United Nations Mission (UNMIN) came to Nepal three years ago when the main parties in the conflict, and then the peace process, thought that the UN body with its vast experience of mediation and assistance worldwide would manage a miracle here as well. It was on the insistence of the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoists (CPN-M) that India, which has always opposed such a presence in its neighbourhood, gave in. The 12-point agreement that the seven pro-democracy parties in Nepal signed in November 2005, under India’s mediation and facilitation, clearly stated that “some international body”, preferably the UN, would be involved in the peace process that was to formally begin in June 2006. And so, UNMIN came as a trusted agent to the peace process.

By then King Gyanendra had surrendered power to the political parties, and the Maoists had committed to be “part of democracy.” This was followed by the Maoist pledge to give up the guns which they had carried on their shoulders for a decade, beginning in February 1996. Nepal’s peace process has been through ups and downs, and with the monarchy gone, the Maoists and the pro-democracy parties have lost the perceived villain for every failure. India, the mediator, is not trustworthy any more in Maoist eyes. While quitting as PM, Prachanda stated clearly that India not only has expansionist designs, but also “interferes” in each and every major decision in Nepal. He said he was quitting because he does not want to appease “the alien lords”’ in order to remain glued to the chair. India has never been popular in Nepal, but an incumbent prime minister blaming it for his exit is unprecedented. Even in the midst of its elections, India officially tried to assuage the Maoists, stating it had no intention of interfering in Nepal’s internal affairs. With the new government in place, there are speculations here that India’s current Nepal policy has failed, and needs immediate review. Delhi’s next move is yet to unfold, but that does not minimise its role in Nepal’s progress and political stability.

... contd.