LALITPUR: The CPN-UML has expressed serious disagreement with the agreement allowing India and China to use Nepal’s Lipulekh territory for trade purposes, appealing to both countries to withdraw from the arrangement.
The party has urged the Nepalese government to resolve the issue through high-level diplomatic initiatives and assert Nepal’s rights over the region east of the Kali River. This was included in a 28-point contemporary proposal passed at the second national convention held from September 5–7 at Sunrise Hall, Godavari, Lalitpur.
The proposal highlighted Prime Minister and UML Chair KP Sharma Oli’s disagreement over the Lipulekh trade route agreement during his China visit from August 30 to September 3, noting that this stance elevated Nepal’s international standing. It also cited bilateral and multilateral engagements during the trip that enhanced the country’s visibility abroad.
The convention emphasized that the seven-point agreement between UML and Nepali Congress, under Chair Oli’s leadership, has established political stability. The document praised efforts to revive the economy, accelerate large infrastructure projects such as roads and irrigation, and protect the rights of savers and landless citizens.
It condemned regressive and anti-constitutional activities while promoting democratic governance. The convention also expressed concern over rising internal migration from hills to plains, rural to urban areas, and abroad, urging all three levels of government to take immediate action.
Other points included addressing negative impacts of population growth and gender imbalance, the timely enactment of key federal laws (such as the Education Act, Civil Service Act, and Police Acts), and full commitment to press and expression freedom. It highlighted concerns over recent misuse of social media, cyber threats, AI applications, electronic commerce, and drones, calling on the government to enact relevant laws.
The convention also condemned all forms of terrorist attacks, citing the Israel-Palestine conflict, and demanded the safe release of Nepali youth Bipin Joshi abducted by Hamas.
Tributes were paid to deceased party leaders and contributors to the convention, and a seven-member committee led by Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai was formed to oversee follow-up actions.
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