Issue and Opponent: As part of the peace agreement of the 10-year civil war in Nepal, Maoist combatants would be gradually integrated into Nepal’s security forces. In April 2008, Maoists won the majority of seats in the assembly meant to draft Nepal’s new constitution. The United Communist Party of Nepal-Maoists (UCPN(M)) became the largest political party in Nepal. In August, Prachanda was elected as Nepal’s prime minister. The UCPN(M) left the coalition government after Prachanda fired the army chief for his refusal to further the efforts of soldier integration. The Maoists engaged in a four-phase protest against the government. They protested for the integration of Maoist combatants into the army. The second phase of protests demanded the formation of a government led by the UCPN(M) based on civilian supremacy. The third phase was based on the desire for 13 symbolic autonomous states based on ethnicity and region to establish civilian supremacy.
Dilemma Action: The fourth phase was meant to continue fighting for civilian supremacy. During this phase, Prachanda instructed Maoists to burn treaties in symbolic protest and organize themselves around the Indo-Nepal border, where they believed Indian encroachment had occurred. Supporters engaged in strikes while businesses, schools, and transportation services closed. Music and dance performances surrounded by sit-downs blocked intersections in the city.
Outcomes: The Maoists agreed with the government to extend the deadline for drafting a new constitution. The three major parties in parliament agreed on integrating former Maoist combatants into Nepal’s army. Over 2 years, 1,460 of 19,000 soldiers joined the army while the rest returned to civilian life with rehabilitation packages of up to $10,200.