By Shashi P.B.B. Malla
The Nepalese people are fully aware that the Oli-Deuba government composed mainly of the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML political parties has completely failed to deliver the goods in domestic affairs.
By any metric, it lies exposed.
Now it is facing its litmus test in external affairs.
After it became known that Nepal’s two neighbours, India and China have agreed to pursue bilateral trade through disputed Nepalese territory and across the undeniable Nepali pass Lipulekh – and without consulting Nepal at all – there has been an outpouring of concern across the country.
All patriotic Nepalese are, of course, outraged by this new development and expect that the current government of the Himalayan Republic does everything to preserve its national interests.
Prime Minister K.P. Sharma will be meeting the leaders of both India and China, Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping on the side lines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit.
He will meet Modi again during his state visit to India in Bodh Gaya.
Will Oli have the guts and the backbone to fully stand for Nepal’s views?
Will he be sufficiently prepared to present an air-tight Nepali case?
Has he assembled all the Nepali experts to fully support the Nepali case – whether domestic or in the diaspora?
It would be an excellent idea to rope in Prof. Surya Prasad Subedi of the University of Leeds for his topical expertise.
How Oli handles the latest attack on the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity could make or break his government.
Up to now, the government has been very parsimonious with information.
On this most important matter, the Nepalese people in general expect to keep informed with no holds barred.
The Rashtriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) in this hour of national need and as a responsible opposition should rapidly put its house in order and follow developments very closely and inform the general public accordingly.
The writer can be reached at:
shashimalla125@gmail.com
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