By Shristi Kafle, a correspondent for the Asia-Pacific region in Nepal
Compiler: Eren
Mustang has a special significance for Nepal. It was an independent kingdom in the Himalayas until Nepal** ended its self-government. Now, that's changed. The U.S. and India are so motivated that they have huge investments, projects, and activities in Mustang.
In Nepal, earlier there were rumors that the United States was brewing something in Mustang. Some even say that the US military is intervening in Mustang. Chomsham does have a disaster training center for the military, and U.S. military personnel participate in these exercises and trainings, but there is no transparency about who comes and who leaves. Apart from the Nepal Army, no one knows any other details.
The United States is also active in other projects in Mustang. Some believe that the United States may have adopted other strategies in Mustang under the banner of construction as part of containing China. There are rumors that the United States may be building something underground, or inventing communication channels, but these claims have not been confirmed. There are also claims that the United States has set its sights on uranium and other precious minerals.
For the most part, the United States has been working through the American Himalayan Society in Mustang, whose activities have consisted mainly of the construction and renovation of a number of historic monasteries in poor condition. Locals have a positive opinion of these jobs, which are relevant to their daily lives and are important to them.
In addition to the monastery, there are also programs that support children's education, teaching Tibetan and Nepali in the villages of Shangmustang. Some projects even fund public school teachers who teach Tibetan in primary schools and introduce students to traditions**, songs, and dances to promote Tibetan culture.
In addition, some organizations are providing food relief to the people of Upper Mustang to help them make ends meet during the cold winter months. China has similar projects, but the locals mostly mention the support from the West, and they are impressed.
India has also done a lot of work in Mustang, mainly in the areas of health and education. They have supported many schools in a variety of ways, including giving away school buses and ambulances. Huge investment from India has brought the country closer to the Mustang people.
Earlier, India also tried to build a Buddhist university in Mustang. This is a bit strange because the local population is very small, and even fewer people want to learn Buddhism. India has some other intentions and they have provided 7Grant assistance of Rs. 3.3 billion, the Indian Ambassador to Nepal also visited Mustang in September for some talks. However, according to a local ** representative, the project has now been stopped, and there is no problem with the project itself, but "it has been politicized".
In addition, India and the West have gained support by developing some local leaders. Yogesh Gauchan is a member of parliament from Mustang whose father was a minister. It is reported that India and the European Union invested huge sums of money in the elections.
*: APD News, Asia Pacific).