India Not Behind Terai Unrest: SD Muni
Speaking on the issue of unrest in Terai, Indian Professor SD Muni said that India is not in favor of unrest there.
"One billion people of India are not in favor of disturbing Terai." He, however, conceded that some MPs in their personal capacity and guided by vested interests and some Hindu extremists could be involved in the unrest. He suggested resolving Terai problem through talks.
Professor Muni has asked Indian establishment to clearly state their position in favor of republic in Nepal. Talking to Kantipur TV, Professor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) SD Muni said that "personally he would like India to take position favoring republic in Nepal."
Professor Muni said he feels that India is not taking a clear position on this issue partly because India doesn't want to be "interfering in the internal affairs and affect the opinions here and there."
He added that another reason why India is not doing so is because of the presence of some sections including extremist Hindus in India who favor ceremonial or nominal form of monarchy. Prof Muni who is currently in Nepal to take part in a program on political restructuring, has met with Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Maoist chairman Prachanda.
Likewise, speaking at the Reporters' Club, Professor Muni said all should work together to hold the Constituent Assembly successfully.
He said that failure to hold elections could result in dangerous vacuum in which no one side will be able to exert control. He stressed election was the most important issue in present day Nepal.
Giving example of Northeast region of India where elections are conducted despite violence, Professor Muni said it takes commitment and political will to hold them.
He said that he found PM Koirala and Prachanda serious about conducting the polls in November.
He said that federalism is inevitable for Nepal. "There is no other way left for Nepal than to follow federalism," he said.
He said peace and stability in Nepal would be in the interest of India and said India would be willing to provide all kinds of help in this direction.
