80% of the country is under maoist control. Only big cities, especially those inside Kathmandu valley, and places in eastern and central Terai are not. So, "wiping" them clean is impossible. They operate in small villages all over the country. The best way is sustaining the military action... killing them everytime they show up. And trying to kill their leaders who hold secret meetings in India.
"The best way is sustaining the military action... killing them everytime they show up. And trying to kill their leaders who hold secret meetings in India."
I understand that and agree with you. The problem with Nepal, though, is that it is not suited for large scale operations. I have family that have been there since the 50's and I've been through some of the country myself so I know something (as you certainly do) of the terrain and geography. Negotiating the roads to cover the country would be difficult in itself, but actually being where they show up when they can set the agenda is a far, far reach for large operations. Small teams that operate for extended periods in the same areas that the Maoists do brings the conflict back to them. In so far as killing the leadership, covert operations are just the special operations ticket. No question that pressure needs to be kept up, but as long as they have sanctuary and advance warning of impending government activity in an area, they will remain fluid and escape. Some of the recent fighting shows their recruitment of farm boys (little training and little heart for the 'cause') so this seems to be very much like the Viet Nam templet and seems to be the arena best suited for special operations.