Nepalese communist parties protest new road to Kailash Mansarovar, allege it is built over ‘disputed territory’

Pithoragarh: Representatives of two communist parties of Nepal in Darchula area (in Nepal) have registered their protest at the inauguration of the Ghatiyabagar-Lipulekh

road

that is expected to significantly cut travel time to Kailash Mansarovar. In a statement on Sunday, both parties said the road is “built on disputed area and violates Nepalese sovereignty.”

Defence minister Rajnath Singh had inaugurated the new road built by the Border Roads Organisation through videoconferencing from Delhi on Friday. The road connects Dharchula (in Pithorragarh district) to the Lipulekh Pass, and will allow better movement for armed forces on the India-China border, besides facilitating road travel for pilgrims on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

However, members of Nepal’s ruling communist party claimed that the road encroaches upon Nepalese territory as it passes through Ward Number 1 under Byas village municipality of their country. A joint statement issued by party secretary Uday Singh Badal and president Ganesh Singh Khatri alleged that “even though both countries had agreed to amicably settle the border dispute, India had taken unilateral action in this regard.”

The statement added that “construction of road and other development work in Limphiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani areas disrespects Nepali sovereignty and integrity.” It further said that “according to the Sugauli Treaty, areas of Limphiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani located to the east of Mahakali river historically belong to Nepal.” and demanded that work on the road be stopped immediately.

The Darchula district committee of Nepal Communist Party (Revolutionary Maoist) also condemned the road construction work in Kalapani, Gunji and Lipulekh, demanding that work be stopped immediately. A press statement issued by Comrade Karan, identified as the district secretary of the party, also condemned the Nepal government for not protecting national interests and asked the government to take a firm stand on the matter.