By Our Reporter
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has firmly put his stance that Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulek are Nepali territory and Nepal claims the area.
In his rare interviews to two Indian televisions on Monday, Prime Minister Oli also refuted the allegations that China has built check posts in Nepali territory.
He also said that even though Nepal is smaller than India in terms of geography and population, both the countries are equal sovereign nations, and the relation between Nepal and India was not that of a bigger and a smaller nation.
Prime Minister Oli said that Nepal controlled Limpiyadhura, Lipulek and Kalapani areas for over 146 years but the territory was not in the use of Nepal since 1962.
“These places, which are located at the east of the Mahakali River belong to Nepal as per the Sugauli Treaty, and both the countries should talk thoroughly, calmly, with evidences, proofs and with history to resolve disputes.”
Stating that Nepal is not claiming the territory of China or India, Prime Minister Oli said, “But we claim our territory.”
“Until yesterday, India used to consider itself as the boss. Personally, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is two years older than me. But when we are in the same place as the Prime Ministers of two sovereign countries, we share equal status.”
On the India-China border dispute, Prime Minister Oli clarified that Nepal would not use the India-China dispute for the benefit of Nepal. “We don’t play cards against two neighbouring countries.”
He further said that it would be a loss to Nepal if there was a tension between India and China. “Nepal will not let anyone use our land and sky in the fight against anyone.”
Nepal had nothing to do with the Galwan incident, said the Prime Minister, adding that Nepal is only concerned about its territory. However, Nepal could play a role in mediating talks between India and China, he said.
“India published its political map by incorporating Nepali territory, so we opposed it. During the tension over the Galwan Valley, India inaugurated a road on Nepal’s land. So, we sent diplomatic notes, called for dialogues. But there was no response from the Indian side,” Prime Minister Oli said.
However, Prime Minister Oli also used the channels to criticise Pushpa Kamal Dahal, chairman of the party with whom support he was elected to the top post in Nepal.
Although the Prime Minister in the interview could tell Indian audience openly that Nepal is equal to India and she would continue to claim the territory of Kalapani, Limpidhura and Lipulek, it is not understandable, how the Indian TV channels which never got tired of airing false news on Nepal and Prime Minister Oli until a few months ago happened to interview him.
Political Pundits have two contradicting views on the new development. One section has taken the development as a sign of improved relations between Prime Minister Oli and India. The frequent visits of Indian officials including the RAW chiefs are presented testimonies to this.
However, another section suspects whether the interviews were planned by Oli to weaken the rival faction of the party and as a stunt to exhibit his nationalistic figure, because his party had won the previous general elections with his nationalistic slogans targeted against India.
But his interviews have increased the morale of his blind supporters and those loyal to the faction led by him.
No matter, what intention the Prime Minister had for arranging the rare interviews with the past ‘enemies’, what he expressed were really bold and in favour of Nepal and Nepali people.
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