Nepal has put on hold the constitutional amendment to alter its map
Bengaluru: After a territory row with India, Nepal has put on hold the constitutional amendment to alter its map as reported by Republic TV.
It might be recalled that the new political and administrative map of Nepal unveiled by the country's Land Reforms Minister Padma Aryal featured the Indian territories of Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura.
However, as reported by the website, this was perceived as an attempt by Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli to consolidate his position in the Nepal Communist Party government. But he failed to build consensus among other political parties in Nepal who reportedly saw through his attempts to invoke Gorkha nationalism for personal gains.
It was on May 18 that Oli chaired a Cabinet meeting in which the new map of the country featuring the Indian territories approved. Addressing the Parliament on May 19, the Nepal PM claimed that India had made Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura "disputed" by stationing its Army there. He vowed to reclaim these territories from India through diplomatic efforts.
The website added that the ministry of external affairs slammed this "unilateral act". Maintaining that this move was not based on historical facts and evidence, MEA official spokesperson Anurag Srivastava observed that this was contrary to the understanding between the two countries to resolve boundary disputes through dialogue.
He had made it clear that India shall not accept such an "artificial enlargement" of territory. Thereafter, he urged the Nepal government to respect India's consistent position on this matter. Srivastava expressed hope that the Nepalese leadership would create a positive dialogue to resolve boundary issues.
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