ABSTRACT
Introduction The violent Maoist movement has brought major changes in the Nepali polity and society, both positive and negative. Some of the changes are clear while others are not – changes are, in fact, still going on and others are being institutionalized. The Constitution is being drafted and many important issues like the federal and executive model are being contested and debated; the Maoists participated in the election to the Constituent Assembly but have not renounced violence and the party still declares its end goal as communism. On the other hand, the possibility of counterrevolution cannot be ruled out. In the meantime, ethnic movements have become more assertive – Madhesi have emerged as a strong force after their 2007 Movement, while some indigenous and Tarai groups have declared independence and/or are engaged in armed conflict and others have established armies in preparation for a longer struggle.
