India looks at Nepal Army to restore order

Amid the chaos in Nepal following the sudden and violent exit of the Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxists Leninist)-Nepali Congress coalition, attention is focused on the role of the Nepal Army which India feels is a stabilizing force that can restore public order and come across as an unbiased and professional entity.

The speed at which the streets of Kathmandu were taken over by the “Gen Z” revolt which was infiltrated by criminal and lawless elements took most observers by surprise. But even as government buildings were torched and political leaders fled for their lives, informal contacts were initiated with the Nepal Army to ensure the safety of Indian nationals and discuss measures to prevent movement of arms and criminals across the border and control any panicked  exodus.

The Nepal Army maintains close links with the Indian military and the communication has proved useful in the current crisis. India has strongly pitched for peace and order and condemned the violence that has resulted in more than two dozen deaths and widespread arson and looting. It is now working to support the Nepal Army in restoring normalcy in the country.

The Nepal Army has an important role to play in deciding the nature of the interim government and is in discussion with student leaders. A mature person who will understand the need to provide the Army the necessary leeway to bring matters under control will be preferred. The Army leadership, said sources familiar with developments, had sensitized India about the situation in Nepal and measures to calm tempers and curb miscreants.

The overthrow of the Oli dispensation is a big blow to China which has tried to bring about “unity” between Communist factions and was a major backer of the disposed leader. Oli made Beijing his first port of call after becoming Prime Minister for the fourth time as part of a round of musical chairs that defines Nepal politics. He has been waiting for an invitation to visit India that has been wary of his penchant for one-upmanship. The suspense has ended with Oli’s ejection from office.

China has an interest in ensuring the future Nepal government does not veer back to traditionally close ties with India. This is where the Nepal Army is a balancing factor that can , with some discrete assistance from India, prevent anarchic and ultra Left forces from keeping the country on the boil.

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