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US, India could help `contain` conflict in Nepal
Washington, Dec 02: United States and India could help `contain` the conflict between Kathmandu and Maoists but a solution needs addressing `Nepal`s long-term social and economic issues`, the South Asia monitor has said.
Washington, Dec 02: United States and India could help "contain" the conflict between Kathmandu and Maoists but a solution needs addressing "Nepal's long-term social and economic issues", the South Asia monitor has said.
"The Indian government, long the major international actor in Nepal," it says "has provided substantial military aid to the Nepalese government. The US, in consultation with India, has extended assistance to the government and placed the Maoists in the us state department's terrorism watch list"
"International mediation is a controversial subject in Nepal. Nevertheless, greater international involvement could facilitate the peace process, or at least encourage a more professional approach to negotiations, something that has been lacking in the past" says the monthly monitor, issued by the Centre for strategic and international studies, in its latest newsletter.
The roots of the conflict, it says, lie in Nepal's poverty and a deeply entrenched and oppressive caste system.
The traditional domination of the upper caste Bahun, Chetri and Newar communities has left vast sections of the population with little recourse to education or employment. Most Maoist recruits belong to the lower castes.
The Maoists have expanded their activities in eastern Nepal and Terai, which border India. There are reports they are collaborating with insurgents in north-east India and perhaps further south, a trend that could further destabilise an already volatile region, the monitor said.
Bureau Report
"International mediation is a controversial subject in Nepal. Nevertheless, greater international involvement could facilitate the peace process, or at least encourage a more professional approach to negotiations, something that has been lacking in the past" says the monthly monitor, issued by the Centre for strategic and international studies, in its latest newsletter.
The roots of the conflict, it says, lie in Nepal's poverty and a deeply entrenched and oppressive caste system.
The traditional domination of the upper caste Bahun, Chetri and Newar communities has left vast sections of the population with little recourse to education or employment. Most Maoist recruits belong to the lower castes.
The Maoists have expanded their activities in eastern Nepal and Terai, which border India. There are reports they are collaborating with insurgents in north-east India and perhaps further south, a trend that could further destabilise an already volatile region, the monitor said.
Bureau Report