Dr has a stiff dose for the Nepal King

While emergency was lifted, the King continues to stifle the media with coercive laws and has yet to involve political parties in any sort of a process towards restoration of multi-party democracy. Political leaders and activists continue to be in prison contrary to assurances given by the King.

The Prime Minister, who today discussed the matter with senior South Block officials, is expected to make it clear to Gyanendra that further continuance of authoritarian methods could end up becoming a threat to the monarchy itself in due course.

Political parties in Nepal have already forged an alliance and plan to launch a nationwide campaign within the next couple of weeks. India has been in touch with these leaders and in fact, former Nepal PM Girija Prasad Koirala will be in Delhi on Thursday.

Besides Gyanendra, PM will hold a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleeda Zia likely on Saturday. It’s learnt that the PM is keen on getting Dhaka to think “out of the box” in strengthening economic links with India by allowing transit to Indian goods headed for North-East.

The transit fees from such a trade will be of enormous benefit to Dhaka, which has been reluctant to push ahead with this on political grounds. It has been demanding duty-free access to the Indian market. India hopes to take this forward through the SAFTA route.

Bangladesh was keen that Singh extend his stay by a day for a proper bilateral visit. But New Delhi felt the time was too short. On the SAARC front, Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed will represent India at the ministerial meeting ahead of the summit after K Natwar Singh was relieved of his charge following Volcker revelations on Monday.