It is because of the tough attitude of the government, the Maoist party has changed some of its basic strategies. Last week, police arrested a labourer named Dinesh Sharma suspecting him of being involved in the Maoists movement. No importance was given to Sharma’s arrest. But not only the police but also the public were surprised when no less than the Maoist leader Prachand called for his release by issuing a statement.

The Maoists party has not given any party status to living party workers in the past, except two persons. Dinesh Sharma is the third person. Prior to this, party status of General Secretary Puspa Kamal Dahal and Polit Bureau member Babu Ram Bhattarai had been made public.

(Gatibidhi, Saturday, Dec. 11)