The three month unilateral ceasefire announced by the Nepali Maoist Supremo Prachanda has been greeted here also as a positive development that could pave way for a fruitful dialogue between the Maoists and His Majesty’s Government of Nepal, the two feuding forces for over a decade who have taken the poor country to the brink of total disaster. Whether it is a tactical move of the Maoists or whether they have called it under Indian pressure would not make much difference if they are sincere to abide by it and agree to start negotiations with the King’s forces leading to a lasting peace. If they have really been directed by India , it also must be taken as a good augury, because this knotty problem cannot be solved without the goodwill and sincere cooperation of the government of India . The crux of the matter is does India really want to end the civil war that is plaguing Nepal for over a decade? Despite branding the Nepali Maoists as terrorists, India has been blatantly following double standard by granting the Maoists a safe sanctuary and free movement in their territory and the world community most nonchalantly condoning the Indian behavior. This, indeed, is a clear indication that India is bent on pressurizing Nepal and Nepal has, so far, not been able to stand up to her. As far, the world powers are concerned, their long term national interests with India outweigh the restoration of peace and normalcy in poor Nepal . Hence, their blind eyes to the double standard of India even though it violates their avowed commitment to fight global terrorism. As such only blaming India for her duplicity is not going to help Nepal . Nepal must be able to either win India ’s confidence or pressurize her to discontinue patronizing the Maoists. But, King Gyanendra’s government is not in a position to do either with the present setup. Prachanda’s statement has created a favorable impression in the international community. A friend from New York has reported that even Kofi Annan, the U.N. Secretary General, has welcomed the development and wants the Nepal government to reciprocate so that a genial atmosphere is generated to start dialogue to restore peace and bring the ten year old civil war to an end.

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Cancellation of King Gyanendra leading his country’s delegation to the United Nations General Assembly has given rise to various speculations here. Some think the ceasefire move by the Maoists might have induced the King to stay back home and closely watch what the Maoists do next. There are others who opine that since Nepal ’s image is being eroded, it could be a wise decision not to attend the UNGA rather than face embarrassments. There are still others who think the King might not get a very warm welcome. With no agenda to meet the American President and the possibility of a big anti-King rally being organized by non-resident Nepalis in New York , the King’s visit could prove to be counter productive. Moreover, it has been also reported here that even the UN Secretary General might find no time to meet the King. The repressive policies of his government and the curbs on media have greatly contributed to tarnish the image of Nepal here and Nepal ’s friends and sympathizers are not at all happy. They want the derailed democratic process be brought to track and honorable men taken into the government. King Gyanendra, in no way, should ignore the world opinion any longer. He must realize that some kind of revolutionary changes in his government have become imperative. Obduracy never pays and wise statesmen must always avoid it.