The criminals who joined the Maoists during the ?people?s war? are now proving to be a nuisance and embarrassment to their party. Many who gained notoriety as armed robbers and rapists had joined the rebellion to get away with their crimes and evade arrest. They have no political awareness and principles. All they know is how to use guns, and they are the ones responsible for defaming the party at the local level. This was discussed seriously during the party?s central committee meeting. Maoist leaders are concerned about the negative fallout due to the presence of such party workers, especially when they join open competitive politics before elections to the constituent assembly.

These are the same cadre who?ve been involved in extortion, intimidation and threats at the local level in defiance of orders from the central committee. One Maoist leader was heard expressing concern that the party was turning into a ?trash can?. The central working committee plans to launch a new campaign to clean up the party?s image. The party is under pressure from members to act quickly to either kick out "anti-social elements" and criminals or reorient them to the Maoist ideology. These were the same people involved in atrocities
and torture designed to force civilians to accept their ideology.