Border dispute with Nepal: Govt must take nation into confidence and resolve issue, says Congress

The recent developments in the India-Nepal relations and the dispute over the Kalapani-Lipulekh area, following the publication of a new map by Nepal depicting the area as Nepalese territory is a matter of national concern, Anand Sharma, Chairperson, AICC Foreign Affairs Department & Deputy Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

“India and Nepal share a historic and time-tested relationship marked by mutual respect, friendship and trust.  The strong cultural ties and shared traditions between the people of India and Nepal, make the relationship unique and special.  Both the countries have invested enormously in nurturing and promoting a strategic partnership recognizing and respecting each others’ sensitivities,” he said.

“India and Nepal have an established bilateral mechanism to resolve any dispute and differences through negotiations.  It is regrettable, that the present impasse has reached a stage, which has strained the friendly relationship.  This needs to be addressed urgently. India has always respected the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nepal“, he said.

“Both countries have successfully settled 98 per cent of common border issues.  There is an expressed willingness of both sides to settle all disputes in the same spirit of close friendship and mutual trust.  Congress party is of a considered view, that diplomacy and negotiations must be given a chance to resolve the present issue,” he added

“India and Nepal, as neighbours and natural partners, should secure and protect the precious goodwill built over the years between the two countries. In view of the seriousness of the issue and the significance of India-Nepal relations, Congress party demands that the government takes the nation into confidence, and brief the leadership of the political parties, as is expected in a parliamentary democracy,” the statement concluded.