Foreign Meddling

Foreign Meddling
Vijaya Chalise

The remarks and statement made by some Indian leaders, security advisor and newspaper columnists regarding the impending crisis in Nepal have irked Nepalese sentiments, contributing to anti-Indian feelings among the Nepali people. Indian leaders and diplomats are frequently seen interfering in our internal affairs and giving statements beyond international norms which directly interfere in the country's sovereignty. It is because India wants the same role in South Asia that is played by the United States in the world.



Provocation

Some Indian scholars like 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, the main opposition in the Indian parliament, and the views expressed by some other Indian political leaders regarding Nepal's present political situation also back this assumption.



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

Concerning another statement made by Indian security advisor Ashok Mehta that the Indian Army could be mobilised in Nepal, the Foreign Secretary of India has, however, said that it was his personal views and not those of the Indian government. The Indian Embassy in a statement said that the reported views of Ashok Mehta were his own and did not represent the views of the Indian government in any shape, form or manner.



CPN-Maoist spokesperson Krishna Bahadur Mahara has urged the government to protest against Mehta's views expressed through the BBC Nepali service as it was made by an Indian security advisor. Mehta, a former major general in the Indian Army, is presently a security advisor to the government of India.



Obviously, the statement is a direct interference in the sovereignty and independence of Nepal. Mehata along with other Indians should know better that the Nepalese political parties are capable of settling their political crisis by themselves.



Obviously, at a time when foreigners have expedited their unwanted preaching and insulting statements towards our national sovereignty, the 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 the foreigners' role has becomes decisive in settling its internal problems. Therefore in this period of transition, the need for unity among all the political parties is obvious in stopping 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 foreign powers 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 the Indian media and intelligentsia before sending its army to divide Pakistan. Evidences show that the Indian media are doing the same to provoke our Terai people. Indications are the statements made by leaders like Mulayam Singh Yadav, former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Ashok Mehta, national president of the 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 the Terai and millions of them have already fled to India to save their lives.



Such false statements are obviously meant at provoking the Terai people against the Pahadi ethnicity and to spread unrest in a bid to create instability in Nepal. But they should know that the Madhesi people are not less proud of their sovereignty, nationality and social harmony than the people living in the hills and Himalaya. They know the intention of some Indian leaders and intelligentsia trying to serve their own national interest and dividing our people. They also know all the facts and figures given by columnists like Mana Mohan Sharma are totally false.



India is emerging as a regional leader, and obviously it would not like to be seen as an expansionist power. India could greatly alleviate the fears of other South Asian countries by conducting inter-country affairs in an equitable manner. In a pluralistic, open society, an Indian observer cannot be dictating changes. Reforms are a complicated mix of ideas and is an 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 within the seven party alliance, which could have serious consequences for the country. Some reactionary forces are acting to break up the seven party unity and seeking help from the Hindu extremist forces in India. The latest statement of the Bharatiya Janata Party of India is nothing but a ploy to save the monarchy. Therefore, it is high time unity was fostered among the seven mainstream parties to decide the fate of the monarchy.



Failed state

The growing differences among the parties that fought against feudalism could give an opportunity to foreign players to directly interfere in Nepal by insisting that it be declared a failed state. If such a state of affairs, the political parties would be held accountable, and the people would never forgive them. Therefore, all should be honest in forging a consensus on unsettled issues at the earliest by rising above party interest if they want the successful implementation of the peace-building and democratisation process.

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