Koirala Says No Indian Mediation In Nepal Terai

Sushil Koirala is the acting president of Nepali Congress (NC) party, which has always played a role of torch-bearer in every movement for democracy in past 60 years. A relative of NC founder, late BP Koirala, and current prime minister GP Koirala, he is known in Nepali politics as a devout nationalist. A close ally of India’s socialist leaders such as Jaya Prakash and Chandra Sekhar, Koirala’s views on Indo-Nepal relations, is considered authoritative. Ravi Adhikari had a candid interview with Koirala during his recent visit to San Francisco Bay Area, California. Excerpts:

Adhikari: Nepali Congress met with an insulting defeat during elections for Nepal’s Constituent Assembly, whereas underground communist guerillas’ Maoist party became victorious. Are you satisfied with the results?
Koirala: The world knows under what circumstances the elections were held. Maoists used all their tools of threatening, murder, intimidation and so on, thus the result went in their favor. Despite all this, Nepali Congress accepted the result. Now, it’s Maoists’ turn to show sincerity and responsibility.

Adhikari: The Maoists have said that they will use election only as a stepping stone, to achieve their ultimate goal of communism. Do you think they will accept multiparty democratic system?
Koirala: There is every reason to be suspicious in Maoists’ intentions, especially when we see the notorious activities of YCL (Young Communists’ League) hooligans. We Nepalis have made great sacrifices in anticipation of peace and sustainable democracy. If Maoists, as the largest party, doesn’t adhere to it’s promise to other political parties, it will be a disaster not only for the Maoists but for the entire nation. Nepal could go toward civil war.

Adhikari: With the election and the Maoists’ entrance into mainstream, people were anticipating that the violence would come to a halt but a new wave of violence has engulfed Terai region, aka Madhesh. Why?
Koirala: It’s very unfortunate to see that Nepali people are facing one after another dreadful political situation. I, once again, hold Maoists responsible for fanning the unwarranted issues of Madhesh. Also, Madhesh-based parties and their leaders should think seriously what they’re doing. For centuries, people from mountain and plains lived together as Nepalis. Among us, we never had the kind of issues that are being raised these days.

Adhikari: What about the theory that the Terai movement could lead the southern plain toward the separation from Nepal. How serious is the situation?
Koirala: I don’t see much weight in speculation that the Terai will go out of our hand in near future. But, if unrest and violence continues for unreasonable demands, Nepal may enter into a civil war.

Adhikari: But there are many who openly say that India and its spy agencies are playing a role in Terai…
Koirala: Based on my long understanding of India and its leaders, what I can tell you with certainty that India cannot be blamed for the divisive sentiments in Terai. However, there are certain criminal elements in Indian states bordering Nepal, who want to benefit by creating trouble in Madhesh.

Adhikari: Do you expect India’s mediation to resolve the issue?
Koirala: No. It’s our problem and we’ll handle it according to our national interest. We can resolve this ourselves. We, however, expect India to back up democratic forces and contain the criminal elements, especially in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. I think India understands that sustainable peace and strong democracy in Nepal will always be in her favor.

Adhikari: How do you foresee Nepal’s political future?
Koirala: I’m quite optimistic. Our political future depends on government of national unity. Nepali Congress wants such government for at least another 15 years. Also, political parties and their leaders should know what is in national interest.

(Published in the Indian Express)