By TRN Online, Kathmandu, May 9: The ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) said that India's so called inauguration of 'Link Road' to Lipu Lekh Pass of Nepal via Nepali territory had undermined Nepal's sovereignty.

Stating that the NCP believed in good neighbourly relations between Nepal and India, NCP condemned the recent development at the Indo-Nepal border amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It is deplorable that this development has taken place at a time when the entire humanity is faced with unprecedented health crisis in the wake of coronavirus and all our efforts are concentrated on fighting against this pandemic," said NCP by issuing a press statement on May 9.

All historical facts and evidences, including the Sugauli Treaty, clearly stipulate that the areas east of Kali (Mahakali) River, including Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipu Lekh are territories of Nepal. The NCP notes that this fact was reiterated by Nepal on 15 May 2015 as well in response to the inclusion of Lipu Lekh Pass as a bilateral trade route without Nepal's consent in the Joint Statement issued during the official visit of the Prime Minister of India to China, read the statement.

"The NCP is aware of the initiative taken by the Government of Nepal by proposing dates for the meeting of foreign secretaries who have been mandated by the leaders of the two countries to resolve boundary issues, the statement added."The NCP supports this initiative of the Government of Nepal to resolve boundary issues through diplomatic means taking into consideration the age-old friendly ties between the two countries."

It also urged governments of both the countries to take necessary initiatives to resolve the boundary issues via diplomatic channel in mutual understanding.

The NCP also called for immediate halting of road construction work in the area by India and urged the Indian government to refrain from taking any activity that would further complicate the matter.

Press Release: