As reports came that the government was not too keen on hosting a fitting farewell to the UNMIN, it was left to the former rebels to do the bidding.


And they did it well.

Not only did the Maoist chairman Prachanda – along with the entire top brigade of PLA – hosted a luncheon for Samuel Tamrat and Karen Landgren, he also ‘apologized’ for what he called as the unbecoming manner in which the UNMIN was treated by the ruling parties during its stay in past couple of months.

He repeated that his party had wanted the UNMIN to stay till the conclusion of peace process in Nepal.


Prachanda praised UNMIN for its ‘unbiased’ role and regretted the charge of ‘biasness’ hurled at it from the ruling parties.
In fact, Maoists had even proposed for technical rollover for a short period instead of shutting it down altogether.


Meanwhile, the gift of miniature Buddha statue that Prachanda gave will, indeed, be treasured by departing UNMIN chief Karen Landgren.


The gift is both symbolic and significant.


At the very least, it would serve as a warm parting gift to the UNMIN officials who must have felt humiliated in their last days.