While the two largest parties have condemned the killing of a Nepali citizen by the Indian border security force on Thursday, the third largest CPN (Maoist Centre) has not officially protested the incident yet even as its sister wings have demonstrated against the SSB action.

It may be recalled that the Maoist party dug tunnels at places in the country during the insurgency to, what it called, fight against “Indian hegemony” in Nepal. After the peace process began, the Maoists were often the first party to protest any act concerning Nepal that might be viewed as India’s highhandedness.

After the party formed its third government last year, the people are watching its move, especially how it reacts to the activities of the southern neighbour that impact Nepal. Asked about the party’s reluctance to protest the Indian attack, Maoist Spokesperson Pampha Bhusal said PM Dahal, who is also the party chairman, had already spoken against the SSB attack so there was no need for an official statement.

The Young Communist League, the All Nepal Women’s Association-Revolutionary, the All Nepal National Independent Students Union-Revolutionary, all affiliated to the party, led a protest rally in the Capital on Friday, protesting the Indian attack on Gobinda Gautam of Kanchanpur.

Maoist Centre leader Mani Thapa commented that not protesting such a grave incident officially is sheer negligence on part of the party.

Senior Maoist leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha, however, made a strong remark on social media demanding an Indian apology for the incident and compensation for the deceased. The southern neighbour should also inform Nepal about the action it takes against the culprits and express commitment not to repeat such activities in future.