Valley
Blockade won’t last long: Envoy Upadhyay
Nepali Ambassador to India Deep Kumar Upadhyay has said that India’s current approach towards Nepal could affect the dynamics between the people of two countries.Nepali Ambassador to India Deep Kumar Upadhyay has said that India’s current approach towards Nepal could affect the dynamics between the people of two countries.
There must have been a misunderstanding behind the unnecessary protraction of the ongoing crisis in the Tarai that could have been resolved easily, he told the Post on Sunday.
“Either it was failure on my part from Delhi or my Indian counterpart’s failure, or that of the political leadership . That can be reviewed later. But at this time, when the constitution has already been promulgated, the focus should obviously be on finding solutions,” Upadhyay said.
“As far as my understanding, the Indian leadership has understood the situation. They also share similar views on resolving the problems in cooperation rather than prolonging the situation. Instead of reaching out to international community, our government should move forward through discussion with India. And India should also understand that causing unnecessary commotions won’t be helpful in resolving the crisis.”
He said that India should extend support in resolving the internal crisis by accepting the recent changes and democratic constitution of Nepal.
“Unofficial blockade will not last for long. Talks with Indian leadership will also be held in New York. I will return to Delhi only after making headway towards resolving the situation.”
Upadhyay, who arrived in Kathmandu on Friday, informed the government, political parties and the leaders that, as per the understanding of political circle in India, this issue has caused a little interruption to the strengthening ties between the two nations.
“Rather than reproaching or scolding India, we should have strived to make them understand the situation. Both sides have made mistakes. I hope the situation will gradually improve. And it is imperative for leaders of Tarai/Madhes to understand this,” he said.
Drawing attention of Indian leadership towards the possible impact on its goal, Ambassador Upadhyay said that India, which is aspiring to become a world power, would only tarnish its reputation by troubling a small and sovereign nation Nepal.
“Nepal’s constitution was promulgated by following a democratic process and no one should be unnecessarily troubled by it,” he said.
Indian government not to blame, says Thakur
KATHMANDU: The ongoing blockade on supply of essentials to Nepal from India is the work of the Samyukta Madhes Loktantrik Morcha, not the Indian government, Morcha leader Mahanta Thakur has claimed.
In his meeting with the leaders of Nepali Congress (NC) at his Bhaktapur residence on Sunday, Thakur, who is also the chairman of Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party, said that the Morcha was staging protest at border points to exert pressure on the government and the three major political parties to address the demands of Madhes community.
He made such admission when the NC leaders drew his attention towards the “unofficial blockade” imposed by the Indian side and urged him and other Morcha leaders to come together for a national cause. Thakur also turned down the talks offer made by the NC leaders who offered to remove Nepal Army soldiers from the areas that have been declared riot-affected zones.
He reiterated that the government should fulfil all the conditions set by the Morcha before the talks take place.
Civil society to stage sit-in outside Indian embassy
KATHMANDU: Human Rights and Peace Society, led by human rights activist Krishna Pahadi, has decided to stage a sit-in outside the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu to protest against India’s “undeclared blockade” to Nepal. Saying that the southern neighbour has shown unnecessary interest in Nepal’s internal affairs, the society has decided to stage a candle light sit-in outside the embassy in Kathmandu at 4pm on Monday. The society has said that it would resort to ‘satyagraha’ or civil resistance if the blockade continues. The society has also appealed to everyone to resolve the ongoing crisis in Tarai through talks.
‘India violated int’l law’
KATHMANDU: CPN-UML Secretary Pradeep Gyawali has said the “undeclared blockade” imposed by India on Nepal is against the international law. The move taken by Indian government is being criticised within India itself, he said at an interaction in Bhaktapur on Sunday. Gyawali added that Nepal will take the matter to international community. The UML leader said the government should focus on opening trade points with its northern neighbour China since the
Indian side has blocked the supplies of essentials to Nepal.