Nepal has to stand on its own feet: Koirala tells India

Former Prime Minister of Nepal, G P Koirala, today said he has told the Indian government of his opposition to supply of military hardware to Nepal. “This is my last attempt to fulfill my dream of democracy in Nepal,” he said at a press conference, before leaving for Kathmandu. He, however, admitted that the government policies were not his business.

Koirala, who talked with senior leaders of the UPA government during his visit to New Delhi, said he was grateful for New Delhi’s support to democracy in Nepal, but added, “Nepal has to stand on its own feet.”

Koirala also criticised the international community for what he said was its hypocrisy. “They first suggested that the Nepal crisis required a political solution and then created a “hue and cry” when the Maoists were approached for talks,” he said.

On reports of split in Maoist groups, Koirala said, “It might be their strategy. One section is liberal and the other hardline. Both are projected as the situation demands.” He added a major effort to bring Maoists into the mainstream could start only after democracy is in place.