KATHMANDU, DEC 09 - The Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) on Wednesday expressed deep concern over India’s decision to resume military supply and training to the Nepal Army. The decision was made after the Joint Secretary level talks in Kathmandu from Dec. 4.

In a press statement released in New Delhi today, Director of the Delhi-based regional human rights organisation Suhas Chakma said the timing of military aid resumption was inappropriate. “This decision is highly divisive in divided Nepal and will only encourage the Nepal Army to play more pro-active political role and further harm the dangerously stalled Nepal’s peace process.” India cut military aid after the then king Gyanendra took over and dissolved the multi-party government in February, 2005.

The ACHR stated that despite paying lip service to consensus politics and peace, the actions of both the government and the Maoists appear often to be aimed at provoking each other. The statement mentioned the deaths of landless squatters and a policeman in Kailali on Dec. 4, the promotion of two Maoist leaders accused of scribe Birendra Sah’s murder. It said the Maoists have made governing Nepal impossible and their cadres have continued violence and intimidation.

The rights organisation further said that the Maoist plan to announce autonomous regions will inject still further tension into the process.

ACHR urged India to get behind the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) including by providing support for the foundation of that agreement: “power sharing and consensus”, to impress upon the Nepal government and Maoists the immediate need for calm and restraint on both sides, press for urgent and tangible progress on CPA implementation, including the formation of a high-level political mechanism, and, given the now obvious failings of the process, a wide ranging review of the implementation of the CPA so far.

Posted on: 2009-12-09 02:31

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