DOCSLIB.ORG

Role of the Nepali Army in Nation Building

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Role of the Nepali Army in Nation Building UNITY JOURNAL Security and development: Role of the Nepali Army in nation building Sonika Adhikari Abstract country today would not have been possible without the contribution of Nepali Army (NA) This paper aims to highlight the integral role from the time immemorial. Our constitution of Nepali Army towards national security further adds that safeguarding of freedom, and development. The researcher has applied sovereignty, territorial integrity, nationality, secondary source of research design to independence and dignity of Nepal, the rights collect the information. The result suggested of the Nepalese people, border security, that the Nepali Army played a major role economic wellbeing and prosperity shall be in the formation as well as the development the basic elements of the national interest of of Nepal as a strong stable nation–state. Nepal, which has also been the major interest For the national security, the Nepali Army of the Nepali Army. had fought many battles. Their contribution was visible from the unification campaign The Nepali Army lives by its ethos initiated by Prithvi Narayan Shah in 1740 AD of 'Mission First and People Always'; to the Nepalese Civil war fought between the demonstrates, in its daily activities, its core Communist Party of Nepal and the government values of 'Duty, Integrity, Selfless Service, of Nepal from 1996 to 2006. Similarly, for the Courage, Discipline and Loyalty; and development of the nation, their role is visible adheres to the noble Guiding principles in infrastructure development, building civil of 'Patriotism, Camaraderie, Institutional military relation, disaster management, Cohesiveness, Respect for Diversity and nature conservation and so on. Nepali Army Dignity of Service'. The institutional history along with the national security has been of the NA establishes a direct link between expanding its role in sectors like education, modern Nepal and its national territory as health and recreation with the interest of invading independent principalities and serving the people. conquering territories through fortified armed strength was considered a common practice Keywords: Nepali Army, national security, (Nepali Army, 2019). Hence, the Nepali Army development has equally supported the transformation Introduction and development of Nepal from ‘nation formation’ to ‘nation building’. Constitution of Nepal 2015 defines Nepal as an independent, indivisible, sovereign, Role of Nepali Army in nation building secular, inclusive, democratic, socialism- The Nepali Army primarily aims at protecting oriented, federal democratic republican state. Nepal and ensures national security. The NA Such a constitution–defined identity of our has fought many battles against the alien's 135 UNITY JOURNAL armies and those of the soldiers of small war materials. After the Gorkhali troops principalities that existed in our country. “The finally captured Kathmandu (then known as Nepali Army’s military history coincides Nepal), the Gorkhali armed forces turned into with the country’s history, because the rulers the Nepali Army (Nepali Army, 2019). used the military as the tool to prolong their regime” (Bhattrai, 2017). Prithvi Narayan Shah would never have been able to continue the expansion campaign The 1700s was a century of uncertainty without a strong and motivated army. A series throughout the world. The world military of battles of Nuwakot and that of Kirtipur powers like Britain, France and Portugal had made significant contributions towards the been rigorously annexing colonies to expand unification of Nepal. Similarly, the battle of their Empires across the world. Clashes in Makwanpur (1762-63), Hariharpur Gadhi, their interests resulted in wars in different military operations of Mirkasim's force countries and principalities. Britain and (January 1763), the battle of Sindhuli, Kangra France were also moving towards South and Fort, a series of battles of Nalapani, the battle Southeast Asia. Such a move also threatened of Jaithak, Deuthal, Jitgadh, and so on, cannot Nepal ever since early decades of the even be imagined without brave Nepali eighteenth century. soldiers(Rayamajhi, 2019). “According to Stiller, the story of Nepal’s growth as a nation The British East India Company commenced spans the year from 1744 to 1951. Historian its rule in India in 1757 after the Battle of John Whelpton, in his book Kings, Soldiers Plassey. It was approaching Nepal while and Priests, writes that Prithvi Narayan Shah moving towards the Northeast. Nepal was conquered Kathmandu with support of Nepali divided into several principalities during this Army in 1769” (Poudel, 2016). period. At that time, King Prithvi Narayan Shah, hailing from one of the principalities The role of the Nepali Army was also evident called Gorkha, decided to unify those small during the ten–year Maoist Insurgency. Such kingdoms across Nepal. Although Gorkha an internal conflict between the Communist was small and economically weak, King Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) and Prithvi Narayan Shah amazed the world the Government of Nepal from 1996 to 2006 by undertaking the task of unification of had almost crippled the country on different those principalities in complex and difficult fronts. On 13 February 1996, the CPN had circumstances then. The Unification initiated the rebellion with a stated purpose Campaign was initiated in 1740 AD at the of overthrowing the Nepalese monarchy and time the British had already commenced establishing a People's Republic. It ended colonizing the Indian provinces. with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord on 21 November 2006. During the This was a turning point in the history of clash, the Nepali Army was mobilized to the Nepali Army. Since unification was pressure insurgents to come to negotiations not possible without a strong army, the with the establishment and the government management of the armed forces had to be of Nepal. The Nepalese monarchy has always exceptional. Apart from an organized standard relied on the military to consolidate its power army in Gorkha, technicians and experts had both against growing popular opposition and to be brought in from abroad to manufacture during violent uprisings (Dhungana, 2007). 136 UNITY JOURNAL Hence, the Nepali Army continued to march Kathmandu to the Indian border with with Prithvi Narayan Shah’s quest of building 105 km road. a Hindu nation from 1743 to 1816 when It also constructed the Kharipati – Nepal signed Sugauli Treaty with the British Nagarkot road. India. As Nepal turned from a monarchy North West of Kathmandu, the to a republic and from a unitary to federal Trishuli - Somdang road cuts through setup, the Nepali Army has remained the sole 105 kms of extremely difficult terrain institution to defend the national unity, social completed in 1990. integrity and people’s sovereignty. Even after the promulgation of the new constitution By developing the 88 km long Katari – in September 2015, the Nepali Army has Okhaldhunga road, the Everest region been consistently discharging its primary got necessities of life delivered right at duties and obligations to the leadership and their doorsteps with its completion in institution even in the fragile situation of 2005. Nepal. It also constructed 28 km long Hile– Leghuwaghat for the country. Nepal lies in an area that is at a high risk from The 86 km long Salyan–Musikot road natural calamities. On several occasions, the runs through some of the most remote Nepali Army, in response to several natural and deprived parts of Nepal completed and manmade disasters, has mobilized its in 2005. well-trained and highly skilled personnel in rescue missions and saved thousands of lives The 232 km long Surkhet – Jumla road, and property (Nepalese Army, n.d). In building built in large parts by the NA, signaled a nation from building infrastructures like as one of the Herculean development roads to providing education and health, the achievements in modern Nepal. Nepali Army has been serving the people at The Baglung– Beni – Jomsom road, 91 all times, not just in times of natural disasters. km long, provides transport to a region The areas promoted by the Nepali Army rich in agriculture products. beyond primary duties involve the following The 45 km long Drabya Shah Marga, areas: built with a view to combat insurgency through development and security 1. Infrastructure development simultaneously. The Nepali Army has constructed a number The Besi Sahar–Chaame road, 65 of roads and highways, including those of km long mountainous road provides strategic importance for the country. NA has service support to one of the most constructed more than 1030 kilometers of road popular tourism areas in Nepal. in different parts of the country, particularly linking north-south remote parts of Nepal to Several roads, including the 107 the rest of the country. In addition, almost km Chhinchu–Jajarkot, the 112 km 600 kilometers of road is under construction. Jajarkot-Dolpa, the 31 km Devsthal– These roads include: Chourjahari, the 145 Km Musikot– Burtibang, the 91 km Nagma– The Nepali Army was the major partner Gamgadhi are currently under in the old Kantipath project linking construction to provide access to some 137 UNITY JOURNAL of the remote and least developed areas sacrifice, institutional drive and integrity have of Nepal. made constructions projects cost effective Likewise, the 81.8 km Nijgadh – for the Nepal Government and planners. Kathmandu fast track is currently Effectiveness of coordination between the under construction which considered Nepali Army and domestic civil agencies an important catalyst in the connection is critical both to improve Nepal’s disaster of the Terai and the capital city response capabilities and to address Nepal’s Kathmandu (Nepali Army, 2019). key areas of vulnerability. To promote that cooperation, specific measures can be taken, 2. Civil military relations including but not limited to (1) conducting applied research, (2) helping to develop Construction of development infrastructures, enhanced capacity and procedures, and (3) disaster management and preservation supporting strategic thinking and dialogue of nature are parts of the military work (Manandhar et.al, 2017).
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Nepal's Future: in Whose Hands?
    NEPAL’S FUTURE: IN WHOSE HANDS? Asia Report N°173 – 13 August 2009 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS................................................. i I. INTRODUCTION: THE FRAYING PROCESS ........................................................... 1 II. THE COLLAPSE OF CONSENSUS............................................................................... 2 A. RIDING FOR A FALL......................................................................................................................3 B. OUTFLANKED AND OUTGUNNED..................................................................................................4 C. CONSTITUTIONAL COUP DE GRACE..............................................................................................5 D. ADIEU OR AU REVOIR?................................................................................................................6 III. THE QUESTION OF MAOIST INTENT ...................................................................... 7 A. MAOIST RULE: MORE RAGGED THAN RUTHLESS .........................................................................7 B. THE VIDEO NASTY.......................................................................................................................9 C. THE BEGINNING OF THE END OR THE END OF THE BEGINNING?..................................................11 IV. THE ARMY’S GROWING POLITICAL ROLE ........................................................ 13 A. WAR BY OTHER MEANS.............................................................................................................13
    [Show full text]
  • The Guards, Cooks, and Cleaners of the Afghan War: Migrant Contractors and the Cost of War
    The Guards, Cooks, and Cleaners of the Afghan War: Migrant Contractors and the Cost of War Noah Coburn1 August 23, 2017 Three Years in an Afghan Prison For close to three years in an Afghan prison, Teer Magar, a Nepali laborer, spoke to almost no one.2 His only visitor was a French representative from the Red Cross, who occasionally managed to send some letters home to his wife in Nepal. The few words of Pashto he was able to pick up allowed for limited communication with his guards and fellow inmates, but mostly he kept to himself. During his trial, he had no Nepali translator, and it was difficult for him to plead his case or even understand the charges. It did not seem to bother the other prisoners, mostly Taliban, that he had worked as a contractor for an American construction firm. At one point early in his detention, a large bearded Talib had come to him and demanded that he convert to Islam, Teer recalled. Teer tried to explain to the prisoner that he respected all religions. He wasn’t sure if the Talib understood him, but after a short while, he was left alone. The prison was comfortable and clean by Afghan standards. Newly built by the British, it was one of dozens of structures built for the Afghan government by the international community during the war to house opposition force detainees. It seemed to Teer, however, that most were simply local farmers who had been inadvertently dragged into the conflict, perhaps found with guns in their homes when the Americans went out on raids.
    [Show full text]
  • Nepali Times
    www.nepalitimes.com #150 20 - 26 June 2003 16 pages Rs 25 Weekly Internet Poll # 90 Q. Who do you think is primarily responsible for the current state of the nation? One country, two systems Total votes:3,211 Weekly Internet Poll # 91. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com Q. If the election were to be held next week, who would you like to see as our next prime minister to lead the country ? MOHAN MAINALI Near Jumla, farmers use the ceasefire to ready terraces for paddy. MOHAN MAINALI two governments. team to conduct a vasectomy camp in firefights this week in Dang and Jajarkot. from JUMLA, KALIKOT and DOLPA ○○○○○ Welcome to ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ To be sure, the ceasefire has eased the their village. There have also been instances of Patan Museum Café ts not that the Maoists are lives of most people somewhat. Many It is better. We dont have to worry resistance: some refugee families in Opening from1030 – 1930 hrs everywhere, its just the government is from the outlying villages can now travel anymore about the possibility of getting Kalikot who were prevented from going Enjoy our new Cocktail & Snacks of the nowhere to be seen. relatively unhindered to the main bazar killed while gathering fodder, or fetching back to their villages pelted Maoists with Week from 1700 – 1930 hrs Except for the district headquarters of towns to collect subsidised rice. Some water, says one villager in Dolpa. Were stones at a recent rally. Paru Thapa in For reservations please call these three roadless mid-western districts, farmers have returned to their home just afraid the war may start again.
    [Show full text]
  • Situation Update #59- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) WHO Country Office for Nepal Reporting Date: 25 - 31 May 2021
    Situation Update #59- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) WHO Country Office for Nepal Reporting Date: 25 - 31 May 2021 HIGHLIGHTS* SITUATION OVERVIEW ● Of the total COVID-19 positive cases, 79.7% (447,446) of cases have recovered and 18.9% (106470) of cases NEPAL are active. ● Of the total active cases, 93.1% (99,132) of the active (Data as of 01 June 2021, 07:00:00 hours) cases are in home isolation; 6.9% (7,338) cases are 561,302 confirmed cases undergoing hospital/institutional isolation. While 7,386 deaths 1,492 (1.4%) patients require ICU admission, 424 3,057,424 RT-PCR tests (0.3%) of the ICU admitted patients require ventilator support. SOUTH-EAST ASIA REGION ● Forty eight districts have reported more than 500 (Data as of 30 May 2021) active cases. 31,605,221 confirmed cases ● Among the total new cases (40841) reported this 401,754 deaths week, 22.3% (9092) of the new cases are from Kathmandu district and 30.2% (12323) from GLOBAL Kathmandu valley (Kathmandu, Lalitpur and (Data as of 30 May 2021) Bhaktapur districts). 169,604,858 confirmed cases ● RT–PCR tests have been performed from 91 3,530,837 deaths designated COVID-19 laboratories across the country of which 55 are public and 36 are private laboratories. ● There have been 2,113,080 people who have received the 1st dose of COVID-19 Vaccine and 714,163 people have received 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccine. *Data as of COVID-19 Update, MoHP, 31 May 2021 NEPAL EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION • As of 1 June 2021, T07:00:00 hours (week no.
    [Show full text]
  • Violations in the Name of Conservation “What Crime Had I Committed by Putting My Feet on the Land That I Own?”
    VIOLATIONS IN THE NAME OF CONSERVATION “WHAT CRIME HAD I COMMITTED BY PUTTING MY FEET ON THE LAND THAT I OWN?” Amnesty International is a movement of 10 million people which mobilizes the humanity in everyone and campaigns for change so we can all enjoy our human rights. Our vision is of a world where those in power keep their promises, respect international law and are held to account. We are independent of any government, political ideology, economic interest or religion and are funded mainly by our membership and individual donations. We believe that acting in solidarity and compassion with people everywhere can change our societies for the better. © Amnesty International 2021 Except where otherwise noted, content in this document is licensed under a Creative Commons Cover photo: Illustration by Colin Foo (attribution, non-commercial, no derivatives, international 4.0) licence. Photo: Chitwan National Park, Nepal. © Jacek Kadaj via Getty Images https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/legalcode For more information please visit the permissions page on our website: www.amnesty.org Where material is attributed to a copyright owner other than Amnesty International this material is not subject to the Creative Commons licence. First published in 2021 by Amnesty International Ltd Peter Benenson House, 1 Easton Street London WC1X 0DW, UK Index: ASA 31/4536/2021 Original language: English amnesty.org CONTENTS 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 5 1.1 PROTECTING ANIMALS, EVICTING PEOPLE 5 1.2 ANCESTRAL HOMELANDS HAVE BECOME NATIONAL PARKS 6 1.3 HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS BY THE NEPAL ARMY 6 1.4 EVICTION IS NOT THE ANSWER 6 1.5 CONSULTATIVE, DURABLE SOLUTIONS ARE A MUST 7 1.6 LIMITED POLITICAL WILL 8 2.
    [Show full text]
  • Reintegration Challenges of Ex- Maoist Combatants in Nepal
    Poverty, stigma and alienation: Reintegration challenges of ex- Maoist combatants in Nepal A participatory action research project with ex-PLA fighters in Nepal Simon Robins, Ram Kumar Bhandari and the ex-PLA research group May 2016 Centre for Applied Human Rights Poverty, stigma and alienation: Reintegration challenges of ex- Maoist combatants in Nepal A participatory action research project with ex-PLA fighters in Nepal May 2016 The cover image is a photomontage showing ex- PLA fighter Bikkil Sthapit, originally from Achham and now living in Kailali. Photo by Pooja Pant. All rights reserved. © CAHR 2016. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without full attribution. About the Authors The research of this project was led by Simon Robins and Ram Kumar Bhandari in collaboration with a team of 12 ex-PLA peer researchers who collected the data and led efforts to mobilise other ex-fighters and to drive action that advanced their collective interests. The ex-PLA research team consisted of: Prem Bayak Prem is from Kailali and served 11 years in the PLA. He was injured in 2005 and paralysed from the waist down. He continued in PLA, stayed in the cantonment until 2012 and was a Battalion Commander when he left. He established an organisation in Kailali for disability rights, is active in social activism, community networking and coordinates the ex-PLA National Network. Shanti Kandel Shanti is from Kalikot, now based in Kailali, and served in the PLA for 7 years.
    [Show full text]
  • Future Perspectives on the Nepal Army, by Shokin Chauhan
    Future Perspectives on the Nepal Army Shokin Chauhan Disclaimer: The views expressed and suggestions made in the article are those of the author made in his personal capacity and do not have any official endorsement whatsoever. The Past The recorded history of Nepal begins after 350 BC. Documented evidence, apart from the scriptures, is not available for periods before that. Different kings of different dynasties like Gopal, Mahishpal, Kirat and Lichchabi had ruled over this country during the Pauranic (ancient) Age. Capturing other principalities and invading territories through armed might was common practice. Records show that the institution of the army was initiated just after 350 AD. In those days, the neighbouring countries, including China, Tibet and the Southern States, known as India today, had armies of their own. Nepal also maintained her military strength, according to documents of the reigns of the prominent Lichchavi kings, including Mandev, Shiva Dev, Narendra Dev and Anshuvarma. King Narendra Dev’s Nepal had extended the cooperation of 7,000 cavalry and 3,500 infantry troops in the year 647 AD at the request of China to attack a Southern Kingdom. The armed forces used to be centrally located during the ancient times, whereas in the Middle Age, they were deployed in vital locations like fortresses in strategically important places of the country. The commanders of the fortresses were called kwantha nayaks and they were very powerful. The Malla dynasties ruled Nepal in the Middle Age. Newar Malla kings ruled over Kathmandu valley and the surrounding areas while the Karnali region was ruled by Khas Malla kings, who maintained powerful armies.
    [Show full text]
  • Business and Politics in the Muslim World Asia Reports
    BUSINESS AND POLITICS IN THE MUSLIM WORLD ASIA REPORTS First Quarter 2009 Volume: 2. No.-1 Reports of February, 2009 Table of contents Reports for the month of February Week-1 February 04, 2009 03 Week-2 February 11, 2009 336 Country profiles Sources 2 BUSINESS AND POLITICS IN THE MUSLIM WORLD ASIA REPORT February 04, 2009 Nadia Tasleem: Report on Asia 04 Ashia Rehman: Report on Fertile Crescent 20 Madiha Kaukub: Report on GCC 61 Tatheer Zehra: Report on South East Asia 82 Ghashia Kayani: Report on South Asia 145 Sadia Khanum: Report on India 318 3 BUSINESS AND POLITICS IN THE MUSLIM WORLD SOUTH & EAST ASIA and GCC & Fertile Crescent Nadia Tasleem Weekly Report from 26 December 2008 to 30 January 2009 Presentation: 4 February 2009 This report is based on the review of news items focusing on political, economic, social and geo‐ strategic developments in various regions namely; South Asia, East Asia, GCC and Fertile Crescent from 26 December 2008 to 30 January 2009 as have been collected by interns. Summary South Asia: Political Front: After winning 9th Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, 258 members from winning coalition sworn in as MPs on 3 January 2009; three days later, leader of Awami League Sheikh Haseena Wajid took oath as new Premier of Bangladesh on 6 January 2009. Later on first Parliamentary session was held on 25 January that was not being attended by opposition party i.e. BNP. Besides that Upazila elections finally held on 22 January amidst few incidents of clashes. Though election in six upazila got cancelled however took place successfully in rest of the 475 upazila areas under strong security arrangements as almost 5 lakh security persons were deployed all across the country.
    [Show full text]
  • History of the Gurkhas
    Sheet 4 History of the Gurkhas Gurkhas have been part of the British Army for almost 200 years, but who are these brave fighters? Gurkhas are people from Nepal. According to a legend, they got their name from a warrior saint, Guru Gorkhanath, who lived 1200 years ago. He had predicted that his people would become world famous for their bravery. The word Gurkha also comes from the name of a city, Gorkha, in western Nepal. Britain tried to invade Nepal in 1814 when it was trying to conquer the northern parts of India. The British soldiers had fine rifles whilst the Ghurkas were armed only with their traditional knives called Kukris. But the Nepali soldiers were such courageous and clever fighters that the British soldiers could not defeat them, After six months of fighting, Britain decided to make peace with Nepal. The British army began to recruit Gurkha soldiers because they wanted them to fight on their side. Since that day, the Ghurkas have fought alongside British troops in every battle across the world. Nepal became a strong ally of Britain. One hundred thousand Gurkhas fought in the First World War. They fought and died in the battlefields of France as well as many other countries. Again the whole of the Nepali army fought for Britain during the Second World War. There were 250,000 Gurkha in total. The were used by the British to put down revolts in India. Gurkhas fought in Syria, North Africa, Italy, Greece and against the Japanese in Singapore and in the jungles of Burma.
    [Show full text]
  • Nepal's Civil War: the Conflict Resumes
    Nepal’s Civil War: The Conflict Resumes A Human Rights Watch Briefing Paper (March 2006) Summary Recommendations • To the parties to the conflict • To the international community Background • Two Human Rights Crises: Civil War and Attacks on Civil Liberties • Hope and Disappointment Violations of the Laws of War by the Maoists and the RNA Abuses by “Vigilante Groups” and the Maoist Response The Maoists’ Use of Child Soldiers Security Forces’ Continuing Abuses and Impunity Summary Since Maoist forces ended their four-month unilateral ceasefire on January 2, 2006, fighting in Nepal’s civil war has engulfed the entire country. Nearly every one of the country’s 75 districts has been affected by the fighting between the Royal Nepali Army (RNA) and the forces of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) (the “Maoists”). Civilian casualties, which decreased significantly during the ceasefire, quickly returned to previous levels once fighting resumed. The ten-year-old civil war continues to place the civilian population at serious risk of war crimes and human rights abuses while hindering economic development of the impoverished countryside. At the same time, the overall human rights situation in Nepal has generally deteriorated since King Gyanendra assumed absolute executive authority on February 1, 2005. The king has repeatedly subjected critical political activists, journalists, and human rights monitors to arbitrary arrest and censorship, only releasing detainees and relaxing restrictions under intense international pressure. Although the king justified his coup d’etat by citing the inability of the political parties to end the armed conflict, there is now a widespread consensus inside and outside Nepal that the conflict has reached a grinding military stalemate.
    [Show full text]
  • Mobile Subjects, Markets, and Sovereignty in the India-Nepal Borderland, 1780-1930
    Shifting States: Mobile Subjects, Markets, and Sovereignty in the India-Nepal Borderland, 1780-1930 Catherine Warner A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy University of Washington 2014 Committee: Anand Yang, Chair Purnima Dhavan Priti Ramamurthy Program Authorized to Offer Degree: History © Copyright 2014 Catherine Warner University of Washington Abstract Shifting States: Mobile Subjects, Markets, and Sovereignty in the India-Nepal Borderland, 1780-1930 Catherine Warner Chair of the Supervisory Committee: Dr. Anand Yang International Studies and History This dissertation analyzes the creation of the India-Nepal borderland and changing terms of sovereignty, subjectivity and political belonging from the margins of empire in South Asia from 1780 to 1930. I focus on particular instances of border crossing in each chapter, beginning with the exile of deposed sovereigns of small states that spanned the interface of the lower Himalayan foothills and Gangetic plains in the late eighteenth century. The flight of exiled sovereigns and the varied terms of their resettlement around the border region—a process spread over several decades—proved as significant in defining the new borderland between the East India Company and Nepal as the treaty penned after the Anglo-Nepal War of 1814 to 1816. Subsequent chapters consider cross-border movements of bandits, shifting cultivators, soldiers, gendered subjects, laborers, and, later, a developing professional class who became early Nepali nationalist spokesmen. Given that the India-Nepal border remained open without a significant military presence throughout the colonial and even into the contemporary period, I argue that ordinary people engaged with and shaped forms of political belonging and subject status through the always present option of mobility.
    [Show full text]
  • Unpunished Crimes from Nepal's Armed Conflict
    Waiting for Justice Unpunished Crimes from Nepal’s Armed Conflict Copyright © 2008 Human Rights Watch All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America ISBN: 1-56432-319-6 Cover design by Rafael Jimenez Human Rights Watch 350 Fifth Avenue, 34th floor New York, NY 10118-3299 USA Tel: +1 212 290 4700, Fax: +1 212 736 1300 [email protected] Poststraße 4-5 10178 Berlin, Germany Tel: +49 30 2593 06-10, Fax: +49 30 2593 0629 [email protected] Avenue des Gaulois, 7 1040 Brussels, Belgium Tel: + 32 (2) 732 2009, Fax: + 32 (2) 732 0471 [email protected] 64-66 Rue de Lausanne 1202 Geneva, Switzerland Tel: +41 22 738 0481, Fax: +41 22 738 1791 [email protected] 2-12 Pentonville Road, 2nd Floor London N1 9HF, UK Tel: +44 20 7713 1995, Fax: +44 20 7713 1800 [email protected] 27 Rue de Lisbonne 75008 Paris, France Tel: +33 (1)43 59 55 35, Fax: +33 (1) 43 59 55 22 [email protected] 1630 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 500 Washington, DC 20009 USA Tel: +1 202 612 4321, Fax: +1 202 612 4333 [email protected] Web Site Address: http://www.hrw.org September 2008 1-56432-319-6 Waiting for Justice Unpunished Crimes from Nepal’s Armed Conflict Map of Nepal............................................................................................................ 1 I. Summary...............................................................................................................2 Key Recommendations....................................................................................... 8 Note on Methodology........................................................................................
    [Show full text]