The Maoists cannot join the interim government as a guerrilla organization, rather they must abandon arms before doing so, says a leading Indian analyst, retired General Ashok Mehta. Mehta, who is a frequent commentator on Nepalese situation, accused the Maoists of "shifting goalposts."
Talking to BBC Nepali Service on Wednesday, Mehta said New Delhi could still play the role of a 'facilitator' to help peace process in Nepal just like it did when bringing the 12-point pact between the SPA and the Maoists to fruition last November.
The former commander of Gurkha forces in Indian Army, Mehta said "there were still lack of confidence and trust" between SPA and the Maoists.
Mehta said that during recent trip to New Delhi, Ian Martin, Tamrat Samuel (UN officials) and Indian ambassador Shiv Shankar Mukherjee focused their consultations on the issue of "arms management."
When asked about India's current position on Nepal, Mehta said that New Delhi has stopped stating the twin pillar theory of multiparty democracy and constitutional monarchy. "Now, India has said that it will respect the decision of Nepali people through constituent assembly about the status of monarchy," he said.
Mehta also added that peace process anywhere is a time-consuming affair. He gave examples of Northern Ireland or Sudan or Rwanda where it took years for the peace process to complete. "It has just been six months in Nepal. There should not be any haste," he added.
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