Arms And The Kingdom

India should have vied for a complete restoration of democracy in Nepal ahead of renewing arms supply to the country. The world's largest democracy could have effectively pressurised neighbouring Nepal king, Gyanendra to restore freedom of press, the inernal watchdog of democracy. Provision of arms to Nepal when the country is passing through such a precarious condition of politico-administrative turmoil may be effective in warding off the recurrent militant aggressions. But on the flip side, such a move may also further the perils of the repressed Nepalis, who are still debarred from enjoying certain civil rights.