Where Are the Founding Leaders of Nepal's Maoist Insurgency Now, 30 Years On?
Summary
Thirty years after Nepal's Maoist insurgency began in 1996, the original leadership is scattered with only a few remaining active in politics. Various factions have split and merged over time, with former leaders pursuing different political paths and some disengaging from politics entirely.
Key Points
- The Maoist People's War began in 1996 with a 40-point demand and had 19 central committee members at inception.
- Only four original central committee leaders remain with Prachanda in the current Communist Party of Nepal.
- The Maoist party has fragmented into nearly two dozen factions after power struggles and peace process participation.
- Former leaders occupy varied roles: some active in politics, some retired or inactive, with factions participating or boycotting current elections.
