360 degree: ‘New Delhi has played into China’s hands’
Pushp Ranjan, New Delhi editor of EU Asia News, a Brussels-based news agency, is a senior journalist and an expert on India-Nepal affairs. In an interview with this newspaper, he explains the dimensions of the Nepali-Madhesi conflict, India’s role in Nepal and the future of its relations with Kathmandu.
Q. What is the origin of the Nepali-Madhesi conflict?
A. Though there have been inherent under currents of tension among the Madhesis and Pahadis in Nepal since the 1950s, a significant turning point behind the gradual escalation of conflict can be attributed to the recommendations by a task force headed by Nepal’s former vice-chairman of Planning Commission. The panel was formed to suggest ways to stabilise the country’s demography, which had underwent drastic changes owing to influx of Indian origin people into Nepal, especially in Madhes.
Among other suggestions, it advocated greater settlement of pahadis in Madhes region, and giving them preference in government appointments and other important postings. It in fact also suggested allowing Indian origin Madhesis to work in Nepal on the basis of work permit. Though New Delhi did not allow the implementation of many of these recommendations, this development did further escalate differences between pahadis and Madhesis.
Q. How has India dealt with the crisis in Nepal in the aftermath of the promulgation of the new Constitution there?
A. The current status of India-Nepal relations can be gauged from Maoist leader Prachanda’s statement that Nepal does not want to be India’s “yes man”. (He had made this statement after India had expressed concern over the violence which had erupted in Nepal after the promulgation of the new Constitution in September).
By underestimating Nepal’s significance as our natural ally, New Delhi has played into China’s hands, whose influence in Nepal has only grown as can be seen from the fact that current K.P. Oli (the new Nepalese Prime Minister) regime is perceived to be closer to China.
China is even playing an important role in opening six major transit road routes in Nepal which were damaged during the April earthquake. Most significantly, the fact that India complained against Nepal to the UNHCR in Geneva saying that it was concerned about incidents of extra-judicial killings and ethnic discrimination there, goes on to show how things have deteriorated between the two nations. In fact, Nepal’s deputy Prime Minister Kamal Thapa clearly blamed India for the border blockade while speaking at the UNHCR meeting in Geneva, saying that disruption of supplies and is not acceptable to Nepal.
Q. How do you see things moving from this point in terms of bilateral relations between India and Nepal?
A. Things look grim for New Delhi. India may be isolated in Saarc and China’s influence could grow in the region. Clearly, New Delhi’s policy towards Nepal needs a serious relook, though the damage has been done.
Q. What do you have to say about the struggle of the Madhesi groups?
A. Though some aspects of their struggle is legitimate as they should be given equal say as citizens of Nepal but too much ambition on part of their leaders threatens to dilute their stand. Just a few days back, Nepal had a Madhesi Prime Minister (in Sushil Koirala), and a Madhesi President (Ram Baran Yadav). In fact, out of the 600 MPs, 100 are Madhesis; how much more can you ask for?
A.S.
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