Embattled town welcomes Nepal truce

Maoist rebels launched a major attack on Taulihawa in April 2006

Taulihawa is a town exceptional only for its proximity to Lumbini, the ancient birthplace of Prince Siddhartha Gautama who would later become the Buddha.

At the age of 29, he left his kingdom for a monastic life in a quest to understand more about the suffering of the world he lived in.

Over the course of Nepal's 10-year Maoist insurgency Taulihawa has witnessed its share of suffering and violence.

But on hearing news of a deal that could ensure a lasting peace, residents of the town told the BBC News website of their relief and delight.

"I want this feeling of happiness to last for every second and for all time. We need this peaceful environment. Life in Taulihawa is not only easier but much more joyful now," said Niraj, 22, who is currently unemployed.

Besieged town

As the headquarters of the Kapilavastu district, the town has been the site of killings, abductions and frequent attacks by the rebels. Located in the southern plains of Nepal near the border with India, it is also close to rebel strongholds.

In April this year, at the height of the popular protests against King Gyanendra that eventually forced him to cede political power, thousands of rebels descended on Taulihawa in a daring attack and engaged the army in a fierce gun battle.

Niraj recalls how rebels compelled his family to let them into his home to shelter for hours as clashes continued outside.

"The rebels came to our front door with guns, arms and ammunitions. We had to let them in. We were very scared at the time. It was the biggest attack that the Maoists had ever launched in our town.

"I was in my room listening to the guns going off. They just knocked on the door and said to let them in because they wanted water. They stayed for eight or nine hours and we just listened to the music of the ammunition."

Civil servant Vrishav Upadhyay recalls the aftermath of the attacks.

The rebels stayed for eight or nine hours. We just listened to the music of the ammunition Niraj, Taulihawa resident Send us your comments

"The next morning people dared to go outside and they could see bombs and bullets scattered carelessly by the roadside. People didn't know what to do. They were too scared to pick them up."

Over the course of the insurgency, the conflict between security forces and Maoists took its toll on the people of Kapilavastu district. People who lived in surrounding villages left their homes and settled in Taulihawa to avoid getting caught in the crossfire.

Vrishav Upadhyay watched the town change.

"There were more young people and families coming to settle here and get homes on rent. They didn't want to stay in the village because the Maoists would come round being threatening and asking for money."

The BBC's Sushil Sharma says the general impression is that the Maoists did not have much popular support in Taulihawa and surrounding districts because of such reports of intimidation.

Bright future

Lumbini, close to Taulihawa, is a centre for Buddhist pilgrimage

But ever since the Maoist rebels agreed to engage in a peace process following the reconvening of parliament, attacks have ceased and the rebels have even set up an office in the town to engage with the public.

"The Maoists handle cases such as local quarrels. They are there openly solving problems in society. These are problems like money disputes," said student Siraj Upadhyay.

"The government knows about this but they are not doing anything. They are not directly causing any problems."

Indeed, Niraj observed that people were happy to go to the Maoists in their new role. "They are able to sort out problems," he said.

But perhaps the most important symbol of the resumption of normality was that for the first time in years, Taulihawa was able to celebrate Tihar, Nepal's festival of light, in all its pomp and splendour.

"Five years ago, we were not allowed to roam about after 8pm," said student Satish Sharma. "We were prisoners inside our own house even during this festival."

This year's festival of light left an impression on Niraj as well.

"We could make a prasad offering to the gods, visit relatives' homes, and play traditional public games.

"Knowing there will be peace, we will be three times happier for the next festival of light."