were young and old; men and women – yet they were merrymaking. More interesting part here was that some school students were busy eating lunch in one corner. An innocent-looking person who was standing nearby was bewildered. He asked what was happening. Pat came the reply from one of the audiences -- "This is a protest against the President's move...this is an agitation to establish civilian supremacy in the country."

Other than songs and dances, there were poems filled with sarcasm and there were parodies as well. But what were they doing in front of the district administration office? The answer is simple: Barring the employees to enter the office as part of their protest program. Vehicles were stranded. General public were seen taking different routes to reach to their destinations. There were hardships. However, Maoists cadres were singing to the tunes of their party leadership of civilian supremacy.

An old woman was trapped in the crowd. She was shouting but her voice went unheard. Our unit tried to catch the scene of the old woman. But some Maoist comrades shouted at out crew and threatened them to pack up. Our team was helpless before them. Vulnerable journalist defended themselves saying that they did not shoot the scene. There are more incidences. This is just an example!