A Himalayan tragedy

Time for good neighbourliness and reassurance

The assassination of the royal family of Nepal is the biggest tragedy and crisis to strike this landlocked Himalayan kingdom in a long time. The madness of a young man in love has not only sent shockwaves through Nepal but has the potential of destabilising the kingdom and spreading uncertainty through the region. Nepal has been riven with internal political instability for some time. Deep divisions within the political parties, an insidious Maoist movement with a strong anti-India flavour, a nervous relationship between the monarchy and republican voices have added to political uncertainty. These internal tensions have contributed to a certain shrillness in Nepal’s relations with India, brought into sharp focus on several occasions in the last two years. At a time of such crisis and national tragedy one can only express sympathy for the plight of a neighbour and hope that normalcy will soon return. However, provisions must be made for worst-case scenarios.

The fact is that within the Nepali political establishment there is much hostility towards India. The most favourably disposed were in fact the late King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya. The Regent, Prince Gyanendra, who has been placed in charge, with the assailant Crown Prince still in a coma, has been ambivalent towards India and his ambivalence may be taken advantage of by anti-India forces within Nepal. The situation calls for utmost restraint and patience by the Indian leadership. Apart from sharing in a neighbour’s grief India must send out strong signals of empathy and reassurance. This is the time to make Nepal feel secure and renew its faith in India’s friendship and good neighbourliness. New Delhi should not be provoked into rash statements or actions that will quickly be used by anti-India elements within Nepal to further tarnish India’s reputation as an overbearing big brother. The tragedy in the palace will undoubtedly strengthen republican elements within Nepal, since the monarchy’s reputation would take a beating in the aftermath of such a dastardly assassination. It is up to Nepal to choose the system of governance it wants. However, it is also important that its political leadership rise to the occasion and act maturely and with sagacity to ensure internal peace, stability and a smooth transition, and to prevent this palace tragedy from spilling out on to the streets.