NEW DELHI: Neutral observers in the Indian Capital are being increasingly intrigued by the situation in Nepal. The feeling is enhanced by the all too obvious attitude of hush hush adopted by the Government’s spokesmen. Several Western foreign correspondents have confirmed that they only receive the “propaganda line”, but searching questions are not welcomed.

Means of communication between Nepal and the outside world practically do not exist. The only telegraphic link is controlled by India. The Pioneer of Lucknow pointed this out … and wrote: “There is no direct telegraphic link except that through the Indian Embassy Office.” This virtual isolation of Post Nepal from the news point of view deepens the mystery shrouding the events there.

Quietly some Indian papers have reported the fall to the “rebels” within the last week of Jhapa and Ilam, two … districts in easternmost Nepal. The GOC of the Nepal Government forces in Ilam, now turned “rebel”, is reported to have captured them. Almost simultaneously it was announced that the Government of Nepal “has now sent its own forces in adequate strength to the affected areas and the situation is under control”.

Published in Dawn, August 9th, 2026