Himalayan Daily Ramblings

India seeks army deployment at Sundarijal

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 30 Jan: More details have come to light of what India wants to do during the transition in Nepal, Janaastha reports.
During a meeting of joint secretaries in New Delhi last week, India proposed and demanded the stationing an Indian military unit at Sundariijal where the Nepal Army has an arsenal to manufacture 7.62 caliber bullets.
India alleged Pakistan’s ISI had penetrated the facility.
Germany helped Nepal develop the military facility.
The Indian demand indicates the extent of Indian seriousness at Nepal’s limited facility even to manufacture bullets.
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Deuba asked PM Koirala how elections can be conducted

Kathmandu, 30 Jan: Sher Bahadur Deuba reported to prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala Monday on his just concluded visits of Dang, Salyan, Jajarkot, Rukum and other districts of the mid and far-West where Maoists hooted him and showed black flags, Ghatana ra Bishar reports.
Maoists were selectively protesting Deuba as public meetings where members of
political parties weren’t disturbed.
“If leaders like us are treated in this fashion, how will Maoists treat others?” Deuba asked Koirala.
Deuba said if such activities continue, Congress candidates cannot go to the people.
Koirala replied he will assess Maoist behaviour at joint meetings in the east and decide thereafter.
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Norwegian prime minister visiting

Kathmandu, 30 Jan: The Norwegian prime minister is also visiting Nepal for two days beginning 7 February for the first time during his India visit, Nepal Samacharpatra reports.
He is coming to inquire about the peace process and discuss other issues, the newspaper reported.

[Note: The small but oil-rich Scandinavian state has invested heavily in Nepal for its size attempting to play influential role that is not commensurate with its size. It is also a far-away country. Norwegians are financing the communist movement and Christians in the predominantly Hindu state. Its ambassador recently threatened to cut off assistance if assembly election’s held.]
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Australia accepts Maoist nominee as Nepal’s ambassador

Kathmandu, 30 Jan: Australia has finally accepted a Maoist nominee as Nepal’s ambassador to Australia.
The foreign ministry received the agre’ment of Yogendra Dhakal from Australia Tuesday after a four-month delay, a foreign ministry said.
Dhakal stayed illegally in the United States.
France rejected the appointment of Pampha Bhusal who was then appointed minister in the government of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala.
Denmark and Malaysia have also accepted Maoist nominees as Nepal’s ambassadors.
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Nepal walks out of a security meeting with India

Kathmandu, 29 Jan: An Indo-Nepal joint official meeting held in New Delhi last week ended inconclusively after the Nepali side declined to endorse the Indian view that the bilateral border principle was violated by the Nepali side, newsfront reports.
“…India noted with concern the ‘incursion’ of the Indian side by YCL-affiliated with CPN (Maoist), which is now a major constituent of the government.
“Cleverly enough, the Indian side had chosen not to put on record the march by some political activists from India crossing over to the Nepali side and hoisting Indian flag a few days after the YCL tried to march to the other side.
“Nepali side sought India’s cooperation in curbing activities of certain ‘armed groups’ based in India which were creating trouble in Nepal,” the weekly newspaper reported in its Monday editions.
India failed in a renewed attempt to open more pension camps for ex-Gurkhas in Nepal and grab Susta at a security meeting in New Delhi last week, Dhristi reports.
Nepal was saved from a dangerous Indian design.
New Delhi presented for signing in a minute of the meeting Indian sovereignty had been threatened by YCL demonstrations in Susta.
India again tried and failed to restrict Nepal’s purchases of arms and ammunition from third countries at a three-day security meeting in New Delhi that began 21 January, Jandesh earlier reported.
A high-powered bilateral security committee inactive during the royal regime was reactivated for the first time after the April 2006 movement for not only a regime but a system change .
The 21-member high-powered committee comprised top civilian, army and police officials and was led by a joint secretary of the foreign ministry.
To recall, Rajib Gandhi slapped a 17-month embargo on Nepal in 1989 opposing arms purchases from China.
Gandhi brought down the partyless panchayat government and restored banned parties.
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Sick PM ventures out of official residence


Kathmandu, 29 Jan: Ailing Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, 84, braved the cold and ventured out of his official residence Tuesday.
The once chain-smoking government chief and officiating head of state developed serious lung infection accompanied by breathing problems earlier this month.
To scotch rumours he died, Koirala appeared before television reporters and only uttered a couple of sentences.
The appearance only confirmed Koirala was sick as government and rebels in the south move on a collision course; government is determined to hold the 10 April assembly vote and terai groups are equally determined to obstruct it.
More than 43 persons have been killed in the run-up to the election.
Seven ruling parties are holding their seventh and last joint rally in Birgunj Wednesday to jointly push a republic in the vote.Government isgovej forcingwas con asked groups in the terai and other groups to take part in CA elections.
"This election is very important. I ask friends in Madesh and others to take part in elections. I will meet all your demands. But they have to say with one voice say you will take part in elections.
The ailing prime minister ventured for the first time outside his official residence to inaugurate a health facility in the city.
CPN-UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal revealed government is forming a talks committee to push a dialogue with rebel groups in the terai and added an appeal is being issued.
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