Nepal: Open border and India’s security concerns

Buddhi Narayan Shrestha
Border Expert

Nepal and India have been topographically more accessible neighbors. Both the countries have good relationship with each other at people’s level. However, there are some degrees of ups and downs in political relationship during the changing of guards in Nepal and India as well. But it wouldn’t matter much for both the nations, since transition period doesn’t last for long.

Unity, not ethnic division, for our success.

The problem of marginalization of many sub-groups in Nepal is well recognized and many solutions are suggested. Some even suggested the ethnic division of Nepal. However, it does not address the real issues, rather fossilize the problem and creates more. So far we are Nepali brothers and sisters. The ethnic division will make us Bahuns, Madheshis, Gurungs, Newars, Limbus etc., except Nepali. Our needs are protecting minority’s culture\language and inclusiveness in education\economy\politics. The solutions are recognizing overlapping multi-cultural and multi-lingual zones, and targeted application of education, economic opportunities and political inclusion to the most underprivileged sub-groups. The added political tools like ‘decentralization’ and ‘affirmative action’ are useful and important. In general, the strategy must be ‘unity’, not ‘division’, for success of all.