Foreign meddling (TRN 12, October 2007)

TRN 12, October 2007


Foreign meddling

Interference should be condemned

-Vijaya Chalise

The remarks and statement made by some Indian leaders, security adviser, and newspaper columnists regarding impending crisis in Nepal have irked Nepalese sentiment and has again made contribution to raise anti-Indian feelings among Nepali people. Indian leaders and diplomats frequently are seen interfering our internal affairs and give statements beyond international norms which directly interferes the country's sovereignty. It is because, India wants the same role in South Asia as played by the United States in the world. Some Indian scholars such as S.D. Muni like to revive the term "Indian Sub-continent" instead of South Asia used previously during British colonial rule in India. The statement of Bharatiya Janata Party, a main opposition in the Indian parliament and the views expressed by some other Indian political leaders regarding Nepal's present political situation also backs the acquisitions.

CPN-Maoist chairman Prachanda reacting to the latest statement of the Bharatiya Jnata Party of India said it was a ploy to save monarchy and it was time to decide on the fate of monarchy. He said the statement proved India's interference on Nepal and it was time for all to unite to decide on republic. He said the special convention of the Interim Parliament was needed resolve the gross instability in the country.

Concerning the another statement made by Indian security advisor Ashok Mehata Foreign Secretary of India however said, it was his personal views but not the view of Indian government. The statement published by the Indian Embassy said the reported views of Ashok Mehata is his own individual views and it does not represent the views of Indian government in any shape, form or manner, CPN-Maoist Spokesperson Krishna Bahadur Mahara has urged the government to protest the views expressed through BBC Nepali service saying Army can be mobilized in Nepal, as it was made by an Indian security adviser. Mehata, a former major general of Indian Army is presently is a security adviser to the government of India. Obviously, the statement is a direct interference on the sovereignty and independence of Nepal. Mehata along with other Indians should better know that Nepalese political parties are able to settle their political crisis seeking solution within them.

Obviously, at a time when foreigners have expedite their unwanted preaching and insulting statements towards our national sovereignty, government and seven party leaders and intelligentsia should strongly protest and urge them to stop suggesting strategies on political issues. Foreign interference is, however, natural during major national crises when there is a political vacuum. It looks as if Nepal has arrived at a point where foreigners' role becomes decisive in settling its internal problems. Therefore in this period of transition, the need for unity among all the political parties is obvious to stop foreign meddling in Nepal and safeguard nationalism. This is in the interest of the country's sovereignty and it is only logical that the government and the parties should give them a cold shoulder. It is clear that some of the foreign power do not want stability In Nepal and have always been playing games. One should not forget that India's threat perception is linked to its hegemonic self-image.

One can remember the environment of intense anti-Pakistan feelings created in East Pakistan by Indian media and intelligentsia before sending army to divide Pakistan. Evidences show some of the Indian media are doing the same to provoke our terai people. The indication is the statements made by leaders like Mulayam Singh Yadav, former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Ashok Mehata, National President of Bharatiya Janata party, and a write up recently published in Punjab keshari. Mana Mohan Sharma in his article published on October, 8 says severe suppression is shaped towards the ten million plus Madhesi people of Indian origin in Terai and millions of them have already fled to India to save their lives.

Such false statements are obviously meant for provoking terai people against pahadi ethnicity and spread unrest creating instability in Nepal. But they should know, Madhesi people are not less proud of their sovereignty, nationality and social harmony than the people living in the hills and Himalayas. They know the intention of some Indian leaders and intelligentias, who want to serve their own national interest trying to divide our people. They also know all the facts and figures given by the columnists like Manamohan Sharma are totally false.

India is emerging as a regional leader, and obviously it would not like to be seen as expansionist power. India could greatly alleviate the fears of the other South Asian countries by conducting inter-country affairs in an equitable manner. In a pluralistic, open society, any Indian observers can not be dictating changes. Reforms are a complicated mix of ideas and evolutionary process. Any reformer must try and make the pace of reforms appropriate for his country. For this, India must look serious about helping Nepal resolve its conflict, not deepen it by interfering in its internal matters.

Foreigners are encouraged by the present political stalemate and increasing distrust among seven party alliances which could lead serious consequences to the country. Some reactionary forces are acting to break seven party unities and seeking help from the Hindu extremist forces form outside the country. The latest statement of the Bharatiya Jnata Party of India could be the evidence to a ploy to save monarchy. Therefore it is high time to foster seven party unities and deciding the fate of monarchy. The increasing differences between the parties who fought untidily against feudalism would also give opportunity to foreign players to make direct interference insisting to declare Nepal a failed state. If such state of affairs happened, political parties would be responsible and people would never forgive them in future. Therefore, all should be honest to forge consensus on unsettled issues at the earliest rising above party interest honestly if they want successful implementation of the peace-building and democratization process.

(Chalise is Editor-in-chief of the Gorkhapatra.)