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  • 2927309: JAISALMER, INDIA, FEB. 6, 2004: Rajasthani camel owners look for customers to give rides to at sunset on the last day of the Desert Festival  that culminated in the picturesque Sam dunes near Jaisalmer, India February 6,2004. Thousands of locals, Indians and several hundred foreigners showed up for the event. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
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  • 2927309: JAISALMER, INDIA, FEB. 6, 2004: Rajasthani tourists watch Indian paratroopers jump out of a helicopter on the last day of the Desert Festival  that culminated in the picturesque Sam dunes near Jaisalmer, India February 6,2004. Thousands of locals, Indians and several hundred foreigners showed up for the event. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    19.jpg
  • 2927309: JODPHUR, INDIA, FEB. 10, 2004: Indian Border Security Force constables perform their morning duties at a training center in Jodphur, India February 10,2004.  The constables train camels who are able to survive the harsh conditions in the desert region of Rajasthan and along the border with Pakistan. India and Pakistan have fought three wars that date back to the partition of the British Indian Empire  in 1947 but are now warming up to eachother and will have peace talks this month. (Ami Vitale)
    11.jpg
  • 2927309: JODPHUR, INDIA, FEB. 10, 2004: Indian Border Security Force constables perform their morning duties at a training center in Jodphur, India February 10,2004.  The constables train camels who are able to survive the harsh conditions in the desert region of Rajasthan and along the border with Pakistan. India and Pakistan have fought three wars that date back to the partition of the British Indian Empire  in 1947 but are now warming up to eachother and will have peace talks this month. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    20.jpg
  • BHUTAN:THE LAST SHANGRI LA: The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has sat in isolation for thousands of years and only recently has been thrust into the glare of modern times after centuries of solitude. Bhutan is a tiny, remote, and impoverished country wedged precariously between two powerful neighbors, India and China. Violent storms coming off the Himalaya gave the country its name, meaning "Land of the Thunder Dragon." This conservative Buddhist kingdom high in the Himalaya had no paved roads until the 1960s, was off-limits to foreigners until 1974, and launched television only in 1999 .
    63-07-vitaa-01.jpg.jpg
  • A Buddhist monk enters the formidable doors of Trongsa Dzong, the Ancestral home of Bhutan's monarchy. The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has sat in isolation for thousands of years and only recently has been thrust into the glare of modern times after centuries of solitude. Bhutan is a tiny, remote, and impoverished country wedged precariously between two powerful neighbors, India and China. Violent storms coming off the Himalaya gave the country its name, meaning "Land of the Thunder Dragon." This conservative Buddhist kingdom high in the Himalaya had no paved roads until the 1960s, was off-limits to foreigners until 1974, and launched television only in 1999 .
    060.jpg
  • Homes that Angolans live in are in sharp contrast to the homes for foreigners and government officials in the capital of Luanda in Angola in this file photo.  President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who has led Angola since 1979, said he would not run in presidential elections planned for next year.  Angola's brutal 26 year-civil war has displaced around two million people - about a sixth of the population - and 200 die each day according to United Nations estimates. .(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Africa_Angola_033.tiff
  • Homes that Angolans live in are in sharp contrast to the homes for foreigners and government officials in the capital of Luanda in Angola in this file photo.  President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who has led Angola since 1979, said he would not run in presidential elections planned for next year.  Angola's brutal 26 year-civil has displaced around two million people - about a sixth of the population - and 200 die each day according to United Nations estimates. .(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Angola0009.jpg
  • Angolan children attempt to surf on their hand made surf boards which they carved out of driftwood after they watched French foreigners surfing on the beaches outside of the capital of  Luanda  in this file photo.  President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who has led Angola since 1979, said he would not run in presidential elections planned for next year.  Angola's brutal 26 year-civil has displaced around two million people - about a sixth of the population - and 200 die each day according to United Nations estimates. .(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Angola0008.jpg
  • Angolan children attempt to surf on their hand made surf boards which they carved out of driftwood after they watched French foreigners surfing on the beaches outside of the capital of  Luanda in this file photo.  President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who has led Angola since 1979, said he would not run in presidential elections planned for next year.  Angola's brutal 26 year-civil war has displaced around two million people - about a sixth of the population - and 200 die each day according to United Nations estimates. .(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Africa_Angola_032.tiff
  • Homes that Angolans live in are in sharp contrast to the homes for foreigners and government officials in the capital of Luanda in Angola in this file photo.  President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who has led Angola since 1979, said he would not run in presidential elections planned for next year.  Angola's brutal 26 year-civil has displaced around two million people - about a sixth of the population - and 200 die each day according to United Nations estimates. .(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Africa_Angola_029.tiff
  • Homes that Angolans live in are in sharp contrast to the homes for foreigners and government officials in the capital of Luanda in Angola in this file photo.  President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who has led Angola since 1979, said he would not run in presidential elections planned for next year.  Angola's brutal 26 year-civil has displaced around two million people - about a sixth of the population - and 200 die each day according to United Nations estimates. .(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Angola0034.jpg
  • A boy using a donkey to transport fish to the local markets is splashed by a motorbike on the coast of Mauritania where local fishermen struggle to compete with the huge tankers and trawlers used by the foreign fleets. West Africa has suffered massive overfishing by foreign fishing fleets, with local small fishing boats forced to fish further and further out to sea or to concentrate their activities in sensitive coastal areas.  In the last 45 years, foreign vessels,   caught an estimated 80 percent of the fish taken from West African waters. The coastal nations took home the remaining 20 percent. And their share may get smaller. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    mt158.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 20, 2004:  Maoist insurgents take a group of children for a cultural education program  in Rukum district April 20, 2004   Maoist rebels continue to abduct thousands of villagers for forcible indoctrination and military training.  The Maoists mainly target students, teachers and youths. The victims are usually released after a few days of indoctrination. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami186.jpg
  • Local Mauritanian and Senegalese fishermen haul in a pirogue after they returned from a full night of fishing in the Atlantic  near the capital of Nouakchott in Mauritania.  West Africa has suffered massive overfishing by foreign fishing fleets, with local small fishing boats forced to fish further and further out to sea or to concentrate their activities in sensitive coastal areas.  In the last 45 years, foreign vessels,   caught an estimated 80 percent of the fish taken from West African waters. The coastal nations took home the remaining 20 percent. And their share may get smaller..(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    mt145.jpg
  • Senegalese traders wait for the local fishermen to bring in the days harvest from their small pirogues in the West Arican city of  Ziguinchor, Senegal located in the troubled Casamance region.  West Africa has suffered massive overfishing by foreign fishing fleets, with local small fishing boats forced to fish further and further out to sea or to concentrate their activities in sensitive coastal areas.  In the last 45 years, foreign vessels,   caught an estimated 80 percent of the fish taken from West African waters. The coastal nations took home the remaining 20 percent. And their share may get smaller.  (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    SN105.jpg
  • Local Senegalesetraders prepare for the days harvest of fish to be brought  by local fishermen in the town of St. Louis in Senegal.  West Africa has suffered massive overfishing by foreign fishing fleets, with local small fishing boats forced to fish further and further out to sea or to concentrate their activities in sensitive coastal areas.  In the last 45 years, foreign vessels,   caught an estimated 80 percent of the fish taken from West African waters. The coastal nations took home the remaining 20 percent. And their share may get smaller..(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    mt148.jpg
  • Local Mauritanian and Senegalese fishermen bring in the days harvest  near the capital of Nouakchott in Mauritania.  West Africa has suffered massive overfishing by foreign fishing fleets, with local small fishing boats forced to fish further and further out to sea or to concentrate their activities in sensitive coastal areas.  In the last 45 years, foreign vessels,   caught an estimated 80 percent of the fish taken from West African waters. The coastal nations took home the remaining 20 percent. And their share may get smaller..(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    mt144.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 20, 2004:  Maoist insurgents take a group of children for a cultural education program  in Rukum district April 20, 2004   Maoist rebels continue to abduct villagers for indoctrination and military training.  The Maoists mainly target students, teachers and youths. The victims are usually released after a few days of indoctrination. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami206.jpg
  • Mauritanian and Senegalese traders wait for the local fishermen to bring in the days harvest  near the capital of Nouakchott in Mauritania.  West Africa has suffered massive overfishing by foreign fishing fleets, with local small fishing boats forced to fish further and further out to sea or to concentrate their activities in sensitive coastal areas.  In the last 45 years, foreign vessels,   caught an estimated 80 percent of the fish taken from West African waters. The coastal nations took home the remaining 20 percent. And their share may get smaller..(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    mt169.jpg
  • Local Mauritanian and Senegalese fishermen bring in the days harvest  near the capital of Nouakchott in Mauritania.  West Africa has suffered massive overfishing by foreign fishing fleets, with local small fishing boats forced to fish further and further out to sea or to concentrate their activities in sensitive coastal areas.  In the last 45 years, foreign vessels,   caught an estimated 80 percent of the fish taken from West African waters. The coastal nations took home the remaining 20 percent. And their share may get smaller. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    mt149.jpg
  • Local Mauritanian and Senegalese fishermen bring in the days harvest  near the capital of Nouakchott in Mauritania.  West Africa has suffered massive overfishing by foreign fishing fleets, with local small fishing boats forced to fish further and further out to sea or to concentrate their activities in sensitive coastal areas.  In the last 45 years, foreign vessels,   caught an estimated 80 percent of the fish taken from West African waters. The coastal nations took home the remaining 20 percent. And their share may get smaller. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    mt142.jpg
  • Senegalese traders feed their horses at sunrise before the local fishermen have brought in the days harvest  in the town of St. Louis in Senegal.  West Africa has suffered massive overfishing by foreign fishing fleets, with local small fishing boats forced to fish further and further out to sea or to concentrate their activities in sensitive coastal areas.  In the last 45 years, foreign vessels,   caught an estimated 80 percent of the fish taken from West African waters. The coastal nations took home the remaining 20 percent. And their share may get smaller..(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    mt108.jpg
  • Local Mauritanian and Senegalese traders wait for fishermen to bring in the days harvest near the capital of Nouakchott in Mauritania.  West Africa has suffered massive overfishing by foreign fishing fleets, with local small fishing boats forced to fish further and further out to sea or to concentrate their activities in sensitive coastal areas.  In the last 45 years, foreign vessels,   caught an estimated 80 percent of the fish taken from West African waters. The coastal nations took home the remaining 20 percent. And their share may get smaller..(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    MT107.jpg
  • Local Mauritanian and Senegalese fishermen bring in the days harvest to local traders who wait on the beach near the capital of Nouakchott in Mauritania.  West Africa has suffered massive overfishing by foreign fishing fleets, with local small fishing boats forced to fish further and further out to sea or to concentrate their activities in sensitive coastal areas.  In the last 45 years, foreign vessels,   caught an estimated 80 percent of the fish taken from West African waters. The coastal nations took home the remaining 20 percent. And their share may get smaller..(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    MT105.jpg
  • TRIMBAKESHWAR,INDIA, AUGUST 8:  A Hindu pilgrim poses at a shrine at Trimbakeshwar during the month long Kumbh Mela in in India, August 8, 2003. Kumbh Mela, a famous Hindu festival, is expected to bring  more than three million pilgrims and foreign tourists. (Photo by Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
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  • The signs of changing times are evident as Maasai children relax with a game of football as their elders walk by cloaked in traditional clothing during lunch break at the Endulen Primary school in Ngornogoro District in Tanzania September 29, 2003.  Most Maasai now see the value of sending their children to school so they can have a voice in the government to protect themselves with increasing land loss. The Maasai were thrown out of the Crater in 1972 in the name of conservation and are being threatened again  under a torrent of new legislation. Like other indigenous people the world over, they continue to be evicted from their land in the name of tourism and conservation. They have lived on these lands for centuries but now struggle to survive on their borders, especially in the difficult drought years. Though they were able to live in harmony with the wildlife for centuries, the places with rich water sources are now preserved for tourists.  Eco-tourism, the government solution to chronic poverty, brings in vast revenues but sadly, the dispossessed Maasai are not allowed to benefit. Only a handful, mostly foreign owned tourist operators profit and only a tiny portion of the money actually filters through to the local economy.
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  • ARAMBOL, GOA,INDIA;FEBRUARY 27: Foreign tourists and travelers dance at a carnival on the beach in Arambol, Goa in India February 27, 2006. (Ami Vitale)
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  • Houses built for foreign families working for oil companies  sit in sharp contrast to the shanty towns that most Angolans have in the capital of Luanda in Angola.  President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who has led Angola since 1979, said he would not run in presidential elections planned for next year.  Angola's brutal 26 year-civil war has displaced around two million people - about a sixth of the population - and 200 die each day according to United Nations estimates. .(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Africa_Angola_027.tiff
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 15, 2004:  Children carry their siblings in a small village in Rukum District April 15, 2004. Ill-equipped security forces in politically unstable Nepal are unable to control  Maoist rebels, who continue to abduct thousands of villagers for forcible indoctrination and military training.  The Maoists mainly target students, teachers and youths. The victims are usually released after a few days of indoctrination, unless they actively resist the "training attempts," in which case the rebels torture or sometimes kill them. Maoist insurgents have capture most of the Western part of Nepal in their attempt to make it a Communist State. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami230.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Radna Bahadur Rana, right, who murdered a relative works inside a mill in an "open prison"  established by Maoists who have created an autonomous state with their own judicial sysytem in a village in Rukum District April 22, 2004. The prison was once a farm owned by a relative of the King but was taken over by Maoists. The Maoists believe that criminals can be reformed through labor and cannot be be corrected confined within a jail with bars. They beleive that crime is a social evil and the main cause is a class system.   Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami134.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Maoist insurgents meet in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami120.jpg
  • Houses built for foreign families working for oil companies  sit in sharp contrast to the shanty towns that most Angolans have in the capital of  Luanda in Angola.  President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who has led Angola since 1979, said he would not run in presidential elections planned for next year.  Angola's brutal 26 year-civil has displaced around two million people - about a sixth of the population - and 200 die each day according to United Nations estimates. .(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Angola0031.jpg
  • Houses built for foreign families working for oil companies  sit in sharp contrast to the shanty towns that most Angolans have in the capital of Luanda in Angola.  President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who has led Angola since 1979, said he would not run in presidential elections planned for next year.  Angola's brutal 26 year-civil has displaced around two million people - about a sixth of the population - and 200 die each day according to United Nations estimates. .(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Africa_Angola_028.tiff
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 15, 2004:  Nepalese cross a bridge controlled by Maoists in Rukum district April 15, 2004. The infrastructure of Western Nepal is nonexistant and government troops have a hard time manoevering through the difficult terrain to combat the growing Maoist insurgency. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    mi221.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Maoist insurgents celebrate in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    mi108.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  A battalion of Maoist insurgents gather in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ammi106.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 17, 2004:  Nepalese villagers carry wheat back to their homes in Rukum District April 17, 2004. Most families in the Western part of the country must give a percentage of their crops to the Maoists as tax and Ill-equipped security forces in politically unstable Nepal are unable to control  the rebels. The insurgents have captured most of the Western part of Nepal in their attempt to make it a Communist State. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami237.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 17, 2004: A  Nepalese villager punds wheat in Rukum District April 17, 2004. Ill-equipped security forces in politically unstable Nepal are unable to control  Maoist rebels, who continue to abduct thousands of villagers for forcible indoctrination and military training.  The Maoists mainly target students, teachers and youths. The victims are usually released after a few days of indoctrination, unless they actively resist the "training attempts," in which case the rebels torture or sometimes kill them. Maoist insurgents have capture most of the Western part of Nepal in their attempt to make it a Communist State. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami235.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 18, 2004:  A Nepalese child helps his grandmother cook next to a fire in Rukum District April 18, 2004. Most of Nepal has no electricity, plumbing or infrastructure and ill-equipped security forces in the politically unstable country are unable to control  Maoist rebels, who continue to abduct thousands of villagers for forcible indoctrination and military training.  The Maoists mainly target students, teachers and youths. The victims are usually released after a few days of indoctrination, unless they actively resist the "training attempts," in which case the rebels torture or sometimes kill them. Maoist insurgents have capture most of the Western part of Nepal in their attempt to make it a Communist State. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami234.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 17, 2004:  Nepalese villagers gossip next to the small local shop in Rukum District April 17, 2004. Ill-equipped security forces in politically unstable Nepal are unable to control  Maoist rebels, who continue to abduct thousands of villagers for forcible indoctrination and military training.  The Maoists mainly target students, teachers and youths. The victims are usually released after a few days of indoctrination, unless they actively resist the "training attempts," in which case the rebels torture or sometimes kill them. Maoist insurgents have capture most of the Western part of Nepal in their attempt to make it a Communist State. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami233.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004: Villagers watch as Maoist insurgents celebrate in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami229.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 19, 2004:  Dilmaya, 23 years-old picks berries in Gipu village in Rukum District April 19, 2004. Her husband, a former Communist Party member has been missing since he was kidnapped 13 days earlier  because he quit the Party.  Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami228.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  A Maoist insurgents yawns during a celebration in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami226.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 15, 2004:  Children stand in a hotel as a horse passes by in Rukum district April 15, 2004. The infrastructure of Western Nepal is nonexistant and government troops have a hard time manoevering through the difficult terrain to combat the growing Maoist insurgency. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami224.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Maoist insurgents celebrate in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami220.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Maoist insurgents celebrate in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami219.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Maoist insurgents celebrate in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami218.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Maoist insurgents celebrate in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami217.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Maoist insurgents celebrate in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami211.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 15, 2004:  Children cross a bridge made out of logs in Rukum district April 15, 2004. The infrastructure of Western Nepal is nonexistant and givernment troops have a hard time manoevering through the difficult terrain to combat the growing Maoist insurgency. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami209.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Maoist insurgents celebrate in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami208.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 19, 2004:  Nepalese farmers harvest wheat in Rukum District April 19, 2004.  All of the people in this region have declared themselves Maoists and those who are not, have left the area. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami205.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Maoist insurgents celebrate in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami204.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 15, 2004:  Nepalese farmers harvest wheat in Rukum District April 15, 2004.  All of the people in this region have declared themselves Maoists and those who are not, have left the area. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami203.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 21, 2004:  Maoist insurgents walk through the mountains to a mobile training camp in Rukum district April 21, 2004.    Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many children and women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami202.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Maoist insurgents celebrate in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami201.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Maoist insurgents play a board game in Rukum district April 22, 2004.The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami200.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Maoist insurgents celebrate in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami181.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Maoist insurgents celebrate in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami180.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 24, 2004:  A child works in a tea stall in a small village in Rukum District April 24, 2004. Nepal is one of the poorest countries and most children are forced to be a part of the labor work force.  Ill-equipped security forces in politically unstable Nepal are unable to control  Maoist rebels, who continue to abduct thousands of villagers for forcible indoctrination and military training.  The Maoists mainly target students, teachers and youths. The victims are usually released after a few days of indoctrination, unless they actively resist the "training attempts," in which case the rebels torture or sometimes kill them. Maoist insurgents have capture most of the Western part of Nepal in their attempt to make it a Communist State. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami179.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 20, 2004:  Nepalese children stan in a government school yard in Rukum  district April 20, 2004. Ill-equipped security forces in politically unstable Nepal are unable to control  Maoist rebels, who continue to abduct thousands of villagers for forcible indoctrination and military training.  The Maoists mainly target students, teachers and youths. The victims are usually released after a few days of indoctrination, unless they actively resist the "training attempts," in which case the rebels torture or sometimes kill them. Maoist insurgents have capture most of the Western part of Nepal in their attempt to make it a Communist State. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami178.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 17, 2004:  A child sits insie a wheat mill in Rukum District April 17, 2004.  Many children are regulalry kidnapped by Maoists in order to eucate them about the movement. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami176.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 21, 2004:  Maoist insurgents walk through the mountains to a mobile training camp in Rukum district April 21, 2004.    Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many children and women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami174.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 21, 2004:  Maoist insurgents take a break while walking through the mountains to a mobile training camp in Rukum district April 21, 2004.    Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many children and women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami173.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 21, 2004:  Maoist insurgents walk through the mountains to a mobile training camp in Rukum district April 21, 2004.    Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many children and women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami172.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 17, 2004: A Nepalese child stands next to a wall where a notice is put up with dung announcing the release of kidnapped prisoners in Rukum District April 17, 2004. Maoists regularly kidnap people for cultural programs where they are educated about the movement.  Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami171.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 20, 2004:  A woman passes a Maoist guerilla carrying grass for her cattle   in Rukum district April 20, 2004.  In their remote strongholds, the Maoists collect taxes from the villagers and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami170.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 16, 2004: A Maoist commander stands with a grenade strapped to his belly in Rukum District April 16, 2004. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami169.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 16, 2004:  Maoist teachers sits in a government school underneath posters of the Royal Nepalese family in Rukum District April 16, 2004. The Maoists intend to close the government schools and establish their own educational system. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami168.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 16, 2004:  A Maoist teacher sits in a government school underneath posters of the Royal Nepalese family in Rukum District April 16, 2004. The Maoists inten to close the government schools and establish their own educational system. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami167.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 16, 2004:  A Maoist teacher sits in a government school underneath posters of the Royal Nepalese family in Rukum District April 16, 2004. The Maoists inten to close the government schools and establish their own educational system. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami166.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 20, 2004:  A Maoist  insurgent holds a baby at a village in Rukum district April 20, 2004. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000  fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  Though the movement uses violence to acheive theri goals, many say that the positive effects in the areas that are dominated by them are that there is there is less abuse because people are not allowed to drink alcohol or have mulitple wives.  they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami165.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Maoist insurgents play a board game in Rukum district April 22, 2004.The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
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  • SOLAN DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 24, 2004: Royal Nepalese Army soldiers sit in a village in Solan  district April 24, 2004.The soldiers are fighting Maoist guerrillas who are trying to make Nepal a communist state. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami159.jpg
  • DAN, NEPAL, APRIL 24, 2004:  Posters of the King and Queen of Nepal are covered by advertisements on a wall near Dan, in Western Nepal April 24, 2004. Support for the monarchy is low as Maoist guerrillas' fight for a ommunist state.Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami157.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 19, 2004:  A Nepali woman holds her grandchild in Bafikot, Rukum District April 19, 2004. Maoists have create blockades throughout the Western part of the country causing food and medicine shortages fro ordinary people.  Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami156.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Mutiram Poon, a rapist serving 3 years in a Maoist "open prison"    in Rukum District harvests wheat April 22, 2004. The prison was once a farm owned by a relative of the King but was taken over by Maoists. The Maoists believe that criminals can be reformed through labor and cannot be be corrected confined within a jail with bars. They beleive that crime is a social evil and the main cause is a class system.   Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami152.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Maoist leaders celebrate in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami148.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 24, 2004:  A Nepali woman carries a basket back to her village in Rukum District April 24 2004.  Most of this district that has no roads, cars, bicycles or any mode of tranport other than donkeys an mules is completely under the control of Maoists who require farmers to make donations for their efforts to create a Communist state. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami147.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 17, 2004:  A Nepali woman carries wheat back to her village in Rukum District April 17, 2004.  Most of this district is completely under the control of Maoists who require farmers to make donations for their efforts to create a Communist state.Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami146.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Maoist insurgents celebrate in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami145.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 21, 2004:  Maoist insurgents visit a local shop in Rukum district April 21, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami144.jpg
  • SALYAN DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 23, 2004: An Army hospital and barracks destroyed by Maoists two years ago in Bagchaur village in Salyan district sits empty April 23, 2004. Maoist insurgents have been looting banks, barracks, destroying health facilities, jails and torching government office buildings as they attempt to build their own autonomous state, to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami143.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Maoist insurgents gather in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami139.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 19, 2004:  Dilmaya, 23 years-old, holds her daughter Bissnu, 2 years-old, inside her home in Gipu village in Rukum District April 19, 2004. Her husband, a former Communist Party member has been missing since he was kidnapped 13 days earlier  because he quit the Party.  Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami133.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Maoist insurgents celebrate in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami130.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  A battalion of Maoist insurgents gather in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami129.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Maoist insurgents celebrate in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami127.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  A battalion of Maoist insurgents gather in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami124.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Maoist insurgents celebrate in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami121.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  A battalion of Maoist insurgents gather in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami119.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  A battalion of Maoist insurgents gather in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami117.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  A battalion of Maoist insurgents gather in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami116.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Maoist insurgents celebrate in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami115.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Maoist insurgents celebrate in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami114.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Maoist insurgents celebrate in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami113.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Maoist insurgents celebrate in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami112.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Maoist insurgents celebrate in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami111.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 22, 2004:  Maoist insurgents celebrate in Rukum district April 22, 2004 weeks after their attack on government troops in Beni when they overran the district headquarters, looting a bank, destroying the jail and torching government office buildings. The government said that 32 security personnel died in the clash and 37 were kidnapped. The clash was one of the deadliest since 1996 when fighting began to topple the constitutional monarchy and install a communist republic. The guerrillas' strength is hard to gauge. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami110.jpg
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