The news reports of encroachment of Nepali territory in Susta region of Nawalparasi district by the Indian side have triggered debates within Nepal. The encroachment is said to have begun in Susta some 40 years ago and it still continues in the southern part of Narayani river where the diversion of the river has left out a large part of Susta VDC across the river, virtually segregating it from Nepali mainland. However, the government has remained mum all through the years. Recently, the expert team of the two countries said they finalised the border demarcation except in Susta and Kalapani region. The student bodies aligned with various political parties in several instances have put pressure on the parties to raise the issue of Indian encroachment. Yet, their voices have not been heard. For the fourth time, UML student wing All Nepal National Free Students Union paid a field visit to Susta recently and organised a protest demonstration against the continued encroachment by India. Its president Thakur Gaire talked with Indra Adhikari of Nepalnews on the efforts his organisation is making to press for the end of encroachment.

What did you find in Susta?

A pathetic situation, total ignorance by the state! It is estimated that around 32,000 hectares of land in Susta have been encroached by Indian side in the last 40 years. A large number of tents have been erected in the Nepali land recently encroached. Thousands of Seema Suraksha Bal personnel have been stationed. Though a team of Armed Police Force has been deployed, they remain a mere spectator to the incident. The SSB personnel enter into Nepali land beyond the new line they have drawn to intimidate, torture and harass the villagers.

Since the encroached land lies across the river, permanent settlement by Nepali people has become impossible. The inundation problems during the summer season also force the Nepalis to seek other areas for permanent settlement. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the Indian security forces settled themselves in the area, and brought a large number of Indians to build houses here. All agricultural products, especially sugarcane, planted by Nepali villagers have been destroyed or sold. Really, Susta has become a colony of India.

You reached the encroached area and held demonstration. What was the reaction from the SSB officials?

They were very rude. We made efforts to talk to them and hand over a letter of protest but they refused to talk to us. Our attempt to reach them through APF officers also failed. As we approached the encroach land, the SSB personnel came up with guns, threatening to shoot. We learnt from APF officers that they were told not to allow the protesting groups beyond 300m from the 'new demarcation'. However, stubbornly we reached the 'new border' line and held a protest demonstration.

When we talked to villagers, we learnt that the villagers have been told to leave Susta if they want to remain as Nepali citizens. Or else live in their original land if they want to be Indian citizens. If the villagers wished to remain in the encroached land, they have been assured of Indian citizenship.

How do you observe the presence of state there?

Villagers do not feel the presence of state. There is no provision of supplied drinking water, there are neither health posts nor schools. Among others, these conditions also force Nepalis to seek alternative place to live, subsequently encouraging Indians to take over the vacant land. The police team stationed there remains a spectator. They fear of intimidation and torture from the Indian side if any one reaches the encroached area. They say the Indian side alleges them of inviting people for protest. On the other hand, the government has never held any formal discussion on this issue with India.

Who is to blame for all this?

The first is the imperialist character of India, who never thought of maintaining a friendly relation with its neighbouring countries. India has always been acting as 'suppressor' in this region. It demands respect as big brother but refuses to respect others. Secondly, it is the inaction of our state mechanism that is also to be blamed. The issues of encroachment, be it in Susta or in Kalapani, or the construction of dam and roads, have never been at the top of our state's priority list. Nepal has failed to approach India in bureaucratic level in any issue including land encroachment. Thirdly, the lack of feeling of nationality in political parties and their leaders is the cause of this problem.

Do you think your voice will be heard?

We have handed over memorandum to Speaker. He appeared serious towards this issue and assured that parliament will direct the government to take up the matter. This is the fourth time we visited Susta and each time we made recommendations to the government to take action. In all instances, the government turned deaf ear to our appeal. This time, even a parliamentary committee has visited. I am hopeful that parliament may take up the issue. However, the political parties in the government lack political will for national sovereignty. The prime minister, home minister, and foreign minister have to speak and clarify this issue to the people.

(Editor's Note: Nepalnews will continue this column by talking to officials, professionals, politicians, businessmen, diplomats, those who make outstanding achievements in their chosen field and newsmakers. Please post your suggestions/comments to feedback@mos.com.np)

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