KATHMANDU: The government has been urged to brief Parliament on a recent agreement between India and China to reopen a trade route passing through Nepalese territory at Lipulekh.
The request came from Prabhu Sah, a lawmaker from the Aam Janata Party, during the Friday session of the House of Representatives.
Speaking in Parliament, Sah said the government should not remain silent on matters tied to the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
“I request the government to inform this House about the agreement between India and China to operate a trade route through Lipulekh,” Sah said. “The government cannot stay quiet on such a critical issue concerning Nepal’s geographical integrity and sovereignty.”
Sah also recalled that areas such as Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, and Lipulekh are part of Nepalese territory. He noted that a decade ago, the government led by Sushil Koirala had sent diplomatic notes to both India and China on the matter. “If diplomatic measures were taken and notes sent, I want to ask why we are hearing about this now,” he said.
Additionally, Sah raised questions about the performance of Nepalese ambassadors in India and China. He stressed that it is time to evaluate their work.
“What have our ambassadors in these countries been doing? It is time to assess their performance,” he said. “Leaders often appoint their close associates, trusted aides, or relatives as ambassadors. Are they merely conducting dollar transactions? If not, why is there no progress?”
Comment