|
“Whenever There Is Division Among Democratic Forces, Naturally Other Forces Will Take Advantage”
— General (retd) Bharat Keshar Simha
General (retd) Bharat Keshar Simha is the honorary ADC of King Gyanendra and is also the chairman of the World Hindu Federation. A former Royal Nepalese Ambassador to United Kingdom and a few European countries, Simha, spoke to SPOTLIGHT on various issues related to the present situation in the country. Excerpts:
How do you look at the all round present situation?
The situation is quite gloomy in respect that the political parties are not gearing up together to face the threat of insurgency. It is a known fact that since His Majesty took over, the situation of peace and security has prevailed especially in Kathmandu valley. People from districts, too, are saying that the security situation has improved. His Majesty is committed to multiparty democracy and constitutional monarchy. So, unless our political parties get their act together, it is difficult. Whenever there is division among democratic forces, naturally other forces will take advantage. Everyone must think about the country first.
How do you view the Maoist insurgency at the moment?
It is on the wane. They had tried their level best to encircle the army post to create maximum casualties and to loot arms and ammunition. But three times they have suffered heavy casualties. I think they cannot sustain this sort of operation anymore. Another good thing is that there is a split in their political set-up also. I believe, Mr. Prachanda and Baburam do not see eye to eye. If we can exploit this and if we can chase them away with the help of our intelligence so that they have no refuge at all, then I think it will just be a question of time before the peace prevails.
What do you have to say about the attitude of India, the UK and the USA in regards to terrorism in Nepal?
It is very surprising. I am not able to fathom the logic or rationality of their reaction to a step (February 1), which had become inevitable. During the time of blockade (in 1989), all the Scandinavian countries were helpful who had pressed India to have dialogue with us. But now, suddenly, even the smaller countries seem to be ganging up in a sense just to humiliate the Nepalese. Having said that, I feel rather hurt by the British (response) with whom we have had over 200 years of association. A lot of Nepalese blood had been shed in propping up the British empire during the first and second world war, Indian mutiny and in controlling insurgencies in Malaysia, Indonesia. Of course, USA has not said that they will stop the aid like UK and India. In fact, I think this is a blessing in guise. If worst comes to worst, I think we should mobilize our own resources and ingenuity.
Don’t you think India’s decision to suspend all military aid to Nepal to fight terrorism contravenes their commitment to fight international terrorism?
Absolutely, I can’t find any logic behind it because they were the first one to declare the Maoists as terrorists. They are themselves suffering from terrorism all over their country. So it is rather surprising as to why they should stop it because the whole world is against terrorism now. One thing I have not been able to understand is that our foreign friends, during the time of Iraq, they said that democracy cannot prevail unless you wipe out terrorism. Now how come they have suddenly changed their stance and said that as far as Nepal is concerned unless you have democracy you cannot wipe out terrorism. This is double standard. Having said that, I must add here that perhaps the governments of our foreign friends do want to help us but are stopped by their parliament and senates. And that is because the international press coverage that we are getting these days is so negative. I don’t know why our government is not doing anything to take out the right stories. The parliaments and senates are enchanted with the magic words human rights and democracy. I have asked my western friends if they wanted human rights and democracy prevailing like in the last 12 years and they have no answer to that.
Why does not Nepal acquire needed military supplies from other avenues?
First of all, we are not in that dire need to acquire weapons and ammunition from anywhere. Our army has sufficient weapons and ammunition. They manufacture it themselves here. To fight this insurgency is not a big problem. However, Nepal being a sovereign country, if needs be, can acquire arms from anywhere.
How do you find the state of Nepal-India relations at the moment?
As far as people-to-people relations are concerned, they are the best. As far as relations between religious organizations are concerned, they are very satisfactory. But when it comes to government level, then we get into trouble. The trouble in a sense that we do not know what they think and they, too, do not want to know about our aspirations. Nepal’s aspiration is that all our foreign friends must realize that this is a proud and independent country. The historical tradition of Nepali is such that they are most uncompromising as far as internal interference is concerned. We get into trouble because they don’t understand this.
Would you agree that we have to bring a drastic change in foreign policy to suit the exigency of the situation?
I served as an ambassador during Panchayat regime for two years ad then also for two years after the restoration of multiparty democracy. In my experience, since the multiparty democracy the ambassador did not use to get single instruction or brief. I have been hearing from my colleagues that foreign policy has been worst since inception of multiparty democracy. I want to say that there should be a very able and competent foreign cadres. Political intervention should not be there.
Related to our relations with India, why have not we been able to cultivate our well-wishers?
It is the duty of ambassadors to see to it that interests of Nepal are cultivated. You must have competent ambassadors who know the inside out of the country. You have to cultivate people, other ambassadors and political leaders. It is a tall order, but it must be done.
How would you look at India’s allegedly granting sanctuary to Nepali Maoists?
When I talked with previous Indian ambassadors and friends there, they say they don’t know where they are. They say that if we give information, they will take action. But what is mind-boggling is the fact that political leaders from here can go straight to Lucknow or Siliguri and meet the Maoist leaders there while the Indians say they don’t know. This doesn’t make sense. That is one of the reasons why whatever India does or whatever help they give, the Nepalese people suspect there is some sinister design behind it. I have been telling that unless India takes steps to remove such suspicion, we cannot have a mutual understanding as well as good relations.
Do you think Nepal can resolve the Maoist insurgency without any foreign help?
I am sure. Now that the people have started resisting terrorists, it is only a question of time. Unfortunately, when you take law into your own hand, sometimes ordinary people also get killed. Because in crossfire even laymen could die. I am fully confident that our army can ensure that these Maoists are taken to task.
Are you aware Indian media’s threat of military intervention in Nepal? How do you take it?
I do not know. They have their own thinking. They couldn’t care less what the reality is. I am not bothered what they think. But in this 21st century, I don’t think any country would come and occupy us with military force. They don’t have to do it. These days, if you can have the economy manipulated by outside power, that in itself, is a great threat. Besides, if there is encroachment by population from across the border, we can be swept away. These are the facts we should understand.
How do you think the ongoing civil war in Nepal should be resolved?
Everyone is saying that it should be settled by dialogue as well as arms. But we have had two bitter experiences in the past when the Maoists utilized the ceasefire to regroup and attack. Now the situation has come that unless they surrender, I feel, there should be no negotiation. Everybody talks about peace but peace at what cost. We cannot forego our values, tradition, religion and way of life just to have peace. How can you negotiate with them unless they say they will accept by democratic dispensation.
Do you think the present government can implement King’s policies satisfactorily?
I am not in the government. It is very wrong to express opinion on things in which you possess no knowledge. I am sure His Majesty must have selected these persons with their background and knowledge. Looking at the improved security situation, they should be given some time. But if they cannot do it, they will have to go.
Don’t you think that the concerned agency is dilly dallying in punishing the guilty politicians?
Because of the will of the people, His Majesty has already constituted a Royal Commission, which is doing its work. I hear people saying that they are not catching big fish. That also has been proved wrong now as ex-prime minister is being interrogated. There is a culture in this country that whenever you do a right thing, there will be all kinds of people raising voices saying it is wrong, unlawful and etc. I think one should remember that if the guilty is taken to task, there is no reason to worry about such things.
|
