Calling the shots

Nabil bank chairman Satyendra Shrestha, who earlier headed the RBI equivalent, the Rashtra Bank of Nepal, can’t understand that the Roy...

Nabil bank chairman Satyendra Shrestha, who earlier headed the RBI equivalent, the Rashtra Bank of Nepal, can’t understand that the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA), which is performing wonders under the UN mission in Congo, is still to come to grips with the Maoist problem that is wrecking his country. The Kathmandu public feels the same way; they see the armed RNA troops only guarding pickets in the valley and not taking any preventive action against the Maoist siege of their city.

The same question has intrigued the international community, including the Indian security establishment that has pumped huge amounts of money and hardware to steel the RNA against the Maoists. Figures available with The Indian Express show that the present strength of the RNA is 72,000 comprising three divisions (around 30,000 men), one valley division, nine infantry brigades (27,000 men), one Royal Palace Guards and seven specialist brigades. However, of these, 2,000 troops are committed to UN duties, 4,000 to personal protection, 6,000 are deployed in national parks and over 25,000 are protecting only Kathmandu Valley. The result is that due to this commitment to the security of the Royal Palace and the VIPs, the RNA is spread thin in the countryside and has adopted a defensive posture towards Maoists. For RNA troops, who still barricade them behind moats and forts, repulsing a Maoist attack on their post is considered a success irrespective of the damage suffered.

While the RNA top brass refuses to discuss the issue, analysts like C.K. Lal feel there is hope among the younger lot of the Army as they do not come from a feudal background. ‘‘It is the captains, majors and colonels of RNA that have the will to take on the Maoists if the leadership decides to do so. In the coming days one can expect the younger lot to force the leadership to act against the Maoists,’’ says Lal.

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The inaction of the RNA is intriguing, considering the fact that India has pumped more than Rs 276 crore of hardware into RNA. This includes two Lancer helicopters fitted with machine guns, 23,000 INSAS 5.56 mm rifles, 80 Tata trucks, 1.5 crore rounds of assorted ammunition. It is now providing two Advanced Light Helicopters for counter-insurgency operations. Besides regular intelligence sharing, India has trained the RNA officers in counter-insurgency operations and a series of tactical courses. Besides, the US has provided military equipment worth over $12 million, including 10,140 M-16 rifles, communication equipment, night vision devices and bulletproof clothing. Also, under Exercise Balance Nail, the US has been sending training teams to Nepal to take part in unconventional war, airborne operations and civil military operations.

The UK has also promised military assistance worth £6.5 million and provided two Mi-17 helicopter gunships for ferrying troops. Besides providing 35 reconditioned Land Rover vehicles, the UK is getting two aircraft for Nepal from Poland and France.

Belgium has plans to provide 6,000 light machine guns in addition to 2,500 already supplied to RNA. Brazil will give 64 refurbished armed personnel carriers, and even Pakistan is providing snow clothing and boots. All this is to fight the 15,000-strong Maoist insurgents, armed with AK rifles and crude explosives, that are linked to Peru’s shining path movement under the aegis of the Revolutionary International Movement. But what is interesting is that at present, it is the Maoists who call the shots.

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