From the Nepali Press
www.pahilopost.com, 25 November
History has repeated itself in Nepal. A look back at the headlines, news and articles published in the Nepali press during the 1989 blockade shows what is happening now in Nepal is merely a recap of what Nepalis went through 25 years ago. Here are some examples:
1) In 1989, India had imposed a blockade on Nepal seven months after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit eastern Nepal. This time, India's blockade comes just five months after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake devastated central Nepal.
2) Just like now, newspapers back then were replete with news about fuel shortages. The only difference is: people queued up for kerosene back then but they are now lining up for petrol and cooking gas.
3) Prime Minister KP Oli has said India is treating Nepal as if the two countries are at war. Oli is echoing what prominent civil rights activist Devendra Raj Pandey said in 1989: "India is treating us as if we are at war".
4) India denies imposing blockade against Nepal, saying cargo trucks are passing through border posts unaffected by Madhesi protests. An article in Deshantar on 2 April 1989 reads: ‘India, through Indian media, is claiming that it has not stopped supply of essential commodities to Nepal. But even goods purchased before the blockade remain stranded on the Indian side.’
5) Just like now, newspapers back then had published news about disruption in supply of medicines and medical equipment.
6) Newspapers face a shortage of newsprint paper. Newspapers back then were also forced to reduce pages.
7) Even in 1989, politicians and intellectuals used to talk about being self-reliant. Newspapers would give ample space for articles about possibility of a self-reliant economy.
8) Nepalis living around the globe have been demonstrating against India's blockade. In 1989, Nepalis also demonstrated in front of the UN in New York urging the international community to put pressure on India to lift the blockade.
9) Nepal had tried to play 'China card' even in 1989 by importing fuel from its northern neighbour. Deshantar of 30 April In 1989 reported that three tankers had reached Khasa from China.
10) Nepalis are criticising their leaders for ignoring lessons of the 1989 blockade. Newspaper clips from 1989 show Nepalis had lambasted their leaders even back then for forgetting the first Indian blockade of 1971.