Letter to Modi

Published On: May 10, 2018 12:27 AM NPT By: Prem Singh Basnyat


Prem Singh Basnyat

Prem Singh Basnyat

Prem Singh Basnyat is a Brigadier General (Retired) of Nepal Army. PhD in military history, he has authored several books on military and political history of Nepal, besides being a visiting lecturer to universities in Nepal and abroad. He is also the Chairman of Nepal Museum Association.
basnyatp@hotmail.com

Nepalis love India. This is why India should not do anything that hurts the sentiments of Nepalis and fuels anti-India feelings.

Dear Prime Minister, 

Nepal-India relation seems to be taking a new course and I hope your upcoming visit to Nepal will enhance it further.  On this occasion, I want to delve a bit on historicity of Nepal-India relation and raise the issues that need to be resolved for the good of both India and Nepal.

Our relation with India dates back to many centuries. India was scattered into almost 660 small princely states, and Nepal was composed of almost 54 such states. Britons initiated India’s unification, while Nepal’s unification was realized out of our own initiative. The two countries have had their own experiences of proximity and relation all through the times.

But your government officials tend to view Nepal only through the lens of 1950’s treaty, which has not served the interests neither of India nor Nepal’s. In fact, the treaty was signed under pressure by the then Rana Prime Minister Mohan Shamsher. You must be aware of the fact that Nepal suffered economic blockade for five times, if you include blockade of supply of arms and ammunitions for Nepal Army at a time when it was fighting the Maoist insurgency as well. 

The 1950’s treaty does not recognize Nepal as a sovereign country and it has affected neighborly relations between us. Although Eminent Persons Group (EPG) of the both countries are at work to sort-out outstanding issues, Nepalis are not convinced that it will be able to resolve all outstanding concerns. I hope you will take care of this matter during the visit. 

Both Nepal and India should respect each other’s history. Nepal is different from India in that we have remained independent and sovereign nation for over 3500 years. As a matter of fact, Nepal and Japan were the only independent countries in whole of Asia during the 16th and 19th century. This reality must be acknowledged by all. Also Indian side is often found to spread false information about Lord Buddha’s birthplace. This deeply hurts Nepalis. Such lies must not be spread any more.

Nepal has contributed to security and wellbeing of India. It has never worked against India. Nepal helped India in 1857 by extending military assistance at its request to suppress Sepoy Mutiny. That was a great friendly gesture towards India from Nepal. Even earlier to that, around 1773, King Prithvi Narayan Shah had sent military assistance to Kanshi of Benaras at the request of British Raj. 

During the Anglo-Nepal War (1814-16), India helped Britain in every way, with money and materials which cost Nepal a loss of half of its territory. Before the war Nepal stretched up to Sikkim in the east, Kangara in the west, Tibet in the north and almost as far as Gorakhpur in the south. Indian scholars often ignore these historical realities and tend to distort facts or do selective reading of our history. On our part, many scholars, politicians and diplomats contribute to this misinformation. If there is exchange of visits between Indian and Nepalis scholars to discuss these issues many confusions can be erased.

Let us be friends 

India is also blamed of playing Madhes card against Nepal. What you call Madhes does not exist in Nepal. It is Tarai and it should be called as such. Besides, border encroachment is one of the burning issues. India should display a big heart in resolving this. We need to regulate borders because open border has become one of the reasons of the troubles between the two countries. 

Nepalis are kind and brave. They have fought several big wars, shed their blood and proved their mettle. It would be wrong to take Nepalis as coward and submissive. In the recent times, Embassy of India in Nepal has expanded its branches in Birgunj and Biratnagar. You have also opened a number of pension camps in Nepal, which are not necessary because virtually every payment can be made through banking channels these days. 

The canals, dams and embankments India has constructed along the border regions have become the source of massive inundation in several parts of Tarai. This is another issue you must address. Nepalis are sensitive towards India’s security concerns. Rest assured, we do not let our soil to be used for any activity to pose threat to your national security. Therefore, it would not be right for you to cite security concerns to delay or obstruct construction of airports, motor ways, railways or other infrastructures that link Nepal with China, or India. Nepal is a safe market for Indian products but often Nepali products are stopped at customs points.

You should direct your embassy and intelligence agency to work for public welfare works. Nepalis harbor resentment against some former Indian envoys because they tended to meddle in Nepal affairs. Such behaviors won’t be acceptable. 

Dear Prime Minister, you carry a saintly heart and mind. You should know that Nepalis love India. This is why India should not do anything that hurt sentiments of Nepalis and fuel anti-India feelings. There is no alternative for India and Nepal to work together and prosper together and remain on cordial terms. SAARC is our unity forum and it should remain as such. India should display a big heart and treat smaller countries with respect. Nepal can serve as a bridge to connect India and China. Nepal cannot afford to lose either of its friends. Treat us as an independent and sovereign country. Welcome to Nepal. Have a pleasant stay. 

The author is Brigadier General (Retired) of Nepal Army.


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