India throws weight behind Nepal people

New Delhi, Apr 25 (UNI) India has thrown its weight behind the ''people of Nepal'' describing the recent developments in the Himalayan Kingdom as their victory and asserting that the future of the country ''is safe in their hands.'' A statement issued after a 90-minute meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), chaired by Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, said the people of Nepal had ''displayed extra-ordinary courage'' and India was ready to render unstinting support to them in whatever manner they wished.

Not once is the name of King Gyanendra mentioned in the brief two-paragraph statement while the ''people of Nepal'' finds reference five times in the statement released after the CCPA and read out by the Defence Minister.

The statement said India welcomed the developments in Nepal leading towards restoration of multi-party democracy and handing over of political power to the representatives of the people.

This is in contrast to a statement issued on April 21 when India welcomed ''His Majesty'' King Gyanendra's announcement of his intention to transfer all executive power of the State to a government constituted by the seven-party alliance (SPA).

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