US embassy cable - 05KATHMANDU1303

S E C R E T KATHMANDU 001303 
 
SIPDIS 
 
NOFORN 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/15/2015 
TAGS: PREL, PTER, EAID, IN, NP 
SUBJECT: INDIAN DCM HINTS MAOIST LEADERS DETAINED IN INDIA 
COULD SOON BE RELEASED 
 
 
Classified By: Charge Elisabeth Millard, reasons 1.4 (b/d). 
 
 
1.  (S/NF) Indian DCM V.P. Haran met with CDA at his 
request on 
June 13.  He requested information about the mid-May trip 
to Afghanistan by Embassy Kathmandu's DATT and USAID 
Director along with the Vice Chairman of Nepal's Planning 
Commission and an RNA officer.  CDA explained that the 
purpose of the mission had been to assess to what extent 
there were lessons to be learned for Nepal from the PRTs in 
Afghanistan in terms of establishing the delivery of aid 
and government services.  Haran responded by stressing that 
while the situation in Afghanistan was different from the 
one in Nepal, the experience could obviously provide useful 
information.  CDA added USAID/Kathmandu would also be 
examining the possible relevance of programs for former 
insurgents in the Philippines. 
 
Concern about GOI-brokered Meetings with Maoists 
--------------------------------------------- --- 
 
2.  (S/NF) Haran noted that he did not yet have any 
information 
about NC leader G.P. Koirala's discussions in New Delhi. 
As a result of the releases of a large number of political 
prisoners in Nepal, Koirala's daughter Sujata and nephew 
Skehar (both seen as potential successors to G.P.) would 
end their self-imposed exile and return to Nepal with the 
NC leader on June 15.  Central Committee Member Krishna 
Prasad Sitola 
was also scheduled to return to Nepal with Koirala.  CDA 
reiterated USG concerns about reports that the GOI had 
arranged meetings for and/or met with Maoist leaders in New 
Delhi.  Haran agreed but noted it was curious that "no such 
concern had been expressed to the Indian embassy in 
Washington."  CDA noted that this did not track with our 
information. 
 
Continued Detention of Maoist Leaders in India in Question 
--------------------------------------------- ------------- 
 
3.  (S/NF) Haran said that "it would be difficult" to 
indefinitely 
detain the two senior Maoist leaders Gaurav Gajurel and 
Mohan Baidya.  CDA expressed serious concern, noting 
India's own focus on fighting terrorism.  Haran responded 
that for the moment there was little focus on the fate of 
the two Maoists, but if press attention increased, the GOI 
might be faced with questions it could not easily answer. 
 
Minimize considered. 
 
MILLARD