Dear all,

My family in Nepal has been threatened by extortion attempts by the so called Maoists. The calls started with about one every few days, but my family tells me that now they have started calling once every few hours or so. As a result, they have unplugged the phone from the jack.

I am asking for some advice from all you readers. Is is possible to get away from this mess unscathed? How can a family prevent paying extortion money and not feel guilty about supporting a movement they have no intention of supporting?

My family is scared and willing to negotiate at the moment. They tell me that the situation in Nepal has become such that even Ministers are paying money to the Maoists. Is this true? Have any of you experienced anything like this?

Please help with your posts. I feel this is ridiculous and at the same time it could be fake, but we are not about to take any chances. We don't want a bomb exploding in our compound like it did at the Soltee Hotel, neither do we feel right to be victimized like this. What guarantee can the government provide for personal property in Nepal? My family is unwilling to call the cops because they feel that nothing will be done. Furthermore, these extortionists might do more harm if they found out. We feel like we are being asked for a ransom and that our freedom is held captive. Please help with your posts.

Thanks.

Taxed Too Much in California

Your family is unwilling to call the cops and etc, tell your parents to pay the maoists for now. taxed.. you'll be fine

Taxed, I think you should try to negotiate with them if they are asking for too much, but dont create a fuss; they could do anything. Something like that happened to one of my friend's parents and it really sucked, cause the money they earnt wasnt gobbled from government property, it was hard work, but they still had to give it away for the sake of safety.

Thanks for all your thoughts on this matter, but have you heard of such a thing as "fake" Maoists?

I have heard of many instances such as this: common people getting extorted by Maobadis (or someone purporting to be Maobadis). It is truly horrifying situation to be in. But if it is any solace, there are many families right here in Kathmandu in the same boat. Seems like Maobadis have quietly infiltrated the valley in force and have been asking all home owners for "donation" with amount they deem fit.

People who have been approached by Maobadis say that the option to go to police is simply too risky. First, Maobadis would take revenge if they found out that police has been contacted. Second, police is not capable to do anything, case in point, NEA hakim who was shot dead by Maobadis when he seeked police protection. So, like the child stuck between the divorcing parents, janata is tormented from both sides.

Usually, I have heard, people pay the ransom quietly, without letting anybody know. In fact, there are lot of households in Kathmandu who do so, suffering quietl and uttering our perennial national phrase: "ke garne?"