Nuclear separation plan: An update
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has tabled in Parliament additional details today on the Indian nuclear separation plan first unveiled on 7 March 2006. Specifically, he has identified the 14 reactors … Continue reading
First glimpse of a new dawn in Nepal
The oldest nation-state in South Asia will soon have the subcontinent’s newest constitution. Whether peace and prosperity follow depends on how inclusive it is. 7 May 2006Sunday Magazine, The Hindu … Continue reading
For Nepal, and India, the road ahead is difficult
Among the hurdles: the parties’ lack of confidence, as well as New Delhi’s anxiety over U.N. involvement in the disarmament of the Maoists and elections to a constituent assembly. 2 … Continue reading
Parliament meets in Nepal as movement for democracy enters new phase
Kathmandu: Resolution on constituent assembly, ceasefire with Maoists has been tabled; debate, vote on Sunday. 29 April 2006The Hindu Parliament meets in Nepal Siddharth Varadarajan Kathmandu: As thousands of people … Continue reading
Out of the shadows, peace roadmap slowly takes concrete shape
Kathmandu: But many questions remain unanswered on eve of reconvening of Parliament; Maoists likely to stage rally today. 28 April 2006The Hindu A roadmap for peace takes concrete shape Siddharth … Continue reading
Parties gear up in Nepal
Kathmandu: Tens of thousands of people turn up to warn the parties against betrayal as parliament is all set to reconvene. And in another major softening of their stance, the … Continue reading
Maoists soften stance in Nepal
Kathmandu: The Maoists have lifted their blockade on capital and district headquarters and also declared a ceasefire. But they have also warned the Seven Party Alliance against delaying the decision … Continue reading
Nepal army chief helped convince Gyanendra
Kathmandu: What made King Gyanendra blink on Monday night? A combination of people power and pressure from the Royal Nepal Army. As the crowds in Kathmandu surged, the RNA chief … Continue reading
And now for a Constituent Assembly
Empowered through battle, a victorious people savour their moment. 26 April 2006The Hindu Now for a Constituent AssemblyEmpowered through battle, a victorious people savour their momentSiddharth Varadarajan WHAT NEPAL has … Continue reading
Nepal parties want constituent assembly
SPA plumps for Koirala. But even as there’s celebration on the streets, people tell leaders to “beware”. 26 April 2006The Hindu Nepal parties want constituent assembly Siddharth Varadarajan KATHMANDU: Following … Continue reading
Nepal Maoists want "unconditional" elections
Kathmandu: They denounce the King’s revival of Parliament; SPA accused of betraying the people’s movement by walking into the monarchy’s trap. 26 AprilThe Hindu Nepal Maoists want “unconditional” elections Siddharth … Continue reading
Dateline Kathmandu: Gyanendra blinks, announces revival of parliament
With the democratic opposition’s promised million-person march on the Nepalese capital less than 12 hours away, King Gyanendra has finally stepped back from the brink. The question now is how … Continue reading
Dateline Kathmandu: In Nepal, novel forms of protest and familiar ones too
From a peoples’ referendum to clashes with the police and even talk of petrol bombs, Nepal today is seething with anger. 25 April 2006The Hindu In Nepal, novel forms of … Continue reading
People, parties spurn Gyanendra’s offer
Kathmandu: As surging crowds enter downtown Kathmandu for the first time since the current wave of protests began, India has officially put itself out of step with the pro-democracy forces. … Continue reading
Siddharth Varadarajan 