Suman Pradhan has rightly raised the critical issue of Maoist militia ('Militia in our midst', #311), which is being overlooked by national decision makers. I believe the issue is even more troublesome than it seems.

A militia is not the problem only of the seven-party alliance or the general population. It is equally threatening to the Maoists themselves. The frustrated, uncertain mindset of the militia is in a fluid stage and, if not channelled properly, can sink the Maoists.

Based on my grassroots experience, I believe that to assume the UN team will manage this mass militia operating in rural areas is to live in a dreamland. Neither the size of the UN team nor its local knowledge will provide the human resources needed to manage this mass. The UN will also lack the mandate to deal with them.

We have already gone through a decade-long conflict and must prepare ourselves for post-conflict consequences. There will definitely be confrontations between the Maoist militia and Maoist victims at the local level once the militia is disarmed. This eruption of accumulated pain will result in more violence. This can only mean continuation of the conflict.

Undoubtedly, the militia numbering over 100,000 will play a very intimidating role in bringing the outcome of the constituent assembly in the Maoists' favour. The seven-party alliance will clearly not agree to go for a constituent assembly under this situation, which means delays in the peace process.

Amir Bhochhibhoya,
Sansthagat Bikas Consultancy Kendra

. At this stage, it looks imperative to form a military advisory body to solve peace-keeping problems that may arise after the implementation of the arms management agreement. This body could consist of retired Nepali army officers who have served in UN peacekeeping missions, serving Nepal Army officers, and Maoist representatives. The team may also be needed to plan for the integration of the Maoist militia into a future Nepal Army. The purpose of such an integration is to remove, in the name of peace, adversarial feelings, and so clear the way for Loktantra.

Ishwari Pradhan,
email

. It's been 100 days since the reinstatement of the House of Representatives and the setting up of the seven-party alliance government. The honeymoon period is over, but without any qualitative betterment in the lives of the average Nepali. There has been aggressive and annoying rhetoric from members of the government and parliament. Some ministers appear confused, and others have resorted to vengeance. The disgruntled lot includes the UML, a key alliance partner in government, and its invisible ally, the Maoists, who are out of the government. There is mistrust in everything. The only achievement so far is the pushing of monarchy to a virtual state of coma. We NRNs believe that an all-side consensus approach is the only way to move ahead for sustainable peace.

P Sharma,
Mumbai