By Our Reporter

Many youngsters may be unaware of Nepal’s Zone of Peace (ZoP) proposal as it faced an unfortunate demise along with the introduction of the 1990 constitution followed by the India-sponsored “people’s movement”.

Very few leaders of the day talk about the significance of the ZoP for Nepal like a tiny country sandwiched between the two giant nations. It is because they are afraid of India as they are strongly dominated by the slavery mentality.

When King Birendra saw a threat to Nepali sovereignty after India annexed Sikkim, the ZoP concept was developed.    

Scholar Anuma Koirala dared to carry out a research study on the ZoP, and finally authored a book, “Unveiling the Mysteries of Nepal’s Peace Zone and Political Deadlock”.

In 179 pages of the book, Koirala briefly described the background that King Birendra had to proclaim the ZoP during his coronation ceremony in Kathmandu on February 25, 1975.

A total of 116 countries, including China, the USA, and all neighboring SAARC countries excluding India had recognized King Birendra’s proposal for declaring Nepal as ZoP. Readers find a detailed chronology of the political developments that started in the 70s and lasted until 1990. The background that compelled King Birendra to announce Nepal a ZoP, international support on the quest for Nepal’s ZoP, Indian umbrella doctrine and ZoP, King Birendra’s efforts to change the Indian umbrella doctrine.

The research-based book by Koirala is comprised of King Birendra’s historical speech delivered at his coronation ceremony, where he proposed for Nepal a ZoP, the text of King Birendra’s address at the Nepal Council of World Affairs on July 26, 1973, where he first cited about the ZoP concept. Also, the author has included the full text of the unequal 1950 Treaty.

She has exclusively interviewed politicians Dr. Prakash Chandra Lohani, Arjun Narsingh K.C., Chandra Prakash (C.P.) Mainali, Nabaraj Subedi, diplomats Dr. Vhekh Bahadur Thapa and Madhu Raman Acharya, while conducting research on ZoP. Moreover, enough references by different writers have been presented.

Priced at Rs. 450, published by the Book Art Nepal, the book by Koirala is very informative, based on historical facts and evidence. The book can be a reference for those studying or doing research on Nepal-India relations, Nepal’s political history and even Nepal’s ZoP proposal.