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Journalism of Courage
The arrest of former Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba today was hardly the signal that India was looking for when hectic consultations are underway to restore non-lethal military aid to Kathmandu.
Also, Tuesday’s raid on the Communist Party of Nepal headquarters in Kathmandu — at a time when people had gathered to pay homage to senior leader Sadhana Adhikari — has made it more difficult for those looking into King Gyanendra’s request for resuming military aid. The raid drew an instant protest from the Left leaders here.
India lost no time in voicing ‘‘deep concern’’ at these acts and stated that they were ‘‘contrary’’ to assurances given by Kathmandu and would ‘‘further complicate’’ efforts for a reconciliation between political parties and the constitutional monarchy in Nepal.
New Delhi indicated that no decision has been taken on resumption of Defence supplies to Nepal. Sources, however, said it was the Defence Ministry which had been pressing for resumption of aid, largely due to the the presence of former Gorkha soldiers there.
Before the PM left for Jakarta, it was pointed out that nearly 1.2 million former Gorkha soldiers and their families have been facing pressure from the Maoists. Serving Nepali Gorkhas — close to 45,000 in number — are also finding it difficult to go on leave due to fear of extortion. All this is said to have prompted the Defence Ministry to favour immediate strengthening of the Royal Nepal Army.
It was in this backdrop that the government was considering to resume non-lethal military aid. This included a consignment of jeeps, army trucks and other ancillary items that were in the pipeline when the King declared emergency in Nepal on February 1.
It is learnt that Kathmandu has also made an express request for furnishing ammunition for the 5.56 Insas rifles. This, too, has been under consideration though it does not fall in the category of non-lethal aid. Mine sweeping vehicles and helicopters will have to wait.
For its part, the Ministry of External Affairs is of the view that the King must display some concrete action towards restoration of democracy. While the King did give positive signals in Jakarta on removing emergency from select areas by April 30, today’s developments have sent a contrary message.
The MEA, sources said, will have to be central to any plan for resuming military aid because it funds 70 pc of the supplies to Nepal from its budget. The remaining 30 pc is bought by the RNA from Indian companies, many of who have apparently not received their dues after February 1.
Despite their differences, sources said, both ministries were in favour of complete and unconditional restoration of military supply. The Defence Ministry, however, has cautioned against weakening the RNA.
Officially, the government continues to abide by the PM’s statement that resumption of aid will be seen in its ‘‘proper perspective’’. The MEA spokesperson said any decision on this will take into account ‘‘all developments and all situations’’.
Meanwhile, diplomats from several foreign mission like the US and UK have got in touch with the Indian authorities on the latest development. The situation in Nepal also figured in talks between External Affairs Minister K. Natwar Singh and visiting UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Both leaders had met King Gyanendra separately at Jakarta.
