Maoist sources have indicated that DSP Thule Rai, who was kidnapped by the Maoist on September 22 during an attack on a police post in Rukum, is still alive and that he would be released to the government without being harmed.

However, they are wanting information from the government about their missing comrades on whether they have been killed and if so where, when and why before they release DSP Rai.

With this the Maoist are trying to push the government to treat the Maoists according to the Geneva Convention, and they want to prove that they are doing the same. That means the Maoist are trying to prove that there has been a civil war in the country.

So, there is no possibility of Rai being released before Prime Minister Bhattarai returns from America. However, the Maoists are facing a problem on where and how to hand over Rai to the government safely.

Until the police give its assurance, the Maoist can not bring DSP Rai to the police. If he is released alone, they doubt, police themselves would kill Rai. However, it is possible that Rai could be handed over safety through some human rights organization.

(Deshantar, October 3, Sunday)