Former prime minister and senior Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba , who is currently on a visit to Indian Capital New Delhi, has said that Lipulekh Pass, Kalapani and Susta are Nepal's territory. He opined that India, however, could have 'its own version of claims' regarding the controversial territories at these places.
Talking about the existing relations between Nepal and India at Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), an Indian think tank for advanced research in international relations, in New Delhi on Friday, Deuba noted that Lipulekh , which has been a controversial issue, cannot be forgotten as the tri-junction between Nepal, India and China.
“The cordial relations between Nepal and India are rare in the world,” said Deuba, “If there is any problems between us [Nepal and India], we can easily resolve it through bilateral talks and diplomatic understandings.” In a different context, leader Deuba said Nepal’s peace process is going to conclude very soon and that the political parties are holding discussions so as to complete the constitution drafting process within Mid August. “Right now, we are holding intense discussions on whether or not to mention the word secularism in the new constitution based on the suggestions given by the people on the first draft of the constitution,” he informed. “Most probably any other word would be picked instead of secularism.”
Saying that the all the political parties including the Madhesi parties have agreed to federate the country into eight states, Deuba said the parties are holding consultations to promulgate the constitution with names and delineation of state borders.
Earlier at the session, leader Deuba liberally lauded India’s generous support in rescue operation and relief distribution following the devastating earthquake of April 25. “Nepal still expects further support from India as we don’t have the technology to demolish the quake-damaged buildings and infrastructures,” said the NC leader.
