Kathmandu, Aug 22: Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa has called for a collective protest, saying that neighbors India and China are eyeing Nepal’s territory.
Speaking at the House of Representatives on Thursday (Bhadra 5), lawmaker Thapa said Congress strongly disagrees with the agreement between the two countries. “Our two neighbors have made decisions about our land. Nepali Congress firmly disagrees with this agreement. This is objectionable,” he said. “The Government of Nepal has already taken steps against it. All political parties must stand together on this issue.”
He noted that parties had stood together on this matter yesterday as well. Stressing unity again, he added that both countries must be given a collective response.
“Yesterday we stood together, today we must do the same. I call on all parties to join in protest,” Thapa said. “We may have many differences among us, and that is natural. But when it comes to the country, we must sit together and make it clear to India and China that keeping an eye on our land is not acceptable.”
Maoists seek government response on India-China trade deal via Lipulekh
The CPN (Maoist Centre) has asked the government to clarify its position on the reported agreement between India and China to open cross-border trade through Lipulekh, a territory claimed by Nepal.
Speaking at the House of Representatives on Thursday, Maoist Chief Whip Hitraj Pandey said the government must brief Parliament about the matter. He drew Speaker’s attention, stressing that Nepal had not been informed before the two neighbors reached such an understanding.
“Respected Speaker, today Mother Nepal is in pain. Our two neighboring friends, China and India, have reportedly agreed to open bilateral trade through Lipulekh Pass without even notifying our country. This has drawn serious concern from our party,” Pandey said.
He noted that Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura are constitutionally defined as parts of Nepal. Any agreement excluding Nepal’s consent undermines national sovereignty, he argued. Pandey recalled that his party has consistently raised objections in the past, terming such moves against Nepal’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He urged the government to stand firm in defense of sovereignty and integrity, which he described as the foremost duty of any administration. On behalf of the main opposition, he called on the government to launch strong and effective diplomatic efforts with both neighbors to safeguard Nepal’s interests.
Pandey emphasized that such sensitive issues demand unity. He appealed to strengthen national consensus to protect Nepal’s sovereignty, integrity, and long-term national interests.
People’s News Monitoring Service
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