The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist): Exclusion from Foreign Terrorist Organization List?

Office of the Spokesperson (State Department)

Question Taken at the August 29, 2011 Daily Press Briefing

QUESTION: With the inclusion of Maoists in the newly-formed government in Nepal, is the U.S. considering lifting the FTO designation from these Maoist groups?

ANSWER: The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) is not included on the Foreign Terrorist Organization list, but remains a designated Specially Designated Global Terrorist under Executive Order 13224 and is included on the Terrorism Exclusion List, pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act. While the Party has taken some positive steps, we continue to have areas of concern which must be addressed before the Party could be de-listed.

Note: The Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist split from the Communist Party of Nepal-Unity Center in 1995.  In 1996 they initiated a “People’s War” based on Mao’s principle that “Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.”

Since they declaration of war they have attacked numerous police stations and carried out bombings.  They maintain close ties with the Maoist insurgency in India.