India concerned over Maoist problem here

New Delhi, April 3:

The spurt in Maoist activities on the Indo-Nepal border along the Terai and the growing contact of the Nepalese Maoists with the Indian leftist extremists have drawn the serious attention of the Indian government, said an Indian Defence Ministry report released last week.

According to the defence ministry report, India has been aiding Nepal in checking the escalating terrorism on the Indo-Nepal border and security needs of Nepal for years.

The report also noted that no improvement has occurred in the security situation in Nepal during the last one year. The report also stated that there was no improvement in bureaucratic functioning. The escalating Maoist problem has not eased, neither have the bad effects on trade and business let-up. The report read: “India’s continued stand towards Nepal means strengthening constitutional monarchy and multi-party democracy in Nepal.”

“Lethal arms assistance to Nepal was completely stopped after the February 1, 2005 royal takeover, and no review has been made yet of this decision,” the report said.

However, the Indian government is maintaining continuity as in the past regarding its relations with the RNA, it added.

India has given Nepal only that single lot of non-lethal weapons which was in the pipeline, prior to the King’s takeover. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu is liaisoning with the RNA, the report said. “Reconciliation between constitutional forces is necessary to solve the crisis,” it added.