11 May 2020, Kathmandu
Former Prime Minister and senior leader of ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) Madhav Kumar Nepal has said issues like India’s construction of road to Mansarovar of Tibet through Lipu Lekh will lead to the rise of anti-Indian sentiments in Nepal.
Speaking at the International Relations Committee of the Parliament, former PM Nepal said that frequent undue behavior from Indian side has resulted in anti-Indian sentiment in Nepal.
“Indian rulers often express concerns with us about anti-Indian sentiments rising in Nepal,” he said, adding, “Nepalis are asking — is it just to do such things at the time of COVID-19 pandemic?”
“The dispute should be settled first. There are various channels the government can use on such occasions,” Nepal, senior leader of ruling party, added, “Video conference at high level are good in such situations as it’s a serious issue.”
Nepal further said that such incidents make people conclude that India’s attitude toward smaller nations is not good.
He came with the view that India should be urged to not carry out any construction in the disputed territory.
Former PM Nepal advised the government to immediately hold dialogue with India even if by video conferencing instead of waiting for the pandemic to end.
“Nepali people feel their land has been encroached, they are infuriated. Anti-Indian sentiment has increased,” he said, “The situation is getting worse day by day, hence, apt act is the need of the time.”
He also advised the government to bring out new map clearly depicting all lands of the country.
Senior leader Nepal regarded India the attack on Nepal’s security forces at the border and the construction of road on Nepali side claiming as India’s as unfortunate and urged the government to work out the dispute through right channels instantly.
He recommended the government to act boldly as all parties despite their political differences are in one place in such issues of nationalism.
“The government should hold talks with India and China with high morale as all parties here are united in this agenda,” he said.
Nepal has consistently maintained that as per the Sugauli Treaty (1816), all the territories east of Kali (Mahakali) River, including Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipu Lekh, belong to Nepal.
Earlier, in 2015, Nepal had also sent diplomatic notes through addressing both India and China when the two sides agreed to include Lipu Lekh Pass as a bilateral trade route without Nepal’s consent.
On May 15, 2015 during the official visit of the Prime Minister of India to China, both countries had issued a joint statement mentioning their plan to open a bilateral trade route via Limpiadhura of Nepal.
