KATHMANDU: Lawmakers in the House of Representatives have raised concerns over the government’s lack of commitment to implementing the territory included in Nepal’s new map.
During a direct question-and-answer session on Thursday, Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) MP Buddhiman Tamang questioned Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli about the government’s efforts to assert control over Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura—territories included in Nepal’s revised map adopted in 2020.
“When will you visit Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura included in Nepal’s new map, Prime Minister?” MP Tamang asked, pointing to the lack of progress in affirming Nepal’s claim over the disputed territories.
Tamang also expressed dissatisfaction over the government’s failure to understand and implement the recommendations of the Nepal-India Group of Eminent Persons (EPG) report, which aimed to resolve border disputes and improve bilateral relations.
In response, Prime Minister Oli stated that no official visit to the disputed territories had been scheduled yet.
“You have asked when I will visit that area. My plan has not been made, but it would be better if you also go visit,” he said, suggesting that responsibility should also fall on the previous administrations.
Prime Minister Oli reaffirmed that the disputed areas of Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura were historically Nepal’s territories until 1962, when Indian troops were allowed into the area by the then rulers. He questioned why the map of Nepal was altered after 1962 and implied that past regimes were responsible for ceding control.
The prime minister reiterated that the updated Chukche map, which was unanimously adopted through a constitutional amendment on May 2020, represents the true geography of Nepal.
He highlighted that the inclusion of these areas in the new map is based on historical facts and evidence.
In regards to the EPG, PM Oli stated that the report prepared by the Nepal-India Eminent Persons Group (EPG) has not been understood due to the reluctance of the Indian side to take it forward.
“The intellectual group has reached an understanding that it will first submit the report to the Indian Prime Minister and then to Nepal,” Oli said. “We will accept it after it is submitted to the Indian Prime Minister first. The report cannot be understood and implemented by anyone alone.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that the main objective is to enhance and systematize Nepal-India relations in line with the present context. He added that the report should be implemented in a way that does not harm the friendship between the two countries or cause injustice to either side.
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