US embassy cable - 02KATHMANDU1004

UNCLAS KATHMANDU 001004 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR SA/INS, DS/OP/NEA, DS/DSS/ITA 
LONDON FOR REIDL 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PTER, ASEC, PGOV, NP, Maoist Insurgency 
SUBJECT: NEPAL POLICE CLAIM VICTORY AGAINST MAOIST VALLEY 
LEADERSHIP 
 
 
1.  (SBU) Speaking before a group of Nepal Police officers at 
an Embassy-sponsored presentation, police chief Rana claimed 
a victory over Maoist leadership in the Kathmandu Valley, 
stating police efforts had netted the valley bureau leaders. 
Afterwards, RSO queried Rana over the veracity of local press 
reports that Krishna Sen, acting Maoist valley bureau chief, 
had been arrested.  (Note: his predecessor was arrested 
approximately one month ago in a joint army and police 
action).  Rana confirmed the reports and added with pride 
that it was his officers who had captured most of the valley 
leadership over the last two months. 
 
2.  (SBU) COMMENT: If Rana's claim regarding the insurgent's 
valley leadership is true, it is likely that lower level 
cadre in Kathmandu will be ineffective in mounting any 
coordinated campaign for the next several weeks (a period 
that coincides with the anniversary of the palace killings 
last year).  While this does not rule out isolated incidents 
in the city, it is very welcome news. 
MALINOWSKI