Neighbourly Suggestions
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: November 06 2015 -
For a long time, there has been a fear within the Indian think-tank on reacting against the quantum of interference launched against the country via numerous routes, both subtle and lurid.
While the country developed a kind of uneasiness on physically and politically countering the not-so-aggressive posturing of a county like China, India cannot afford to underplay China’s recent suggestions to Nepal not to allow any foreign countries to interfere in its internal matters.
Though the suggestions did not directly named India, the message is more than clear.
China had called on Nepal government and parties to resolve the differences over the new Constitution without “outside interference”.
China has confirmed that it is closely monitoring the situation in Nepal.
The country has suggested that Nepal should bear in mind its national unity, social stability and fundamental interests of people and resolve all differences with no interference from outside.
China said this was important for restoring stability and stay committed to post disaster reconstruction and long-term development of Nepal.
Here, it should be noted that ever since the crisis erupted in Nepal over Madhesis protesting over the new Constitution, China has opened its borders with Nepal in Tibet.
China has also sent some supplies of fuel to ease shortage hit by protestors’ blockade on the Indian border.
However, what is even more significant is the signing of an agreement between China National United Oil Corp and Nepal Oil Corp for supplying fuel.
This is expected to help Nepal in distancing itself from India and halt total fuel dependency on the country.
While all theses moves are being made, Beijing has also expressed willingness to have friendly consultations with India so as to work out a consensus on addressing Nepal’s constitutional crisis.
This is exactly what India should have done earlier so that the country could project its importance on maintaining regional stability.
India cannot afford to downplay the interest of a country like Nepal if it desires transforming into a regional player.
The southern plains of landlocked Nepal have been simmering with tension since the Constitution was formally adopted on September 20.
Madhesis, the Indian-origin inhabitants of Nepal’s Terai region, are protesting the division of their ancestral homeland in the new Constitution.
The violent agitation has also affected Indo-Nepal ties as transit of goods and fuel to the Himalayan nation from India via the major border trading points has been badly affected.
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