Nepal & Bhutan Brief (19/15)

Political Developments:

Big Three Parties Begin Negotiation With Madhesi Parties:

The three major political parties-Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and United CPN Maoist – on September 29, began negotiations with the agitating Madhesh-based political parties by forming a three–member team. At the initial talks, each side urged the other to create conducive environment taking up the political agenda. After persuasion, the united Democratic Front (UDMF), on September 30, decided to join the talks. UMDF Chairman Mahantha Thakur, of Tarai Madhes Democratic Party (TMDP) would first hold discussion with the government leaders. It was also decided that UDMF would form its own team if a formal letter commitment is made by the govt. team to implement the past agreements reached with Madhesi leaders. During the initial talks, Madhesi leaders asked the government to meet their pre-conditions to start political negotiation and reiterated that curfew at different places be lifted, cases against their arrested cadres be dropped, those killed in the protests be declared martyrs with adequate reparation to their families and free treatment be provided to the injured.

Several rounds of the talk between the two sides remained inconclusive as the UDMF representatives sought concrete agenda on various issues for discussion. UDMF team put forth a proposal for the amendment of various provisions iof the constitution including those related to citizenship, demarcation of provinces, fixation electoral constituencies based on population density and inclusive and proportional representation, in the constitution. They maintained the ongoing agitation would not be withdrawn and blockade on the Nepal-India border would continue till these demands were addressed.

Anti-India Tirade:

Despite categorical denials coming from the Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Ray and even the Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj that India had not imposed any blockade on movement of supplies to Nepal, anti-India accusations and protests continued in Nepal. Even though the Madhesis are agitating, blocking the supply lines to the north yet, India is getting the blame for forcing an economic blockade. Not only the student unions, even important political leaders like NCP-UML Chief KP Oli have been doing this And even threatening to take the matter to the UN ! Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bamdev Gautama also belonging to the UML went to the extent of accusing India of violating all international trade and transit laws by imposing an indirect economic blockade. The Federation of Nepal Cable Television suspended broadcasting of Indian channels. On September 29, protesters in central Kathmandu burnt the effigy of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and shouted “Down with Indian expansionism, down with Modi”. The same day a group of 130 nursing students protested before the Indian Embassy. Human Rights and Peace Society activists led by Krishna Pahadi staged a sit-in in front of Indian Embassy, on September 27. Representatives of nine student unions submitted a memorandum to United Nations Resident Co-coordinator in Nepal, Jamie Mc Goldrick, on September 29, urging the UN to take measures to end the blockade imposed by India.

Tarai Protests Affects Economy:

Continuing agitations in the terai region has already started impacting thee economy in different ways. Many workers have lost their jobs with the shutting down of factories and market places. Daily wage earners too are facing the pinch. Nepal’s economic growth which had dipped to an eight-year low of 3,04 per cent in the last fiscal year, may be further impacted due to disruptions in all aspects of economic activities, huge loss in tax collections revenue, total stoppage oge of construction activities, transport and tourism industries being paralyzed etc. This will put a severe crimp on the economy and prevent the government from meeting growth target of six per cent fixed for this fiscal year.

The disruptions have created acute shortage of essential commodities, particularly petroleum products. Nepal has asked international airlines to refuel their Kathmandu – bound aircrafts at origin airports, citing the looming shortage of aviation fuel due to blockade. In view of acute shortage of essential commodity and petroleum products, government sought co-operation of the Chinese government in reopening its trade points at the Nepal-China border at the earliest. The two key trading points with China, Rasuwagadhi Trade Point in Rasuwa and Tatopani Trading Point in Sindhupalchok district, have been closed following April 25 earthquakes and its after shocks. In response, Chinese Ambassador Wu Chuntai assured that the Chinese sides were effortful to this end. He expressed his confidence that the trading would be easier in few days.

External Relations

Lankan Prez Congratulates Nepal for Constitution:

During the meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Prakash Singh Man and Sri Lankan President Maitripala Sirisena in New York, on September 30, the latter congratulated Nepal and the Nepali people on the promulgation of the new constitution. Matters related to South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC), bilateral relations and mutual co-operation were discussed on the occasion. The Sri Lankan President wished to extend support in the construction of temples at Swayambhu –a world heritage site – and assured the Nepali leader of his intent to visit Nepal at an opportune time.

Former US President Jimmy Carter to Visit Nepal:

According to Habitat for Humanity, former US President Jimmy carter, who suffers from brain cancer, has recently received consent from his medical team to travel to Nepal in November. The Nobel peace laureate is scheduled to attend Habitat for Humanity’s 32nd annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, set for November 1-6 in Chitwan district.

Bhutan

International Relations:

Bhutan Calls for UN Reforms:

In his address at the UN Sustainable Development Summit, on September 26, in New York , Prime Minister Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay called for the UN to be reformed and supported India’s bid for permanent seat in the Security Council. In his address, he emphasized that Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was an ambitious agenda and pointed out that it was along the same lines as Bhutan’s development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH).

During his meeting with the Indian Prime Minister Modi in New York, Tobgay expressed Bhutan’s support for a permanent seat for India on a reformed security council. The two leaders also discussed the hydropower projects, the SDGs, climate change, progress on small development projects, tourism and the Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, India (BBIN) initiative.

Tobgay also met with the Deputy Prime Minister for Nepal, Prakash Man Singh. The two discussed how Bhutan and Nepal could further strengthen relations. Tobgay and Home Minister Damcho Dorji also interacted with the Bhutanese community in New York. The Bhutanese PM also had meetings with the Prime Minister of Slovenia, Dr. Miro Cerar. The two prime ministers agreed to work towards strengthening and enhancing bilateral relations.

Tobagay Attends Reception by Obama

Prime Minister Tobgay and his wife Aum Tashi Doma attended a reception hosted by President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for Leaders of Delegations to the 70th UN General Assembly, on September 28, in New York.