Kathmandu, — CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal, widely known as Prachanda, has claimed that efforts to divide his party are still underway, driven by what he described as reactionary forces. Speaking on Sunday at the 23rd Bottley Memorial Day held at the party’s central office in Parisdanda, he called for stronger unity among revolutionary groups to counter those efforts.
“We’ve been facing coordinated attacks since the day we entered the peace process,” said Prachanda. “These aren’t random events. Reactionary forces are using traps, pouring in resources, and engaging in various manipulations to try and split our party.”
He stressed that despite efforts to bring revolutionary and leftist groups together, reactionary forces remain deeply embedded and highly active. “We all need to understand this clearly: these groups are going all in. The outcome of this battle — whether they succeed or we do — is still undecided.”
Calling for stronger unity among revolutionaries, Prachanda said, “We’re trying to unite all true communist forces to take on this challenge. A new wave of resistance is taking shape, and we need to move forward with renewed determination.”
He also accused reactionary elements of trying to tarnish the legacy of fallen comrades. “They’re putting serious effort into insulting and devaluing the sacrifices of our martyrs. We have to stay alert and keep pushing ahead.”
Reflecting on the violent years of conflict, he reminded the audience of past atrocities: “These are the same forces that used to spread misinformation, surround and kill revolutionaries in brutal ways, and commit horrific acts of violence — especially against women. They haven’t stopped trying.”
Prachanda also acknowledged some missteps within his own party. Referring to a recent Central Committee meeting, he admitted the party hadn’t done enough to honor the contributions of those who were martyred, wounded, or disappeared. “We’ve recognized that shortfall. Those who built this party with their sacrifices deserve our full respect.”
During the event, he recalled the 2002 Bottley massacre — a defining moment in the Maoist movement. On July 18 of that year, royal army forces killed 15 Maoist cadres in Bottley, Shailung of Dolakha district.
“Bottley gave us strength,” he said. “Now, we move forward with that same spirit and a fresh resolve to carry our mission forward.”
