Kathmandu: Predictably national media reflected the stunning and sudden news of agreements on a cease-fire and talks between the government and the Maoists. The most outstanding feature of this development was the virtual bypassing of the established political parties and the long present middle-men. Predictably, thus, uproar has begun from these quarters fearing the loss of political credibility in what is now the actual political mainstream. The results of this have yet to be fully assessed.

The Congress-Girija has thus understandably perhaps begun haggling over the “meeting of the guns” in the agreement of talks. It is another matter that the agreement preconditions the laying down of those very guns.

The UML involved in a very fractious general convention has also expressed reservations on being bypassed in the agreement. The fact that they chose to be outside the government and that it is the government that must do the talking with the rebels is lost in their statement.

Perhaps understandably it is Sher Bahadur Deuba whose initial talks failed who has come forth more positively on the recent breakthrough. His reading is that the Maoists were cowed into the agreement.

Whatever, the talks are to be held and the widespread public relief at this government achievements is permeable.

Focus thus must shift at the numerous reservations and aspersions being cast at these sudden developments and, then, the real hindrances to the real success of the talks begin emerging. The vested interests developed over the years on the Maoists issue must then need scrutiny. The numerous middle men that have emerged on this very account merit focus. Roles have been bypassed. They will be asserted.