America Should Understand the Compulsion of Nepal

| by Dirgha Raj Prasai

(December 14, Katmandu, Sri Lanka Guardian) Nepal is landlocked country sandwiched between two big neighbors–India and China. Nepal and China have been maintaining good relationship and conduct from long time even before Britain was ruling in China. Because of its geo-political situation, Nepal's sovereignty has always been very sensitive. Nepal is rich culturally and naturally. Our successful foreign policy would be to maintain our culture, traditions and indigenous identities to balance between China and India.

File Photograph

America should understand the compulsion of Nepal towards the issue of Tibetan refugees. America and international forces and human rights organization should understand the situation of Nepal. We Nepalese people are not pro-Chinese and anti-Indian and pro-Indian and anti-Chinese, due to our nearest neighborhood, we have the sense of cordiality to maintain the balance relationship. From the very beginning, Nepal and China have been regarding their own sovereignty. So, for the sake of Nepalese national security, Nepal has been supporting-'One China policy' and 'Tibet' as an integral part of China. Hence, Nepal is politically neutral.

Recently, the American Senator Jemes Rinaldi has demanded on the Tibetan refugees issue and warned to cut aid to Nepal. And the American Ambassador to Nepal Scott H. Delisi also exposed- 'Those who seek to portray our position on Tibetan Refugees as anti-China fundamentally misunderstand US policy and the importance we place on upholding universal values, rights and principle. The United States has long been a strong supporter of refugee rights, and we will continue to work to ensure the fair and humane treatment of refugee's population around the world.' But, America should understand history of Tibet-China and the issue of Tibetans refugees. In the context of Human rights on Tibetan refugees, American government should directly contact with the Chinese regime not Nepalese government and its' people.

Nepal is a paradise which provides calmness and rejuvenation to the mind. This lovely place is also said as the potpourri of ethnicity and has many cultural landscapes. This land of bio-diversity has so many cultural and religious landmarks that give a soothing experience to everyone. Nepal is a rich and complex mix of diverse cultures and traditions, melded over thousands of years into a unique whole. For the western traveler there is much that is familiar, and many surprises. Family and religion are of paramount importance, and are constantly reflected throughout the culture. It offers illuminating insights into the culture and society of a particular country. So, it is our request to America that they should understand and respect the interest of the Nepalese people.

Due to the ideological tug of war among the political parties, the peaceful country where Lord Buddha was born has become the venue of confrontations. Those, who are in power, are exploiting the country. The religious structure of Nepalese society is formally Hindu; but here and only here the interplay of peoples and their religious traditions has produced a rich fusion of Hindu and Buddhist faiths. It is common for both Hindus and Buddhists to worship at the same shrine, for many gods and saints are cross-over, often known by a different name but holding the same attributes. But, the political leaders misused and distracted the original cordialities among the people.

Prithvi Narayan Shah, the unifier of Nepal is the pride of Nepal. It was almost 100 years before unification of Germany (1868), Italy (1868), and the restoration of the Meiji (Japan, 1868) in which America was also under British dependency, that Prithvi Narayan Shah had already unified (1768) 54 small fiefdoms to build a large, expanded and greater Nepal. Nepal is a rich and complex mix of different cultures and traditions, melded over thousands of years into a unique whole. Family and religion are of paramount importance, and are constantly reflected throughout the culture. Nepal moves to a different rhythm than the West. Though Nepal is a small country, it is a common home of various ethnic communities and caste groups. The national aspirations can’t be met by belittling any of the castes and sub-castes. Nepal is fortunate enough to have one-cultural nationalism. If we Nepalese people follow the American demand, the country can't adjust with peaceful environment.

A country's existence and prestige can gradually be eroded by finishing off its faith and belief tradition and culture and the creator of nation. If anyone wants the assurance of integrity and lasting peace in this country, one must not be confused about the country's century's old customs and religion prestige as well as the builder of nationality and unity. Having diverse cohesive communities, Nepal has built up as a nation in a long historical process. Nepal was worthy to be bowed down by Hindus all over the world. This is the highest honor Nepal could receive from the international community.

The definition of Nepal’s nationality is to maintain balanced bilateral diplomatic ties with the countries, China and India, based on democracy and by protecting its pride. Cordial people to people level relations between Nepal, China especially Tibetans and Indian people have existed since ancient times. The Hindus and the Buddhists are more than three billions. Due to the Hindu and Buddhists religious linking, we have been affiliating culturally. Nepal is a birth place of Lord Buddha and pious land of Hindu's spiritual book and literature. It is a scared land for more than three billions Hindus and Buddhists. So, it is our request to all not to exercise in ineffectiveness. In the name of transforming the country into ‘New Nepal’ this is not the way to destroy our unity, culture and traditions. We should have to think independently and have to come to our own conclusion. Nepalese nationalism has evolved and been consolidated more through social and cultural exchanges than conflicts.