My Republica

Umesh K Bhattarai

The author is a scholar of strategy and security.
news@myrepublica.com

Who is to blame?

Published On: July 6, 2020 03:22 PM NPT By: Umesh K Bhattarai

When relations between the two states deteriorate due to various reasons, dialogue is a tool to bring them back on track. Closing all prospects for talks means the individual state does not want to keep relations at all.

Handle with care

Published On: June 25, 2020 08:00 AM NPT By: Umesh K Bhattarai

King Prithvi Narayan Shah was a visionary to understand the sensitive geopolitics of Nepal. His Dibya Upadesh offers a prescription to carefully handle the relations with two neighbors. Geopolitics is a very sensitive issue in power dynamics. Prithvi Narayan had very clear understanding of it but his successors failed to understand the sensitivity of the matter and pushed the country into several problems.

Conversion check

Published On: December 30, 2019 09:10 AM NPT By: Umesh K Bhattarai

Although Nepali law prohibits conversion and such activities are punishable by law, conversion is happening and some are even advocating in its favor

Reclaiming our land

Published On: December 3, 2019 10:33 AM NPT By: Umesh K Bhattarai

The Indo-Nepal border dispute at Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani is getting intense. Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has accused Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli of giving consent to include these areas in political map of India. It is a serious allegation to the government head at a time when the government has sent a ‘note verbale’ for immediate round table meeting to solve the dispute.

Safeguarding our territory

Published On: November 14, 2019 08:52 AM NPT By: Umesh K Bhattarai

Nepal may seek British mediation if India does not agree that Limpiadhura is the source of Mahakali River. As last resort, Nepal may also need to knock International Court of Justice

As Kashmir burns

Published On: August 25, 2019 01:25 AM NPT By: Umesh K Bhattarai

Kashmir Valley includes territories under control of India, Pakistan and China. It has a history of being ruled by outsiders with different faiths—Hinduism and Islam particularly. In 1819, it came under Sikh kingdom of Punjab while Ranjit was the king then under the Hindu Dogra rulers in 1846. The Sikh kingdom defeated by the East-India Company, which sold it to the Raja of Jammu, Gulab Singh. King Hari Singh, the descendant of Gulab Singh, later signed annexation treaty with the Union of India.

Terror in South Asia

Published On: April 21, 2019 01:25 AM NPT By: Umesh K Bhattarai

Terrorism is the result of incompatible interest of various groups, individuals and even the states. At this juncture of time, India, Pakistan and somehow China are involved in tension over Kashmir. As SAARC chair, and a contributor of Gorkha troops to Indian Army which become the victims of geopolitical constraints, Nepal needs to remain vigilant about the situation likely to flare up in its neighborhood.

Trouble in the neighborhood

Published On: March 24, 2019 01:25 AM NPT By: Umesh K Bhattarai

Today most countries in the world are affected by terrorism. India and Pakistan are no exceptions. Pakistan has been blamed for providing sanctuary to launch terror attacks against India from its soil. As is the case, India has been combating cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Although Pakistan denies it, terrorist groups like Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) have carried out attacks against Indian civilians and military installations time and again.

Follow the recommendations

Published On: November 14, 2018 01:00 AM NPT By: Umesh K Bhattarai

If the recommendations of EPGs are ignored, it might raise fresh resentment against India in Nepal

The BRI anxiety

Published On: September 17, 2018 12:30 AM NPT By: Umesh K Bhattarai

From Zambia to Sri Lanka to Malaysia to Pakistan, everyone is talking about BRI debt trap. How can Nepal blindly accept BRI projects?

Repressive state

Published On: July 25, 2018 01:00 AM NPT By: Umesh K Bhattarai

It was GP Koirala who adopted repressive steps against opponents back in the 1990s. Prime Minister Oli is doing just that at the moment

Dealing with China

Published On: July 15, 2018 01:00 AM NPT By: Umesh K Bhattarai

We need to wait and see under which modality China will provide us assistance for railway infrastructure: through grants or loans

Communist connection

Published On: June 19, 2018 12:30 AM NPT By: Umesh K Bhattarai

China’s interest in Nepal goes beyond proverbial Tibet concern and ‘one China policy.’ It is as much about diluting aggressive Indian interest in Nepal

Failing on nationalism

Published On: June 3, 2018 01:00 AM NPT By: Umesh K Bhattarai

Oli has lost the image of a true nationalist. He has been discredited in the eyes of Nepalis

Geopolitical test

Published On: May 15, 2018 12:10 AM NPT By: Umesh K Bhattarai

After his visit to India last month, PM Oli has become soft toward India and his priority seems to have changed

Pressing concerns

Published On: May 1, 2018 12:41 AM NPT By: Umesh K Bhattarai

If PM Modi can manage Kashmir, Doklam, Aksai Chin and Arunanchal Pradesh, and border dispute with Nepal, he will be successful in South Asia.

Citizens and the state

Published On: April 18, 2018 01:30 AM NPT By: Umesh K Bhattarai

Our endeavor today should be to become ‘citizens’ of this country irrespective of our caste and ethnic orientation

Divide and defame

Published On: April 4, 2018 01:30 AM NPT By: Umesh K Bhattarai

The EU report treats Khas Arya as the source of all problems. It has tried to create rift and division in closely integrated Nepali society

Security concern

Published On: March 25, 2018 01:30 AM NPT By: Umesh K Bhattarai

PM should appoint an independent National Security Advisor capable of supporting security elements

Geopolitics of exclusion

Published On: February 25, 2018 12:28 AM NPT By: Umesh K Bhattarai

As Nepali Gorkhas serve in Indian Army, Nepal is worried if they will be deployed to fight against China.