A chill has set in over India-Nepal relations that could have negative consequences for both countries in the near future. After Nepal promulgated a Constitution, India is contemplating tough steps against Kathmandu. Bilateral relations today are a far cry from the warmth witnessed during PM Narendra Modi’s visit or in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake earlier this year.
The entire Terai region remains tense with curfew and violence in many parts. Indian trucks carrying provisions to Nepal are stuck in border posts like Raxaul, officials said. According to official sources the trucks are being selectively let through, particularly the ones that are Kathmandu-bound, leaving the Terai area deprived. If this continues, there could be deeper unrest in these regions in the coming weeks, Times of India said.
India is particularly concerned about the growing violence, specially in the light of the forthcoming elections in Bihar. In another tough statement on Monday , MEA said, “We are deeply concerned over the incidents of violence resulting in death and injury in regions of Nepal bordering India following the promulgation of the Constitution yesterday (Sunday)… We had repeatedly cautioned the political leadership of Nepal to take urgent steps to defuse the tension in these regions.”
In the build-up to the final days before the promulgation of the Constitution when it be came clear that the prominent old Nepali elite belonging to the upper castes were retaking control in ways that would ensure that Nepal remained an unequal society, Modi had spoken to Sushil Koirala cautioning him of the dangers. The message was given to Sher Bahadur Deuba, KP Oli and other leaders. But the Nepalese leadership went ahead anyway.
The MEA statement on Monday took a more critical turn after Sunday’s chilly reception. “The issues facing Nepal are political in nature and cannot be resolved through force. We still hope that initiatives will be taken by Nepal’s leadership to effectively and credibly address the causes underlying the present state of confrontation.”