Nepal: In deep crisis

The old ‘Hindu Kingdom is again in chaos. The crisis that was brewing in Nepal has come to the fore. Army chief Rukmangad Katawal was sacked by Maoist prime minister Prachanda & it was immediately followed by the president's decision to veto it. Now Prachanda has resigned. Barely a year after democracy had begun to take roots, the experiment of a coalition government of ultra-left and more moderate forces is in peril.

Sacking the general three months before he was to resign was bad enough. That it was done because the general was resisting Maoist attempt to bring their cadre into the army is worse, because it indicates a more systemic fault. Though it is not a case of democratically-elected government fighting the men in uniform, the country is awash with rumours of a "soft coup". This is hardly encouraging for a nation where democracy is nascent and monarchist forces continue to hold sway. Besides although the Maoists have given up their violent ways, they have not totally disbanded.

Existing constitutional procedures suggest that the appointment of the army chief was the prerogative of the king. As the monarchy stands abolished, the power rests with the president who has exercised his authority and stopped the army chief's sacking. The prime minister objected. It is clear that both have not worked out a modus vivendi to ensure that the system functions smoothly while the constitutional issues are worked out.It is of utmost concern that this political and constitutional battle should not rock the Nepal state or undermine its fledgling democracy. It is for this reason that India's Nepal-watchers are worried. There are encouraging signs, in that the rest of the political parties barring the Maoists are coming together to find a political solution. All efforts have to be made to ensure that Nepal does not return to political and social turmoil.

India has failed to evolve a Nepal policy which keeps abreast of changing circumstances in the Himalayan nation. The crisis in Nepal comes at a time when India is in the midst of elections, which means there is no clear policy thrust in New Delhi on how to handle the situation in Kathmandu or indeed in other troubled neighbouring countries. But the foreign policy establishment must step in to ensure that forces inimical to India's interests do not emerge in the shake-up. This is a delicate moment for Nepal and bears close watching by India.