Nepal Includes Indian territory in its Map, will India Remain Silent?

Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura- the Indian territories- has been included in new political map of Nepal. The Communist Government of Nepal approved the new map which included India’s Kalapani, Limpulekh and Limpiyadhura. Foreign Minster Pradeep Gyawali said that the new official map of Nepal will be soon made public. This is a clear violation of border treaty between India and Nepal.

Prime Minister of Nepal KP Oli after the approval of new map said, “We will now be relentlessly engaging to realise those area back through diplomacy.” He added that they are least bothered if any one gets angry and they will reclaim the land at any cost. The fresh border dispute between India and Nepal emerged after Defence Minister e-inaugurated a road meant to connect Mansarovar via Lipulekh.

It must be noted that in recent days China has been actively engaging in the internal politics of Nepal. Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi has been accused of aiding current Nepal’s Prime Minister in saving his Prime Minister’s chair. Nepal has always had a good relation with India however, the Chinese interference in Nepal has indirectly damaged the relation that the mountainous country shares with India.

India and Nepal are connected historically. However, the current confrontation between two historically connected nation comes after India’s move to construct a road from Dharchula in Uttarakhand to Lipulekh pass along the border with China. India has clearly said that under the current road project same road is being made pliable for the ease of pilgrims, traders and locals. Recently Army Chief General MM Naravane said that the current objection of Nepal is at the behest of someone else hinting at China’s possible role. In  response Nepal’s President Bidhya Bhandari said that the disputed regions were an integral part of Nepal and Nepal will follow a concrete diplomatic path to reclaim the region. It must be noted that the road is being constructed in area to the east of River Kali which has always been part of India.

Nepal is set to release the new political map which includes Kalapani area in Pithorgarh district. After the removal of Article 370 and creation of two new Union Territories of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh, India released a new political map which was objected by the Nepal government because it was said to include areas that Nepal considered it to be theirs. Response from Indian government is awaited. India will never want to a rift to be created between itself and Nepal. It is hoped that the matter will be resolved following a diplomatic channel.