Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said his country does not need any foreign military assistance including those from India to combat the threat of Maoist gurreillas but is open to arms imports from New Delhi. Dismissing media reports that Indian troops could be called into assist the army`s fight against the rebels, he said, “We don`t need any foreign military assistance including that from India to combat terrorists as our army is capable of dealing with the present situation.”
“Of course we need arms from foreign countries, we could import arms and ammunition from India, the only criteria is that such weapons be available quickly and at a cheaper price,” Deuba told reporters at his office in Singhdurbar on Tuesday.
“The army was mobilised not to kill the Maoists, but to compel them for surrender,” he said adding those who surrender and put down arms will not be crushed. “The Nepalese army has been given the mandate to disarm and defeat the terrorists, whatever it takes,” he added.
On constitutional reforms demanded by the maoists, the Prime Minister said, “Don`t talk about that now, the road is already closed. They must first lay down arms, surrender, give back all the money they looted from the banks.” “I was ready to consider some of their demands by amending the constitution, but i do not have the mandate to hold constituent assembly,” he said. Bureau Report