All-party Unanimous to Take Back Nepali Territory

13 May, Kathmandu : Leaders of all the political parties represented in the federal parliament have expressed concern over the construction of a road connecting China by India through Nepali territory Lipulek, while urging the government to resolve the border dispute diplomatically as soon as possible.

They were unanimous for the protection of Nepali territory at an all-party meeting called by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today, as widespread public concern are being expressed since it came to light that India inaugurated a road in the territory last week. It may be noted that the Government has already appealed to the Indian side to resolve the matter through talks immediately, after expressing disagreement over it through a diplomatic note.

The diplomatic note was handed over through the Indian Ambassador after the Indian side responded to a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry, with a proposal to hold a dialogue after the COVID-19 crisis was over. Expressing support to this initiative taken by the government, senior leaders of all the political parties suggested for resolving the border dispute through result-oriented dialogue.

The meeting, attended by chiefs of the political parties represented in the federal parliament, former prime ministers and Constituent Assembly Chairperson, focused the discussion around India’s unilateral activities in Kalapani, Lipulek and Limpiyadhura and encroachment of Nepali territory.

Earlier, an all-party meeting held in November 2019 had univocally raised same voice in favour of nationality after India disclosed a new political map by including Nepal’s land in it.

Following the meeting, Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali shared that all leaders attending the meeting univocally clarified that the Lipulek area where India constructed the road leading to Mansarovar of China is Nepal’s land and also supported Nepal government’s move to reassert the claim.

He informed that the leaders have also urged the government to take effective diplomatic initiative taking into confidence the support and unity of the Nepali people.

According to Minister Gyawali, Prime Minister Oli clarified that the government would stand firmly for the protection of sovereignty of the country by utilizing the unity and suggestions expressed in the context of nationality. ‘We are in favour of seeking a solution to the problem with India by holding diplomatic talks immediately keeping the nation’s welfare and interest in mind.

“Turning a deaf ear to our request for holding secretary-level meeting of both countries to finalize the matter of new political map issued by India incorporating Nepali territory and inaugurating the road in the midst of a pandemic is very unfortunate”, Minister Gyawali quoted the Prime Minister as saying.

Saying Nepal had been objecting to India constructing the road, Minister Gyawali added the government was ready to hold discussion at any-level to resolve the problem.

He mentioned that government is of the opinion that talks should be held with India as soon as possible, otherwise unnecessary problems would surface between the two countries. Nepal would present its view on the basis of evidence and proof as Sugauli treaty has clearly mentioned that Mahakali river is the western border of Nepal.

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba stressed the need for resolving border issues with India while expressing his serious concern over the construction of roads by neighbouring India, and stated that Sugauli treaty describes Kalinadi as Nepal’s border river.

He also stressed the need for endorsing the US millennium challenge corporation agreement. Rastriya Prajantra Party Chair Dr Prakash Chandra Lohani urged the government to take steps to resolve border issues after taking Nepali people into confidence.

Former Prime Minister and leader of Rastriya Janata Party Dr Baburam Bhattarai suggested that problems should be resolved after forming a high level political commission based on a common understanding on nationalism.

– By Prakash Silwal