Nepal and Bhutan News and discussion

Melwyn · Post by **Melwyn** » 13 Aug 2015 07:43

Now, Muslims in Nepal also demand a Hindu state

In an unusual move, Muslims in Nepal have backed the ongoing campaign for reinstating the country's erstwhile Hindu identity, saying they are more "secure" under a Hindu state than under a secular Constitution.

"It is to protect Islam. I have opened my mouth demanding that Nepal be declared a Hindu state in order to protect my own religion," said Amjad Ali, chairman of the Rapti Muslim Society, who is also involved in the protest programmes demanding a Hindu state in Nepal.

CPN-UML CA member Anarkali Miya said she has personally experienced missionaries trying to influence people from other faiths to follow Christianity. "I believe Nepal should not adopt secularism. It will only create more problems in future," Miya said.

Udbudhin Fru, chairman of Muslim Mukti Morcha affiliated to the UCPN (Maoist), also admitted the growing influence of Christianity in Nepal. "Turning the country secular is nothing but a design to break the longstanding unity among Muslims and Hindus. So there is no alternative to reinstating the country's old Hindu State identity in order to allow fellow citizens to live with religious tolerance," Babu Khan Pathan, chairperson of the Rastrabadi Muslim Manch Nepalgunj, was quoted as saying by The Himalayan Times.

A_Gupta · Post by **A_Gupta** » 18 Aug 2015 20:56

http://www.ekantipur.com/the-kathmandu- ... 79675.html
"Nepal, India to sign oil pipeline deal on Aug 24"

Under the first phase of the project, a pipeline will be laid from Raxaul to Amlekhgunj, and under the second phase, it will be extended to Kathmandu. Re-engineering of the Amlekhgunj depot and allied facilities are among the packages of the project.

After the framework agreement is signed, two separate agreements, business-to-business and modus operandi (operation modality), will be signed between state-owned oil monopoly Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) and its sole supplier Indian Oil Corporation (IOC).

“We are all prepared for the signing of the much-awaited project,” said Jib Raj Koirala, joint secretary at the ministry.

India plans to invest Rs4.4 billion in the project while Nepal will contribute Rs1.2 billion. The project is expected to be completed within 30 months from its commencement. Nepal’s contribution will be spent on upgrading NOC’s Amlekhgunj depot and allied facilities.

A_Gupta · Post by **A_Gupta** » 25 Aug 2015 19:29

http://timesofoman.com/article/66300/Wo ... -restraint
Nepal protesters torch homes after deadly clashes with police

Kathmandu: Protestors torched homes and clashed with police in western Nepal on Tuesday, a day after an 18-month-old boy and seven police died in violent demonstrations against a new constitution.

Hundreds of demonstrators vandalised buildings in the town of Tikapur, 420 kilometres (260 miles) west of Kathmandu, defying an indefinite curfew imposed after protestors attacked police with spears, axes and knives.

A_Gupta · Post by **A_Gupta** » 25 Aug 2015 19:29

http://lancasteronline.com/news/world/i ... d2ea9.html
India, UN appeal for peace after 11 die in Nepal violence

India and the United Nations appealed for all parties to seek peace in Nepal, where hundreds of security forces on Tuesday were patrolling a western town after ethnic protesters demanding statehood attacked police a day earlier, leaving 11 people dead and many injured.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Nepalese counterpart Sushil Koirala to express the concern that political and social instability would seriously compound the tragedy caused by the earthquake that devastated Nepal earlier this year. Modi appealed to the government, all political parties and the people of Nepal to eschew violence and maintain social harmony, the Indian Embassy said in a statement.

A_Gupta · Post by **A_Gupta** » 25 Aug 2015 19:29

http://focusnews.com/world/india-not-in ... or/115258/
India Not Involved In Nepal Riots, Says Indian Ambassador

Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae on Tuesday met Nepal’s Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bamdev Gautam and told him that India or its citizens were not involved in protests or riots that have erupted across the Himalayan nation over the proposed six-province model of the proposed constitution for the country.

Nepal’s southern plains have been witnessing deadly clashes and riots for nearly two weeks, and curfew has been imposed in several districts where at least 18 protestors have died.

In his address to parliament after a deadly clash on Monday led to the death of at least 20 people, including 17 security personnel, Gautam indicated that some unwanted elements entered the country through the southern border and made the situation worse.

A_Gupta · Post by **A_Gupta** » 25 Aug 2015 19:30

http://sentinelrepublic.com/india-nepal ... ine/93833/
India, Nepal signed of MoU for construction of Petroleum Products Pipeline

AjayKK · Post by **AjayKK** » 03 Sep 2015 10:17

Nepal Likely To Junk ‘Secular’ Tag - Jayant Chowdhury

http://swarajyamag.com/world/nepal-like ... cular-tag/

A_Gupta · Post by **A_Gupta** » 06 Sep 2015 08:12

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/new ... 778330.cms

A comprehensive review of implementation of India's developmental projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore in Bhutan was carried out today during talks between the two countries.

India has committed Rs 2800 crore as Project Tied Assistance (PTA), Rs 850 crore for Programme Grant and Rs 850 crore for Small Development Projects (SDPs) for Bhutan's 11th Five Year Plan from July 2013 to June 2018.

A total of 85 PTA projects and 485 SDPs have been broadly agreed for implementation during the current Plan period.

With Bhutan's 11th Five Year Plan entering its third year, the two sides reviewed the overall progress of PTA projects and agreed to a reprioritize ..

A_Gupta · Post by **A_Gupta** » 06 Sep 2015 08:21

"Nepal trade corridor projects get PM push"
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/indi ... 737462.cms

With the government focused on strengthening relations with Nepal and to improve trade and communication, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked the road transport ministry to expedite widening and completion of ongoing works. Sources said during his last review meeting on infrastructure, PM Modi had asked the ministry to see whether multimodal hubs can be developed on the major stretches, such as Raxaul along NH-28A.

A_Gupta · Post by **A_Gupta** » 06 Sep 2015 08:25

While the PM pushes for expedited improvement of the main road to Nepal, "Protests in Terai region hurt trade across Indo-Nepal border"
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-new ... 86878.aspx
This is because of protests in Nepal over the demarcation of states in their new Constitution.

Most of the vehicles are stranded at Raxaul in India's Bihar state due to continued violence across the border at Nepal’s Birganj, the busiest point for border trade between the neighbouring nations.

TSJones · Post by **TSJones** » 07 Sep 2015 23:48

American woman beaten to death in Nepal.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/07/world/nep ... index.html

she was an art school teacher in Austin.

Vivek K · Post by **Vivek K** » 08 Sep 2015 01:21

Very sad and a loss of a good life.

Kati · Post by **Kati** » 08 Sep 2015 09:32

very sad....
the lady - Dahlia Yehia....

Since 9-11 Uncle has been recruiting south-asian origin people as field scouts in larger numbers for various objectives.
Wonder if this lady was one of those recruitees.

Sridhar K · Post by **Sridhar K** » 08 Sep 2015 09:48

Was in Nepal for more than 2 weeks as part of the Kailash and Mukthinath Yatra. A few first hand observations
1) The country (at least the people) completely recovered from the earth quake.
2) West of Pokhara was largely unaffected but people are miffed at Indian media for painting the whole of Nepal with a broad brush. This has killed the tourist inflow for this year to less than 10% even though West Nepal was unaffected. Visited Kathmandu, Pokhara, Jomsom, Mustang, Mukthinath, Nepalgunj (which looks like UP), Simikhot
3) Infra in Nepal (roads) are non existent. It takes 16 hours to cover Pokhara to Jomsom by road mud road changing three buses while flight takes a mere 20 mins.
4) The road to Karadi border has been repaired after the quake. The border is still closed as China does not want to expose the earthquake damage on their side.
5) The locals in Hilsa and Simikot bordering Tibet were complaining that India is stonewalling Chinese efforts to improve infra in northern Nepal. They were saying that India should either invest or allow Chinese to do so. Some of the borders are easily accessible from the Tibet side and one can see proliferation of Chinese goods including food items.
6) On the southern valleys, Indian influence still seems stronger even in trade and Chinese stuff is not too much.
7) After the country started recovering on tourist inflows, the riots due to district reorganization has taken a big toll on the Industry

The domestic airline industry is thriving but completely unorganized. No clear passenger list. We flew a few times when our names were not there in the ticketing list. They took our passports and then issued boarding cards despite our names not being there in the list.
9) The pilots do fly with a tremendous amount of skills between mountain passes and landing at Simikot airport was a tremendous experience.
10) Thousands of Indian pilgrims cross into Tibet border at Hilsa to visit Manasarovar and India can do well to upgrade the infra at Hilsa.

A_Gupta · Post by **A_Gupta** » 13 Sep 2015 21:50

http://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/ ... 90022.aspx
Prashant Jha writes in the Hindustan Times: "Why India must speak up strongly on Nepal"

For forty days, Nepal has been burning.

The game-changer in Nepal’s constitutional deadlock was the decision of the Maoists to break ranks with their allies, Madhesi parties of the plains, in June this year. Both forces had fought together for an identity based federal system, which would empower the Madhesis, the ethnic tribes called the Janjatis, and other excluded groups. The older forces had a federal design which would maintain demographic advantage and political dominance for hill Hindu upper caste communities, which had traditionally wielded power.

Maoists shifted sides, and signed up to a constitutional deal that reversed many of the achievements for the excluded groups. An electoral system was designed which would leave these groups of the Tarai under-represented in the national legislature; provisions on proportionate inclusion of the marginalised into state organs were dropped; draconian citizenship provisions were introduced which hurt the rights of both women and Madhesis; and federal boundaries were carved out in a manner to suit the ruling elite.

The Tarai rose up in flames.

The Madhes is at the crossroads. Those leading the current agitation are parliamentary moderates – all they seek is inclusion into the existing Nepali state structure, a fair federal settlement and space within the polity. If these reasonable demands are not addressed, the political constituency which will benefit the most is that of the secessionists in the Tarai. A young foreign educated scientist, C K Raut, has already returned home to wage a movement for a separate country, and his popularity is only growing. If the Tarai does not get what it is asking for in Nepal, more young men and women will get drawn to Raut and ilk. And given the links the community shares with Bihar, do not be surprised if there is a substantial political constituency in Bihar which begins to speak for the rights of Nepal’s Tarai. The intersection of domestic politics and foreign policy will only make matters more complicated for Delhi. It is time to prevent another Sri Lanka type situation emerging.

There is a legitimate apprehension in Delhi that any public move would only serve to alienate Kathmandu’s powerful hill elite establishment – and given that India has to do business with the Nepali state, this constituency cannot be ignored. This is true – but this is a constituency that is always the most adept at playing the anti India card.

Delhi has little to do with the current Madhesi unrest, but listen to Nepali politicians, and it would appear that this is all a grand Indian design. The ploy is to stoke ultra nationalism, scare Delhi and put pressure on India to use its influence with Tarai groups to sign up to a constitution against its interests. There is no reason for India to give in to such games. Delhi should also keep in mind that there is a substantial constituency in Kathmandu now – senior hill politicians in mainstream parties, key media outlets and civil society – which do not agree with the current ‘ram through the constitution’ approach. India’s moves will be seen as helpful by the reasonable moderate pahadi leaders, besides Nepal’s marginalised groups, who constitute the country’s majority.

There is little point in being a regional power if you do not exercise it at decisive moments. This is one such moment for India. It helps that Delhi’s interests converge with that of a majority of Nepali people. It is time to act.

RoyG · Post by **RoyG** » 14 Sep 2015 18:37

Nepal fails to revert back to its hindu state status. We can't even do that much on our periphery in countries with a dharmic majority and we expect to somehow manage the break up of Pakistan.

Supratik · Post by **Supratik** » 14 Sep 2015 19:59

The three main parties are all against it. The Nepali Congress is a clone of the INC and the other two are Communist parties. If Nepalese do not want a secular state they should not vote parties that support it. Unfortunately they did and continue to do. This probably has Western backing in exchange for aid. Nepal will be the next challenge for Hindu groups as EJs descend on it with full force.

vishvak · Post by **vishvak** » 14 Sep 2015 21:06

A big lesson to learn for regional parties in India, too, for supporting earlier regime i.e. elections in India are not just about Indians. Division of AP comes to mind as well. External players need to be exposed too very clearly who are interfering in Nepal, and on the other hand total support of the Indian state needs to be extended.

Supratik · Post by **Supratik** » 15 Sep 2015 18:50

Nepal of 2015 is in the same state that India was in the 60s-70s. Desperately poor and taking wrong decisions. The two Communist parties (as if one is not enough) have nearly two-thirds of the seats. They are going to go through a phase of stagnation and near collapse before they move in the opposite direction as India did in the 90s. Till then it is going to be failed socialism plus EJ menace.

rsingh · Post by **rsingh** » 15 Sep 2015 20:33

Sridhar K wrote:Was in Nepal for more than 2 weeks as part of the Kailash and Mukthinath Yatra. A few first hand observations
1) The country (at least the people) completely recovered from the earth quake.
2) West of Pokhara was largely unaffected but people are miffed at Indian media for painting the whole of Nepal with a broad brush. This has killed the tourist inflow for this year to less than 10% even though West Nepal was unaffected. Visited Kathmandu, Pokhara, Jomsom, Mustang, Mukthinath, Nepalgunj (which looks like UP), Simikhot
3) Infra in Nepal (roads) are non existent. It takes 16 hours to cover Pokhara to Jomsom by road mud road changing three buses while flight takes a mere 20 mins.
4) The road to Karadi border has been repaired after the quake. The border is still closed as China does not want to expose the earthquake damage on their side.
5) The locals in Hilsa and Simikot bordering Tibet were complaining that India is stonewalling Chinese efforts to improve infra in northern Nepal. They were saying that India should either invest or allow Chinese to do so. Some of the borders are easily accessible from the Tibet side and one can see proliferation of Chinese goods including food items.
6) On the southern valleys, Indian influence still seems stronger even in trade and Chinese stuff is not too much.
7) After the country started recovering on tourist inflows, the riots due to district reorganization has taken a big toll on the Industry
The domestic airline industry is thriving but completely unorganized. No clear passenger list. We flew a few times when our names were not there in the ticketing list. They took our passports and then issued boarding cards despite our names not being there in the list.
9) The pilots do fly with a tremendous amount of skills between mountain passes and landing at Simikot airport was a tremendous experience.
10) Thousands of Indian pilgrims cross into Tibet border at Hilsa to visit Manasarovar and India can do well to upgrade the infra at Hilsa.

That is biggest problem we have with our small neighbours. Our all-capable NSA has to find a counter policy for such c********n.

Paul · Post by **Paul** » 21 Sep 2015 13:55

Nepal has adopted secular constitution. Setback for Indian interests. Prachanda and Deuba have stabbed Modi in the back inspite of getting his support for earthquake and infrastructure.. This is the next crisis spot for India after Sri Lanka. We have to activate the Madhesis and bring them on the streets to prevent this constitution from being adopted.

shravanp · Post by **shravanp** » 21 Sep 2015 20:11

Most of the population in Nepal were for Hindu-state, how did this happen?

A_Gupta · Post by **A_Gupta** » 22 Sep 2015 16:55

India's concerns in Nepal:
http://www.firstpost.com/world/ajit-dov ... 41986.html

The high-profile National Security Adviser Ajit Doval has been brought into the frame by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the recently triggered Nepal crisis as India’s worst fears have finally come true in the landlocked Himalayan country forcing India to call its ambassador in Nepal Ranjit Rae to New Delhi for consultations.

China, it transpires, has been behind India’s latest diplomatic embarrassment as Nepali politicians like Khagada Prasad Sharma Oli, better known as KP Oli, have cleverly played the familiar China card against India in the recent promulgation of Nepal’s new constitution.

yvijay · Post by **yvijay** » 23 Sep 2015 07:15

While we are worried about Nepal not adopting a Hindu constitution, Nepali's themselves especially pahadis doesn't seem to care about that at all. Instead they are stoking anti-India sentiments so that they could coerce India to pacify Madeshi protestors. After all the energy that Modi has invested to repair the relation and the sops given, they are still playing China gainst us. Good article by Prakash Jha in Hindustan times.

How India was both right and wrong on Nepal

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi's special envoy, foreign secretary S Jaishankar delivered a blunt message to Kathmandu's political leadership: He told them India is unhappy about the manner in which they have gone about adopting the country’s new Constitution.

Jaishankar’s message has gone unheeded. Nepal’s top three political parties are doing little to address concerns of dissenting groups of the Terai region, and are going ahead with the Constitution’s promulgation on Sunday.

Last year, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Constituent Assembly in Kathmandu, he said the Constitution should be such that people from Himal, pahad and Terai can own it. He reiterated this message during a second visit, and categorically gave a call for a consensus-based Constitution.

At the end of August, soon after violence in western Terai, Modi spoke to his Nepal counterpart Sushil Koirala and urged him to find the “widest possible agreement” for the Constitution and initiate dialogue. Last Monday, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj issued a statement encouraging Nepali leaders to draft a Constitution which was owned by, and accommodated the aspirations of, all regions and sections of Nepali society.

As a guarantor of a 2008 pact between the Nepal government and Terai forces – when then Prime Minister GP Koirala went out of his way to seek Indian help – it could not turn deaf when one set of signatories complained provisions of the pact on creation of provinces and inclusion were not being implemented.

The gulf between the two national capitals will also grow. A new government is expected in Kathmandu soon, as a part of a power-sharing deal which drove this Constitution through. This government will probably make overtures to Delhi to soothe ruffled feathers. But India is miffed at the manner in which events have unfolded. And there is little appetite to invest energy in improving the relationship when Nepal has been so obstinate. There is a sense in Delhi that despite Modi’s personal investment in the relationship, two visits and an effort to allay Nepali insecurities, the generous support after the earthquake, the blank cheque to Nepali leadership on contentious issues like the 1950 treaty, Kathmandu’s leaders neither listen to Indian advice nor do they shy away from the old game of stoking anti-Indian ultra-nationalism. India will turn indifferent to the relationship, at least for a while.

yvijay · Post by **yvijay** » 23 Sep 2015 07:19

Make seven changes to your Constitution, address Madhesi concerns: India to Nepal

* Article 63 (3) of the Interim Constitution provided electoral constituencies based on population, geography and special characteristics, “and in the case of Madhes on the basis of percentage of population”. Under this provision, Madhes, with more than 50 per cent of the population, got 50 per cent of seats in Parliament. The latter phrase has been omitted in Article 84 of the new Constitution. “It needs to be re-inserted so that Madhes continues to have electoral constituencies in proportion to its population,”

* In Article 21 of the Interim Constitution, it was mentioned that various groups would have “the right to participate in state structures on the basis of principles of proportional inclusion”. In the new Constitution (Article 42), the word “proportional” has been dropped — Delhi wants it re-inserted.

* Article 283 of the Constitution states that only citizens by descent will be entitled to hold the posts of President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice, Speaker of Parliament, Chairperson of National Assembly, Head of Province, Chief Minister, Speaker of Provincial Assembly and Chief of Security Bodies. This clause is seen as discriminatory for the large number of Madhesis who have acquired citizenship by birth or naturalisation. Delhi says this should be amended to include citizenship by birth or naturalisation.

* Article 86 of the new Constitution states that National Assembly will comprise 8 members from each of 7 States and 3 nominated members. Madhesi parties want representation in National Assembly to be based on population of the Provinces. This, Delhi says, should be done to address concerns.

* Five disputed districts of Kanchanpur, Kailali, Sunsari, Jhapa and Morang: Based on the majority of the population, these districts or parts of them may be included in the neighbouring Madhes Provinces.

* Article 154 of the Interim Constitution provided for delineation of electoral constituencies every 10 years. This has been increased to 20 years in Article 281 of the new Constitution. Echoing the Madhesi parties, India wants this restored to 10 years.

* Article 11(6) states that a foreign woman married to a Nepali citizen may acquire naturalised citizenship of Nepal as provided for in a federal law. Madhesi parties want acquisition of naturalised citizenship to be automatic on application. This also finds favour with Delhi

SanjayC · Post by **SanjayC** » 23 Sep 2015 07:20

^^ The reason is that Nepali politicians don't fear India. While the carrot is there, the stick is missing. In addition, India has already given so many freedoms to Nepalis in India, they think India has no further advantage to offer them. They are openly contemptuous of India because of this. There are many covert options before Doval if he wants to use them. Restricting Nepali's free entry into India would be a start.

suryag · Post by **suryag** » 23 Sep 2015 10:28

Madhesis could join india if they so desired with a separate state carved out for them ? Anyway, they don't have much to gain by staying with Nepal additionally, if there can be an article granting special status to J&K why not for a state of Madhesis ?

Supratik · Post by **Supratik** » 23 Sep 2015 12:31

If Madhesis are more than 50% of the population they are clearly the majority and should have proportionate say in the constitution. I say the Madhesis should stall Nepal till their demands are met.

Vikas · Post by **Vikas** » 23 Sep 2015 12:55

If India can not declare herself Hindu state, how can it ask Nepal to declare themselves as Hindu state ?
Isn't it similar to asking USA to declare Pak a terror state while India entertains paki comedians, actors, RAPE, cricketers, politicians and keeps talking about selling electricity or Visa free entry to old Pakis despite Paki perfidy.

member_28352 · Post by **member_28352** » 23 Sep 2015 15:41

Modi is too liberal and gives things away without really getting anything in return. A lot like the Gujral doctrine but not that egregious. IMHO he's also making a mistake in buying all of that US equipment but that's for another thread. The point here is that the pahadi Nepali elites are like the pesky 8 year nephew who takes the gifts from the uncle but then mischievously ties the shoelaces of that uncle also. When uncle falls, nephew laughs, makes faces and essentially cocks a snook at him. Its time to thwack some Kancha bottom and get them to behave. Take away their gifts. Nepal can't play off China against India on this one though I'd admit that there were intelligence failures in not being able to see that the Maoists would break ranks with the Madhesis.

Supratik · Post by **Supratik** » 23 Sep 2015 17:08

Doval needs to deliver a strong message that if Madhesis are not taken into account there will be severe repercussions. Nepal can't play China beyond a point as the markets and access in China are far away as compared to the markets and access in India. This needs to be nailed as if this constitution goes through it will be highly discriminatory and will be difficult to reverse.

member_28352 · Post by **member_28352** » 24 Sep 2015 21:03

The petulant Nepali pahadi elite need to be tamed. The Madhesis need to be given their due. Last but not the least who exactly is directing the Nepali elite. Recall that immediately at the start of UPA1, the monarchy was overthrown in Nepal, helped in large measure by one Mr Yeah chur hee. Is nobody keeping a watch on him here? Isn't what he doing inimical to national interests? Isn't what he's doing punishable under NSA, UAPA and IPC 121.

Prem · Post by **Prem** » 26 Sep 2015 02:06

http://www.economist.com/news/asia/2166 ... rterfights
A new constitution fuels strife

T WAS meant to usher in a new era of peace and prosperity. But Nepal’s new constitution, which was adopted on September 20th, has succeeded so far only in generating bloody conflict.
For weeks before it was promulgated, protests over it had already been roiling the country’s southern belt bordering on India. They have been staged by ethnic Tharus and Madhesis in the Terai plains (see map), who make up more than a third of the country’s 28m people. Many of them are angry about the formation of new states which they fear will leave them even more politically marginalised. Over 40 people, including ten police officers, have died in the unrest. The violence, including shootings by police, has exacerbated tensions between the Madhesis, who have strong links with India, and the central government which is dominated by politicians from the hilly north. It has also created considerable ill-will in India, a country which Nepal normally tries to keep onside.
Inhabitants of southern Nepal harbour long-simmering grievances: they regard politics in Kathmandu as the domain of upper-caste elites from the hills who hold them in contempt. Others are angry about the constitution, too. Some religious groups complain that although the charter describes Nepal as a secular country, it defines secularism as requiring the state to protect Hinduism. Journalists worry about numerous clauses granting the government power to curb press freedom.
Escalating protests did nothing to deter the government from pressing ahead with plans to publish the constitution. The document was technically legitimate: it was endorsed by an overwhelming majority in the national legislature. But regional parties from the south boycotted the voting. On the night of promulgation, while fireworks exploded over the capital, residents of southern Nepal turned off their lights as a gesture of protest.There may be a glimmer of hope. Nepal’s prime minister, Sushil Koirala, has cancelled plans to attend a meeting of the UN General Assembly in New York in order to deal with the crisis at home. His spokesman says Mr Koirala hopes to hold talks with protesters from Terai. Officials do not rule out amending the constitution. That may be the best road to peace.

Paul · Post by **Paul** » 27 Sep 2015 07:20

Prashant Jha of Hindustantimes is giving good analysis of Nepal crisis. Please follow him on twitter

http://www.hindustantimes.com/world/bab ... iokxM.html

Paul · Post by **Paul** » 27 Sep 2015 07:25

But the real historical significance of Bhattarai’s decision is that an era has ended in Nepali politics. The Maoist party, as we have known, is over.

A shoe has dropped, wait for the outcome. Best part is for the first time in Nepal a strong pro India constituency has spoken up, this should act as a counter to the RAPE elites of Kathmandu

Seondly all leftists in subcontinent are watching Arvind Kejriwal's path to prime ministership.

chaanakya · Post by **chaanakya** » 27 Sep 2015 10:22

^^

Bhattarai got increasingly radicalised during his time in India, while studying in Chandigarh and later in Delhi’s JNU, when he saw the state of Nepali workers in India. He organised the students and working class, got involved with Nepali extreme left platforms back home against an autocratic monarchy, even as he finished a PhD on Nepal’s underdevelopment in the 80s.

JNU is the breeding ground for commie snakes.

Mukesh.Kumar · Post by **Mukesh.Kumar** » 27 Sep 2015 11:42

Kukhriwala updates:

The deadlock over the Constitution and the continuing Madheshi protests in Nepal are wearing through the positive feelings towards India. Two inputs from different sources, one in Kathmandu and one outside, indicate that the people are pretty fed up with the Madheshi protests and issue is becoming emotive. China is further stirring the pot that they would supply material that is being blocked from entering the country by Madheshi's but there is also a realization that Nepal cannot antagonize India, and neither can they hope that Nepal will be backed to the hilt by China against Indian pressure as India is one of China's largest partners. Also, people are openly saying that it was Modi who played a role in this.

Disclaimer: This is not an opinion, but feedback that I got from people across. Just stating a perspective that was shared with me.

Hari Seldon · Post by **Hari Seldon** » 27 Sep 2015 14:36

Massive anti-Indian khuji among Nepalis on FB for sure.

Dumping on all of Modi's FB post comment dhagas accusing India of mischief.

Sad to see that they can't see reality at all. Why not give the madhesis a province of their own and move on, i wonder??

rohitvats · Post by **rohitvats** » 27 Sep 2015 15:55

I think for too long we've been careful of not getting the 'bad boy' tag in the sub-continent. And allow smaller countries to play the China card against us. It is time we learn to play like a regional power - talk softly but carry a long stick. And don't forget to use the stick. Hit people/groups which are against your interest where it hurts them the most. Heck with all this goody-two-shoes image.

In Nepal, the elite have basically screwed the mahdeshis and this is something which India had warned in advance. If the elites want to play the hills versus plains game, so be it. No one is going to die in India if there is love lost between a section of Nepal population and India. As long as Indian interests are taken care of and their is a major group which aligns with Indian interests, so be it.

And present situation is not even against interests of a majority of people. Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives need to learn that they simply cannot hope to antagonize the country which benefits them so much.

Rahul M · Post by **Rahul M** » 27 Sep 2015 16:38

there is however a blockade of essential commodities at the border and we are basically looking the other way. that kind of thing hits the common man not the elites. not advisable IMHO, other tools required.