DNA ANALYSIS
NEW DELHI: Years of the popular unrest in Nepal turning anti-India are running high among the top echelons of the government, even as India run out of options to end the stand-off in the Himalayan Kingdom.
From extreme optimism that sprung from King’s last evening offer to hand over power to the seven party alliance (SPA), the mood turned to one of anxiety on Saturday in New Delhi when the SPA refused the King’s offer.
With protesting crowds surging close to the palace in Kathmandu and security forces opening fire at several places, India has been pushed to a corner.
India’s bail out package for King has failed to appease the crowds and political parties, and it could in turn result in India being accused of being desperate to save the Nepal royalty. And sources now indicate that India could be forced to rethink its traditional stand in support of constitutional monarchy.
Authoritative sources here also believe that Maoists have taken command of the anti-palace protests. A critical factor that forced the SPA to reject the King’s offer to transfer democracy to an all-party government was the intense pressure being mounted by the Maoists. The SPA wants the King to announce the election of a Constituent Assembly, and peace process with Maoists. The strong understanding exhibited between the SPA and Maoists may be useful in the future: it would ensure that whenever the political leadership take command of Nepal a credible peace process could begin with the Maoists.
With the King’s offer failing to cool the tempers, New Delhi is running out of options. They are looking at all possible scenarios. For the past few days, Indian contacts have been advising the Seven Party Alliance to have an all-party government on paper, so that in case the King flees Nepal a vacuum wouldn’t be created. Sources confirm that two helicopters of the Royal Nepal Army are on standby within the Narayanhatti Palace.
Sop for Nepal
India has assured a major assistance package for Nepal, if King implements democracy to the satisfaction of people.
A few hours before his address to the nation, the King summoned Indian ambassador to Nepal to know who would be the Prime Minister.
The Indian ambassador said it would be a decision by the political parties. Rattled Nepali diplomats are already in touch with Indian embassy enquiring if helicopters/planes are on standby to fly them out in case the royal regime collapses.
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