Lawmakers demand briefing about China-India deal on Lipulekh pass

Kathmandu, Aug 21: Chief Whip of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Hitraj Pandey has demanded briefing to the House about the recent deal between China and India to reopen Nepal's territory, Lipulekh pass, for bilateral trade.     

At an emergency hour in today's meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR), he said, "It has hurt our nation. Our party's serious attention has been drawn to the bilateral agreement between our two neighbouring friendly countries, China and India, for reopening trade routes from Lipulekh pass without keeping our country Nepal in the loop".     

He opposed the agreement that included Nepali territory – Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura mentioned in the Constitution of Nepal without informing Nepal at all.     

Pandey stated, "In the past, our party has already said that this issue is against Nepal's national sovereignty and integrity, and key responsibility of any government is to stand for the protection of national sovereignty and integrity. I urge the government to initiate necessary diplomatic and political efforts regarding the agreement to open bilateral trade through Lipulekh Pass".     

Lawmaker Thakur Prasad Gaire said, "Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura are Nepali territories, and Nepal has the right to utilize them. Recently, there have been reports that China and India are trading through the Lipulekh route without Nepal's consent, which is wrong. The two neighboring countries must correct this decision".     

He also objected to India's statement that historical evidence does not support Nepal's claim over Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani.(RSS)