Cracks in Nepal

The Nepalese polity has been showing its fragility ever since the Maoists came to power. The cracks have widened recently between the army chief and the ruling party. The Maoists are anxious to sack General Rookmangul Katawal four months before his retirement. The army headquarters in Kathmandu is in the grip of high tension. The Defence Ministry has roundly reprimanded the army chief as the army has been defying government orders on various issues. Prime Minister Prachanda is set to take action against the General unless he can offer a satisfactory explanation. He has had talks with President Ram Saran Yadav. Last month, the government decided not to extend the tenure of eight brigadier generals. They have gone to court and the case is pending before the Supreme Court. The crisis came to a head when the army pulled out of the National Games as the People’s Liberation Army decided to participate.

The widening gap between the Government and the military is alarming. Maoist guerrillas who are at a loose end are obviously trying to fill the shoes of military chiefs. That will threaten the balance of forces which sustains democratic governance in Nepal. Prime Minister Prachanda had initially taken a line of mediation but perhaps pressure from within his party is hardening his stand. India is most concerned about developments in Nepal as its relations with Pakistan and Bangladesh have soured further. Harmonious relations between the two countries depend on continuance of the status quo.

New Delhi does not want a Maoist influx into the Nepal Army as it is having problems with Maoists at home. The Indian Ambassador has requested Prachanda not to dismiss the General. THE SHILLONG TIMES