Kathmandu: Chief Whip of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Hitraj Pandey, has called for a briefing to the House regarding the recent agreement between China and India to reopen the Lipulekh pass for bilateral trade, a territory claimed by Nepal.
According to National News Agency Nepal, during an emergency session of the House of Representatives, Pandey expressed concerns, stating that the deal had overlooked Nepal’s interests. He emphasized that the agreement between China and India to use the Lipulekh pass for trade was made without consulting Nepal and infringes on the nation’s sovereignty. Pandey reiterated that the territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura are mentioned in the Constitution of Nepal and criticized the agreement for not considering Nepal’s stance.
Pandey further insisted that the government should take immediate diplomatic and political actions to address the issue and protect Nepal’s national sovereignty and integrity. He urged the government to stand firm and initiate necessary efforts concerning the bilateral trade agreement through the Lipulekh Pass.
Lawmaker Thakur Prasad Gaire also voiced his opposition, affirming that Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura are parts of Nepal, and the country has the right to utilize these areas. He criticized reports of China and India conducting trade via the Lipulekh route without Nepal’s approval and insisted that the decision needs rectification. Gaire also challenged India’s claim that historical evidence does not support Nepal’s sovereignty over these territories.