"India's Nepal policy has not been without flaws.", Kantipur- Nepali Times

From The Nepali Press
"India's Nepal policy has not been without flaws.", Kantipur

Interview with SD Muni, Indian Professor and expert in South Asian politics, 8 April

FROM ISSUE #600 (13 APRIL 2012 - 19 APRIL 2012) | TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Kantipur: What is your assessment of the ongoing peace and constitution writing process?
SD Muni: I am optimistic this time because the UCPN (Maoist) has taken an official decision to conclude the peace process. Young CA members are pressurising the leadership and the Supreme Court has ruled out any further extension of the CA term leaving no other option than to conclude the process within the deadline.

There is a general refrain about profound Indian influence in Nepali politics? Do you agree?
No, I don't think this is the case. Anti-Indian rhetoric has become fashionable in Nepal these days. All I want to say is that as long as Nepali leaders take care of their affairs and do not dash off to Delhi with every little problem, nobody can influence their decisions.

The Indian government has been increasingly troubled by its own Maoist insurgency. Do you see any connection between Indian and Nepali Maoists?
I don't believe there is any organisational contact between the two parties, although there may be personal links between some members.

How would you explain the Indian government's refusal to send the agr�ment for Ram Karki (and Chandrakant Poudel in the past) who had been nominated as the Nepali Ambassador to India?
The Indian government must have been worried about the legal complications involving Karki's case due to his past ties with Indian Naxalites. But I personally feel his agr�ment should be cleared.

What do you feel is the basis of India's Nepal policy?
People here think India's foreign ministry dictates the Nepal policy. What they don't realise is that right from the Prime Minister's office, there are many other influential groups lobbying in Nepal's favour. For instance, during the economic blockade enforced by Rajiv Gandhi's government, people like Sankaracharya, the Army Chief, business community, powerful people in Bihar and UP and many leaders in the ruling Congress party pressurised the state to lift the blockade. Often, bureaucrats sitting in the ministry make wrong calls and reporting from the embassies is not always accurate either.

1. who cares
is not this indian one of the problems who has been supporting terrorists, terrorism ..... let's release red corner notice against this fella

Posted on: 13 APRIL 2012 | 4:28 PM NST

2. Poudyal

Read below what is the news elswhere........India is driving our governemnt. This is what they wanted all along. SD Muni is the artitecture of all this, including the support behind the Maoist. One of the had behind the killing of 14,000 innocent people and should be investigated by the ICC.

Read below......the Indina visible hand.......

After the major breakthrough in the peace process, UCPN Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal invited journalists to his residence in Lajimpat. An elated Dahal briefed the editors and reporters about the 'bold' decision he took by successfully completing the integration process and said he would play a similar role in completing the statute drafting also.

Throughout the press meet Dahal seemed in a great hurry and kept looking at his watch. Reportedly, PM Bhattarai was constantly calling Dahal from the special committee meeting. After half an hour Dahal, left his residence in a hurry but to the surprise of the journalists who were still being served refreshments, in came Indian Ambassador Jayant Prasad followed by former NC lawmaker Amresh Kumar Singh.

Not surprisingly, Dahal was back at Lajimpat leaving Bhattarai and the special committee stranded. After being told about the Indian Ambassador's unannounced visit, PM Bhattarai stopped calling and Dahal paid full attention to Prasad.

Posted on: 13 APRIL 2012 | 8:27 PM NST