NEPAL: MAOIST BLOCKADE UNEVENLY IMPLEMENTED, MOST

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KATHMANDU 000437

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

DEPT FOR SA/INS, LONDON FOR POL/GURNEY, NSC FOR MILLARD

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PTER PGOV CASC EAID NP
SUBJECT: NEPAL: MAOIST BLOCKADE UNEVENLY IMPLEMENTED, MOST
HEAVILY FELT IN THE TERAI


1. (SBU) Summary. On March 8, Maoist-affiliated
organizations initiated a 15-day road blockade in western and
mid-western Nepal. The Maoists had declared the closure in
13 Districts, although implementation appears to be haphazard
and has extended to districts outside the declared zone. On
March 9, the main north-south highway linking Kathmandu with
the southern lowlands (Terai) was blocked with felled trees
and electric-wire poles, effectively stopping long-haul
commercial and passenger vehicles from reaching their
destinations. The southern east-west highway connecting
Chitwan with eastern Nepal was also closed for much of the
day. On March 10, police contacts indicated that the main
highways were clear and traffic was moving. Reasons behind
the blockade remain unclear, although media reports suggest
that the blockade is an attempt by the Maoists to disrupt the
King's civic reception in Pokhara scheduled for March 28.
Police contacts believe, however, that the closures are meant
to conceal a mass movement of insurgents in the western
region. Whatever the reason, the blockade will deter many
Nepalis and foreign tourists from traveling by road over the
next two weeks. End Summary.


2. (SBU) On March 4, three Maoist-affiliated organizations
announced a 15-day road blockade from March 8-23 in 13
Districts of western and mid-western Nepal. (Note. In late
2003, these three ethnic-based organizations -- the Taruwan
National Liberation Front, the Magarat National Liberation
Front, and the Madhesi National Liberation Front -- declared
themselves to be regional autonomous zones covering nearly 20
of Nepal's 75 Districts. The organizations were created to
appeal to the Gurung, Magar and Terai-based ethnic groups,
respectively, that might feel disadvantaged and excluded from
government participation and social services. End Note.)
The 13 affected Districts are: Chitwan, Nawalparasi,
Rupandehi, Palpa, Syanja, Kaski, Tanahu, Parwat, Lamjung,
Gorkha, Gulmi, Myagdi and Manang.


3. (SBU) Contacts in Bharatpur, headquarters of Chitwan
District, reported on March 9 that the main north-south
artery between the central Terai and Kathmandu was completely
closed. All vehicles were forced to stop in Narayanghat,
just a few kilometers north of Bharatpur, where large trees
have been felled onto the road in numerous locations. Press
reports confirmed that the Maoists successfully shut down
commerce along the north-south highway, including the second
largest produce market in Nepal. However, the Chief District
Officers of four of the affected districts (Gorkha, Kaski,
Rupandehi, and Palpa) said that life was normal, shops were
open and vehicles were plying the roads. The main east-west
highway reportedly was cleared by security forces early in
the day on March 9. On March 10, police contacts indicated
that all main highways were clear and traffic was moving as
normal. However, police officials were concerned that the
length of the blockade inevitably would result in some
closures in the next two weeks since the affected area is too
large for effective coverage by security personnel.


4. (SBU) The road blockade appears to have been implemented
haphazardly and has extended to districts outside the
Maoist-declared area. An American citizen reported on March
10 that the north-south highway linking Kathmandu with the
Tibetan border had been blocked by rocks and other debris.
That same day, World Food Program staff confirmed that
Maoists had closed roads in Salyan, Rolpa and Pyuthan
Districts in mid-western Nepal. The impact of the blockade
will be felt most by Nepal's agriculture and tourist
industries that rely daily on an open transportation system.
Many agricultural cooperatives already have deplored the
Maoist blockade and requested that it be lifted immediately.


5. (SBU) Comment. The reasons behind the 15-day blockade
remain unclear. Media reports suggest that the Maoists seek
to disrupt King Gyanendra's civic reception in Pokhara,
scheduled for March 28. The King's recent travels to fifteen
districts, including those considered to be the Maoist
heartland, and his enthusiastic reception by crowds of common
people were an embarrassment to the Maoists. Police contacts
believe, however, that the Maoists are using the closures to
conceal a major movement of insurgents in the western region.
Whatever the reason, the blockade will intimidate many
Nepalis and foreign tourists from traveling by road over the
next two weeks. Certainly, uncertainties over where and when
the blockade will be implemented increase personal anxieties
throughout the country. The Embassy has alerted American
citizens in Nepal of the road closures and suggested they
defer unnecessary road travel until after March 25. Post
will continue to track the blockade and report on any
significant events. End Comment.
MALINOWSKI