During the reign of King Mahendra, Nepal had been playing a constructive role as a member of the Non-Aligned Group with genuine commitment to the five principles of peaceful coexistence. In this respect King Mahendra’s role was not only important but also constructive. His clear message to various countries that Nepal would never involve itself in bilateral conflicts or wars by pitting one against the other (India vs China or India vs Pakistan) was honored at the time.
At the same time, the Indian Military Missions and Check Posts in the north, adjacent to Nepal-China border, which had been there for nearly two decades, were finally removed, which contributed to diffusing chances of conflict between Nepal and China. Actually, by honoring her promise to remain neutral, Nepal had also managed to open a new chapter of understanding and friendship with India. Nepal today has to pursue the same policy and attitude; it must not change under any circumstances. But as an independent country it should also not shirk from its responsibility to safeguard its identity and freedom.
Nepal’s first priority should be to maintain best of relations with its neighbors, not only assuring them with words but also proving its commitment through deeds. It should learn from past events on Nepali soil, which were taken by our neighboring countries seriously: in India’s case, the 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines airplane from Tribhuvan International Airport to Afghanistan by terrorists accused of links with a Pakistan based group; and in China’s case, the open protest organized by exponents of Free Tibet movement with the involvement of some foreigners, including a couple of diplomats, in front of the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Nepal should not allow its soil to be used to sow conflict in the Tibet Autonomous Region, nor can it ignore possible intrusion of extremist elements trying to spread terror in India. But Nepal should be equally concerned about its own security. Therefore it is in the interest of all three sides to better understand each other and take steps to open a new chapter of constructive friendship. Moreover, Nepal should expand its relationship and cooperation with other countries, which will contribute to acceleration of the country’s all-round development.
There are some issues that continue to sour Nepal-India relations: the first and foremost being an unequal treaty of peace and friendship signed in 1950. Nepali people take it as a blot on the forehead of their motherland and want it to be revised and amended on the basis of mutual agreement. India, the preeminent country in South Asia, should shake off its domineering mindset and start a new era of friendship and understanding with its neighbors and other regional partners as equals. That will not only improve its international image but also help it achieve a new height in international diplomacy.
The border problem is another stumbling block for healthy development of Indo-Nepal relations. Limpia Dhura and Susta, among others, are among the disputed areas which need serious attention and quick settlement. If an agreement on demarcation of border between China and Nepal could be reached and concluded comfortably, why can’t the same be done vis-à-vis India? After all, such a settlement would be in the interest of both. Again, India should take the initiative with close consultation and consent of Nepal to settle this longstanding dispute. If not, Nepal, though a small country, cannot continue to lose its sacred land and keep quiet.
Though the Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping is dead, what he said back in 1979 during my China visit as Nepal’s prime minister, rings in my ear even today. He was of the view that India and China should settle the long-standing border problem without any delay by being more accommodative and responsible towards the concerns of each other. Though India-China relations have improved with increasing cooperation in economic and trade matters, yet the border problem remains unresolved. The sooner they reach an amicable settlement on a give and take basis, the better for the entire Asian region. The ‘Asian Age’ will definitely materialize if China and India work together; that is what Nepal wants to see.
Another point I would like to touch open is the 1947 Tripartite Treaty between the United Kingdom, Nepal and India that allowed India and Britain to enroll Nepali citizens in their respective armies. Nepalis wish to annul the treaty as soon as possible. Whatever the economic benefits of this treaty, Nepalis simply cannot bear to see Nepalis being killed in battles fought on behalf of other countries. (But Nepal should continue to serve as a part of the UN peace-keeping force whenever necessary.) As far as Britain is concerned, Nepal should start the process of terminating the Tripartite agreement right away. Currently, around 3,000 Nepalis are serving in the British army.
If a hasty exit is inconvenient for Britain, it should be given certain timeframe to adjust to the new setup. No obligation is more important for a sovereign country than protecting the lives of its citizens. As far as India is concerned, as the number of Nepalis serving with its army is comparably bigger, the recruitment of Nepali men should be gradually phased out. The Indian Army should not have many problems, for there are millions of people of Nepali origin who have for generations been living in India, spreading from Deharadun to Assam to Darjeeling to Sikkim. It will again be in India’s interest if it started replacing Nepali citizens in Indian Army by Indian citizens of Nepali origin.
Can Prime Minister Bhattarai known for his nationalistic stand in the past show some courage to deal with this all-important national issue he had himself vehemently raised at one time? If he turns a deaf ear to the wishes of the people, will the leaders of different political parties, civil society and other organizations, committed to serve the people and the country, come out publicly and push the government to take up this noble task? Or will they retain their servile posture by keeping mum? Beware! People of Nepal are watching your every utterance and action.
This is the second and concluding part of a two-part article, the first of which was published yesterday
The author is former prime minister of Nepal
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