New Frontiers of Ties
Between Nepal And India

By Shirish B. Pradhan

NEPAL-India relations are not only age old and cordial but also unique in the world. The traditional friendly relations existing between the two neighbouring countries are nurtured by frequent exchange of high level visits between them. Besides the formal diplomatic relations between the two governments there have been strong bonds of people to people relations between them.

Interactions

Between the two countries there are long open borders, which can be crossed without any visa or passport. The peoples of the two countries can work in each other's territory without any work permit. The people of Terai have even established marital relations with those from across the border. It is not only the people who cross the border numbering tens of thousands on daily basis but quintals of consumer goods are transported between them as well. Not only that, Nepalese and Indian peoples celebrate many festivals together. They observe Holi, Ram Navami, Vijaya Dashami, Buddha Purnima and many other festivals together. They visit each other's pilgrimage site for religious purposes. They come to our Pashupatinath temple and we go to Kashi and Jagannath in India. They easily understand each other's language and often adopt each other's customs, tradition and culture. Such kinds of interactions rarely occur between any other two countries in the world.

In this context, the personal visit His Majesty the King is paying to India for eleven days starting from Thursday is regarded highly significant. Though the visit is personal and religious in nature it is none the less important than any other state visit by His Majesty. This is the second visit by Their Majesties the King and the Queen to India within a period of nine months, which itself is an evidence of how much importance Nepal attaches to her relations with the southern neighbour.

Nepal-India relations are multifarious in nature. The two countries are tied with the bonds of political, economic, cultural, religious and social proximities. His Majesty the King's high level contacts with top Indian leaders including President APJ Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee will not only help foster bilateral understanding between the two countries but will also open new frontiers of cooperation between them.

Nepal is passing through one of the most crucial periods of its history at present with the announcement of the cease-fire and initiation of the peace process. In this context India's goodwill and sympathy both matter to us for durable peace, stability and development of Nepal. Indian Ambassador to Nepal Shyam Saran has rightly observed that a strong and stable Nepal is also in the interest of India. The growing violence and terror in Nepal had also worried India, which is also suffering from the cross-border terrorism. India has provided all the possible helps and cooperation to this Himalayan country to fight the menace of terrorism.

India has provided Nepal with military assistance, helicopters, arms and logistics to help her in the counter-insurgency campaigns. India has also handed over to Nepal some Maoist cadres who were hiding in her territory.

As the largest democracy in the world India has always been a strong supporter of democracy in Nepal. India has time and again expressed the view that they attach high importance to both multiparty democracy and constitutional monarchy in Nepal. India has always been supporting Nepal's democratic process and development efforts. India knows very clearly that without democracy there cannot be permanent peace and stability in Nepal and a stable and peaceful Nepal will always be in the interest of India.

In fact, Nepal and India can interact and co-operate in many frontiers. Water resources, tourism, trade, industries, joint venture and many other areas are there to explore if they join hands together. We have not been able to exploit opportunities in the areas of water resources. Nepal has surplus water resources and India's states adjoining Nepalese border have scarcity of hydro-electricity. If we can utilise the resources with our joint efforts both the countries can benefit from it. Similarly, Indian tourists comprise more than one third of foreign visitors coming to Nepal. Nepal can benefit tremendously if we can attract more tourists from India by promoting cooperation in tourism sector. Likewise, Nepal can benefit from the vast Indian markets through the maximum utilisation of the provisions of existing trade treaty between the two countries. We can attract foreign investment and explore vast Indian market, if we focus our attention in establishing industries.

Nepal is surrounded on three sides by India, which poses both opportunities and challenges. Indian Ambassador Saran has rightly said that Nepal is not India-locked but India open. If we can utilise the vast Indian market it is India-open, if not then obviously it is India-locked. We cannot choose neighbours, but we can choose our strategies, policies and our vision. If we manufacture high quality goods we can get one billion population market, which western countries are also eyeing.

New Contest

The high level visits can be instrumental in exploring new frontiers of bilateral relationships between the two countries besides fostering political understanding and goodwill between them. Such visits can also be helpful in clearing misunderstanding and problem between the two countries if there is any. Now there is a need to define the subsisting relations between Nepal and India in the new context as we both are moving ahead in the 21st century. Let's hope that the visit will renew our bilateral ties and bring prosperity to both peoples of Nepal and India.

A Positive Step For Peace

By Chiranjibi Paudyal

THE code of conduct signed between the government and the Maoists is a positive step to resolve over seven years long problem of the country. The desire for peace is so deep that various organisations of the country and international community have welcomed the peace process and appreciated the efforts of both the government and the Maoists to transform the present state of cease-fire into a permanent peace.

Reliable

The 22-point code of conduct reflects the deep desire of the people to establish permanent peace in the country and that this is the only reliable means to resolve the problem. The most important point of the code of conduct is the commitment to seek a peaceful solution to the insurgency through talks. The realisation of the peaceful solution and the commitment to resolve the problem peacefully is very important at this time. Peaceful resolution through talks is a purely democratic exercise where various views mingle together and the decision is taken on the basis of consensus and wishes of the people. Forceful imposition of any idea does not help settle the dispute. Discussions, consensus and talks can only lead to the height of democratic culture and help resolve the complex and difficult problem and the code of conduct has reflected this fact for lasting peace.

Both sides have agreed to work in accordance with the democratic culture and tradition. Democratic system is often defined as the system of "building consensus and respect for various views" and translates them into practices without any prejudices. The true implementation of the code of conduct will certainly not only help to create conducive environment for permanent peace but also help the country to move ahead in the path of democratic system where the views of all sections of the society will be respected for the welfare of the people. The important point of the code of conduct is the national consensus on sensitive issues of national interests. No any democratic nation can move ahead without the consultation of people of various walks of life and without respecting the opinions and views of cross section of the society and resolve them on the basis of national consensus. Like the saying of a famous essayist Francis Bacon that "a nation cannot be defined as nation unless the views of all sides are heard and addressed peacefully and democratically." For a long-term solution of the problem, there is no alternative to the consensus, peaceful and democratic means. The nation is tired of killing violence and terror. Every sector of the nation has sunk into the sea of problems. All should seriously think of the problems faced by the nation and this is also positive that this fact seems to be understood and mentioned in the code of conduct. To stop all kinds of violent activities and commitment to adhere to them strictly shows that seriousness. Not to call for strikes or closures during the peace talks and agreement to hold peaceful democratic exercise are a clear indication of continuity to democracy. Dissemination of information through government media, use of decent language in the dissemination of information and guarantee of the freedom guaranteed by the constitution of the kingdom promulgated after 1990 helps move the nation in accordance with the democratic culture. The code of conduct seems to have given importance to the national consensus and both sides have expressed their commitment to democratic values and norms in accordance with the true concept of democratic system, which will help to resolve the problem.

A lot of development has taken place in the world since the end of cold war and the situation of the world is very different after the September 11 terrorist attack. There is the need to think seriously about the emergence of the terrorism and its root causes. Suppression of voices going against democratic rights cannot be a solution of any problem and that ultimately creates a very negative impact in the society. Any efforts to go against the democratic achievements will be disastrous for the country. Forward-looking approach should be adopted in a very liberal and democratic manner for the prosperity of the country. Suppression of the democratic rights through regulations or other means will only make the situation more complicated. This is the time of national reconciliation and national unity for reconstruction and development with new vision and concept and for that there is the need of new concept and ideas.

The peace process is appreciated from all sides. It has given hopes for better future of the country. Unity of all the political parties, ethnic communities and various sections of the society will only help to create an environment for lasting peace. The international community is very eager to help Nepal in its development efforts. If there is the environment of peace and unity in the country, it will be very fruitful for the economic prosperity of the nation and to create such environment there should be no petty political interests and prejudices and all should unitedly move ahead for the development of the nation. The British special representative to Nepal Sir Geoffrey James said last week" the peace process is an encouraging sign of progress and gives good reason to hope that the foundations for a secure and lasting peace can be put in place. To lend support to the peace process, we are working with the Nepalese government and others on package of assistance, designed to make a quick impact in areas affected by the conflict." This clearly shows that there will be no scarcity of resources for Nepal for development if appropriate policy is adopted in accordance with the feeling of national consensus. Political stability, economic prosperity, human rights and freedom cannot be separated and there is the commitment of all the political forces of Nepal and international community. The international community has also stressed the need of commitment of all sides to democracy, freedom, human rights, economic development and political stability in the country. There is the need of unity and one single voice in national issues at this difficult time. The statement of the deputy assistant secretary of the USA Donald Camps "the dangerous situation facing Nepal is no time to let such differences prevent a unified front. We are encouraging all sides that support multiparty democracy and the constitutional monarchy to work together for the good of the nation" clearly reflects the present reality of the country.

Reality

The code of conduct signed between the government and the Maoists has given hope for lasting peace and there is the need of unity of all political parties to resolve the problem of the nation through
the consolidation of democracy, safeguard of freedom and human rights and to move the country towards progress and prosperity.

Chitwan's Last Corridor

By Bhimsen Thapaliya

THE Mahendra Highway running through the Tikauli forest in Chitwan is busy almost round the clock. The high-speed night buses do not bother to ply any slower here though they know that it is a sensitive trans-highway wildlife movement corridor. The animals moving through the forest are scared away or turned back. At other instances, the heedless vehicles knock the poor animals down, leading to their injuries and deaths.

Tikauli forest is an important part of the natural corridor facilitating the movement of animals between two hill habitats- the higher Mahabharata range in the north and the lower sandy hills of the Siwalik in the south. In the Chitwan valley which is under massive settlement pressure, this is only the remaining stretch of jungle that connects the two hill ranges. There are many animals and birds making seasonal migrations between the lowland and the hills. And this is the last channel.

Tikauli forest is a very meaningful intersection. The crucial jungle corridor running from north to south and the Mahendra Highway running east-west intercept here. The highway is causing serious disturbance to wild animals heading towards their respective destinations. Known as Barandabhar corridor, this long strip of forest cover houses charismatic animals such as the one-horned rhino, tiger, bear, deer and wild boar. Nearly 200 bird species also live here. A number of wetlands including lakes, marshes and streams are found which are vital habitat for rhinos, marsh mugger crocodiles and aqua birds.

Barandabhar corridor is significant also to lessen the pressure on Royal Chitwan National Park. Increased tourism activities especially the elephant riding may have negative impact on the growth and maintenance of the park. When jungle safari and nature walks are arranged outside the national park, the park flora and fauna may have growth opportunities. The community forests in the park buffer zone are now emerging as new safari grounds sharing the burden of the national park. The Barandabhar corridor has great potential to divert visitors in such a way.

But this forest passageway is under serious threats from human activities. If any delay is made to put into place an effective conservation plan, this sector will disappear, inviting movement crisis for migratory animals.

Deforestation is quite rampant in the area north of Mahendra Highway. This is the area that has witnessed the spread of illegal settlements and other kinds of encroachments. Cattle are overgrased and the collection of fodder, timber and firewood has reached a critical level. Increasing pockets of the forest are being turned barren causing the lakes to dry up. Following the successful stories of some community forests near the national park, it has lately been realised that these forests could be saved under the guardianship of the local communities. So, more and more community managed forests are coming up. If the conservationists fail to save Barandabhar corridor in time, it will lead to grave ecological disaster. The animals that require seasonal movements to cope with the changing climate will be in danger.

It is also important that the highway hazard is minimised to save the lives of animals. There should be strict regulations to limit the vehicle speed within the forest sector of the highway. It remains to be seen how the new community forests will be doing to protect this forest corridor. If they fail, Royal Chitwan National Park should expand its territory to include this corridor in it.

Chitwan has a great tourism potential as it is blessed with charismatic wildlife. But this potential is only as good as forest. If we fail to conserve forests and the animals they harbour, that will cause huge economic loss to the nation.