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News in Review: Nepal – December 11, 2015

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Nepal News in Review

This past week senior Nepali leaders spent time in India and London trying to resolve the border blockade and diplomatic tensions. While in London, Nepali Congress leader and lawmaker Udaya Sumsher Rana alleges that British officials told him it was inappropriate for senior Nepali leadership to show aggression towards India. Furthermore, Indian Minister of External Affairs told Nepali Deputy Prime Minister Kamal Thapa the only barrier to trade with Nepal is Nepal’s own political situation. The political situation in Nepal is creating a humanitarian crisis as residents, and particularly children, are going without basic needs due to India’s border blockade and Nepal’s internal strife. Bangladesh and China are both working towards agreements with Nepal to meet some of the growing needs, but estimates suggest that millions of children are at risk.

Border Blockade

Nepal’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa met Indian Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi early last week to discuss India’s border blockade with Nepal. Swaraj assured the prime minister that there were no hindrances to supplies from the Indian side and Nepal only need normalize their political situation to get the supplies they need. Meanwhile, Nepali Congress leader and lawmaker Udaya Sumsher Rana met with British officials in London during the International Leaders Programme, where they discussed Nepal and India’s diplomatic tensions and the growing humanitarian crisis.

Pkharel, Nabin. “Uk officials blame nepal’s diplomatic failure for border blockade.” The Kathmandu Post. Novembe 30, 2015.

“Thapa meets Swaraj, India retells Nepal to normalise political situation to ease supplies.” The Himalayan Times. December 2, 2015.

Humanitarian Crisis

The humanitarian crisis in Nepal is worsening as winter nears. UNICEF has claimed the crisis is putting millions of children at risk due to shortages of food and vaccines. The Accountability Watch Committee, a human rights committee based in Nepal, made submissions last Monday to the UN Special Rapporteurs on “the negative impact of unilateral measures on the enjoyment of Human rights,” asking them to intervene and stop the blockade so Nepali citizens can continue enjoying their human rights.

“AWC seeks UN Special Rapporteurs’ intervention in ‘India blockade against Nepal’.” The Himalayan Times. November 30, 2015.

“Nepal shortages put millions of children at risk, says Unicef.” The Gulf Times. November 30, 2015.

China & Bangladesh to Aid Nepal

China and Nepal have reached a tentative agreement on the long-term importation of oil from China into Nepal. Also, Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal Mashfee Binte Shams said his country would provide a transit facility for any petroleum products from third-party countries.

“Bangladesh ready to provide ports to Nepal for fuel import: Ambassador Shams.” The Himalayan Times. November 30, 2015.

Khanal, Rajesh. “Nepal, China Reach ‘Tentative Pact.’” The Kathmandu Post. December 1, 2015.

News in Review: Nepal – November 19

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Nepal News in Review

Nepali leadership continues its struggle to quell unrest amongst the Madhesi people. Last week, former PM Madhav voiced concerns that Madhesi leadership are for their own benefit misrepresenting the issues to the Madhesi people. Furthermore, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon responded to India’s alleged border blockade with Nepal, calling for the countries to “lift the obstructions without further delay.”

Border Problems

UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon expressed concerns late last week over the continued obstruction of essential supplies on the Nepal-India border. Significant shortages remain, even with the increase in supplies coming into Nepal, forcing the Nepali people to cross into India to get basic essentials.

“UN speaks about blockade, underlines Nepal’s right to free transit.” Kathmandu Post. November 12, 2015.

“Bordering Indian market full with Nepali customers.”  The Himalayan Times. November 12, 2015.

“Flow of cargo-laden vehicles from India increases.” The Himalayan Times. November 16, 2015.

Madhesi Unrest Continues

Nepali leadership have been critiquing the unrest in the Madhesi region. Particularly, Former Prime Minister and senior CPN-UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal late last week accused Madhesi political party leadership of creating conflict by intentionally misinterpreting the new constitution. Again Sunday, the leadership met to try to reach an agreement and once again failed to reach consensus and end the unrest.

“Political parties in Nepal fail to settle internal differences.” Review Nepal. November 15, 2015.

“Protest goes against Madhesis: Nepal.” The Himalayan Times. November 17, 2015.

News in Review: Nepal – October 29

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Over the last two weeks Nepal has struggled to push forward in the midst of heightened unrest and violence. While the government has sought aid from China to meet a shortage of oil and petroleum imports, the Madhesi people continue to push for more equal constitutional representation. Meanwhile, Saturday was an important day for Nepal as the legislative party voted to hold elections for the presidency and vice presidency.

Oil from China

China is sending Nepal 1,000 metric tons of petrol as a subsidy to ease the fuel crisis. According to sources close to the Commerce Ministry, they have agreed to sign a deal to export petroleum products to Nepal in the future.

“Nepal govt. decides to import petroleum products from China.” Review Nepal. October 25, 2015.

“China to provide Nepal oil to ease crisis.” Gulf Times. October 24, 2015.

Conflict with Madhesi

So far action to address the grievances of the Madhesi have not succeeded, as the government failed to reach a deal with the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha on Sunday and the United Democratic Madhesi Front voted to intensify their protest program.

“Talks with Madhesi bear no fruit.” Review Nepal. October 25, 2015.

“UDMF protests turn violent in Terai.” Review Nepal. October 25, 2015.

Samiti, Rastriya Samachar. “UDMF cadres clash with police, half dozen hurt.” The Himalayan Times. October 24, 2015.

Border and Supply Problems Remain

Despite agreements with China to import many tons of petrol, scarcity persists as the Nepali regions bordering India remain “unofficially blocked” according to local residents. One consequence, among many, is an increase in the sale on the black market of petroleum products to try and quell the problem.

“Government effortful to ease border problems: DPM Thapa.” Review Nepal. October 24, 2015.

“EU calls on India to ensure essential supplies to Nepal.” Kathmandu Post. October 24, 2015.

“Black marketing of petroleum products goes unchecked in Rupandehi.” The Himalayan Times. October 24, 2015.

President and VP Elections

On Wednesday, October 28, 2015, the Nepalese parliament held its first presidential election since the adoption of the new constitution and in a historic decision elected its first female president, Bidhya Devi Bhandari. President Bhandari is a longtime advocate for women’s rights and will join the Nepali leadership as it tries to overcome current unrest and usher in a new era with a new constitution.

Associated Press in Kathmandu. “Nepalese parliament elects first female president.” The Guardian. October 28, 2015.

The views expressed by Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice Interns are those of the author and are not necessarily those of the IPJ or of the University of San Diego.

News in Review: Nepal – October 15, 2015

Unrest continues in Nepal as protests remain in the Madhesi and Tharu regions, people struggle with fuel shortages and Nepali police forces experience clashes with Indian border security. Despite these moments of unrest, the country is trying to move forward with the election of a new prime minister from the Communist Party of Nepal-UML, who seems hopeful and confident that the government will address the remaining political issues. Meanwhile, Nepali Police and the government are trying to assuage the gas shortages with the implementation of a free bus service around the capital city and one-time sales of four gallons per vehicle until the shortage is over. Trade with neighboring Bangladesh has also been disrupted.

A New Prime Minister for Nepal

Communist Party of Nepal-UML leader KP Sharma Oli has been elected prime minister. India has welcomed the new PM, but promises to ‘wait and watch’ whether he addresses the concerns of Nepal’s minority groups in resolving their constitutional concerns.

Sharma, Bharda and Ellen Barry. “Nepal Elects K.P. Sharma Oli as New Prime Minister.” The New York Times. October 11, 2015.

“India Welcomes Oli’s Election as New PM.” The Kathmandu Post.  October 11, 2015.

PTI. “India to ‘wait and watch’ as new Nepal PM takes charge.” The Economic Times. October 13, 2015.

India-Nepal Security Forces Clash

Indian border security and Nepali police forces have clashed recently. In the most recent incident, Indian border security officers are alleged to have dragged a Nepali police officer across the border and thrashed him.

“Indian SSB men drags Nepal Police officer into Indian territory and beat up.” The Kathmandu Post. October 11, 2015.

Shortage Remains Despite Open Border

Fuel trucks are now entering Nepal daily, but still only amount to about 6,000 tons a week, 24,000 tons less than they are used to having. Government and police are trying to combat the fuel shortage with a free bus service in the capital and additional gas sales from China, but so far Nepal is still coming up short.

“Fuel tankers, cargo trucks enter Nepal from India via Sunauli.” The Himalayan Times. October 12, 2015.

“Nepal Police Begin Free Bus Service in Kathmandu.” The Kathmandu Post. October 12, 2015.

Gurubacharya, Binja. “Border between China and Nepal reopens after earthquake repairs; gov’t allows some gas sales.” Star Tribune. October 13, 2015.

Trade Troubles

Nepal’s trade with Bangladesh has been halted for the last two weeks since India is accused of enforcing an unofficial trade embargo. Bangladesh exporters say they are concerned about dispatching goods to Nepal for fear they will be obstructed by the Indian customs police.

“Nepal Bangladesh Bilateral Trade Halted.” The Kathmandu Post. October 8, 2015.

The views expressed by Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice Interns are those of the author and are not necessarily those of the IPJ or of the University of San Diego.

News in Review: Nepal – October 5, 2015

Last Sunday, September 20, Nepal formally adopted a constitution, a process which has been in progress for nearly a decade. The weeks preceding and following that formal adoption have been filled with unprecedented violence, particularly in the Terai which the Madhesi and Tharu indigenous groups have called home for decades. The violence started in early August when the four major Nepali political parties reached an agreement to divide the country into six provinces. This plan would connect the Madhesi region in the southern plains to the Tharu region in the far western plains, a move which the minority groups say will hinder their political bargaining power and, moreover, empower local political elites to overtake their politics and erode their rights. India quickly responded, condemning the violence and closing their border with the country, restricting Nepal’s access to food and fuel imports, while the rest of the international community has voiced continued concern over the violence.

A New Constitution

Passage of Nepal’s new constitution has alienated many of the minority groups living in the Terai including the most prominent Tharu and Madhesi people who feel marginalized and fearful of the potential consequences of this constitutional agreement.

Sharma, Bhadra and  Nida Najar. “Plan to Redraw Internal Districts in Nepal Prompts Violent Protect.” New York Times. August 10, 2015.

Haviland, Charles. “Why is Nepal’s new constitution controversial?” BBC. September 19, 2015.

Sharma, Bhadra and  Nida Najar. “Amid Protests, Nepal Adopts Constitution.” New York Times. September 20, 2015.

Pokharel, Sugam  and Salim Essaid. “More than half a century in the making: Nepal enshrines new constitution.” CNN. September 21, 2015.

UN Calls for End to Violence

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concerns about the level of violence taking place in Nepal and urged stakeholders to participate in open dialogue.

“UN rights office calls for end of violence and dialogue in Nepal.” The Himalayan Times. September 23, 2015.

India Seeking Constitutional Changes

India recommended seven constitutional changes to Nepal’s political leadership including “delineation of electoral constituencies based on population alone, the right to participate in state structures on the basis of principles of proportional inclusion, to allow naturalised citizens to hold highest offices both at the federal and provincial level.”

“India sought changes in Nepal statute: Media.” The Kathmandu Post. September 24, 2015.

India’s “Unofficial” Blockade

Earlier this week, in response to the growing violence in Nepal, India blocked all traffic flowing across its Nepali border with officials emphasizing security concerns. While protesters are claiming responsibility for blocking some of the trade posts, India and Nepal are still debating who is at fault. India claims the problem is with instability and insecurity in Nepal and Nepal claims India is punishing the landlocked nation for passing the constitution last Sunday.

“SLMM decides to block all entry points to Nepal from India.” The Kathmandu Post. September 23, 2015.

“Nepali minority group blocks India-Nepal trade route.” The Himalayan Times. September 25, 2015.

Anti-India Protests

In the border town Kakadbhitta of the Jhapa district, locals protested against the ‘unofficial blockade’ imposed by India.

“Border locals protest against India’s ‘undeclared blockade’.” The Kathmandu Post. September 28, 2015.

Nepali Government Restricts Transportation

The Nepali government has begun rationing fuel and has restricted the movement of cars to alternate days based on license plate numbers. Even with strict limits on the sale of fuel to personal cars, buses, and taxis, the Nepal Oil Corporation says the country will run out of fuel in ten days.

The Associated Press. “Nepal Restricts Driving to Head Off Fuel Shortage.” The New York Times. September 27, 2015.

Sharma, Bhadra and  Nida Najar. “Nepal Rations Fuel as Political Crisis with India Worsens.” The New York Times. September 28, 2015.

Government Talks with Madhesi Leaders

Leadership in the governing parties, including Nepali Congress leader and Forest Minister Mahesh Acharya, UML Chief Whip Agni Kharel and UCPN (Maoist) senior leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha, met with Madhesi leaders including Tarai Madhes Democratic Party (TMDP) Chairman Mahantha Thakur and the Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum-Democratic Chairman Bijay Kumar Gachhadar. Both leaders presented a set of pre-conditions for ending the protests, some of which the government has agreed to and is currently working on implementing.

“Three-party talks team meets Thakur, Gachadar.” The Himalayan Times. September 28, 2015.

“Govt initiates talks with agitating Madhesi parties.” The Kathmandu Post. September 28, 2015.

India’s “Communal War”

While distributing prizes to the second-level futsal championship, Nepal Workers and Peasants’ Party Chair Narayan Man Bijukchhe said that India was starting a communal and ethnic war and trying to disharmonize Nepali society.

“India has begun communal war with Nepal: leader Bijukchhe.” The Kathmandu Post. September 28, 2015.

Border Point Reopens

The Nepali border point at Bhairahawa reopened on Monday, September 28 letting in as many as 40 vehicles including one petrol tanker. Two days later India resumed sending food and fuel into Nepal, but many more hundreds of trucks holding food, water, fuel, and medical supplies were still sitting on the India side of the border.

“Border entry point at Bhairahawa reopens, 40 vehicles enter Nepal from India.” The Himalayan Times. September 28, 2015.

Associated Press. “India resumes sending food, fuel to shortage-stricken Nepal.” The Himalayan Times. September 30, 2015.

Former PM and UCPN-Maoist Baburam Bhattarai Chased Out of Janakpur

Former Maoist prime minister of Nepal, Baburam Bhattarai, resigned from his party and parliament in an expression of disappointment over the new constitution. Following this resignation, Bhattarai went to Janakpur to address a mass assembly of largely Madhesi parties about the failures of the new constitution; however the stage was set on fire, and party leaders Ram Chandra Jha and UCPN-Maoist leader Ram Kumar Sharma were manhandled and beaten up and Bhattarai was escorted out and chased to Janakpur Airport.

“Nepal’s former PM Bhattarai quits parliament, party.” The Daily Sun. September 27, 2015.

Bhaskar, C Uday. “Nepal: Will former PM’s resignation be catalyst for rethink?” The South Asia Monitor. September 28, 2015.

Yadav, Brij Kumar. “Baburam Bhattarai’s stage set on fire, Ram Chandra Jha beaten up in Janakpur.” The Himalayan Times. September 29, 2015.

The views expressed by Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice Interns are those of the author and are not necessarily those of the IPJ or of the University of San Diego.