Nepal opposition wants PM Balendra Shah to hold Lipulekh talks with India

Nepali Congress-led opposition MPs on Thursday pressed Balendra Shah govt “to move beyond diplomatic notes” and open high-level talks with India and China to “reclaim” Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani — Indian territories Kathmandu claims is theirs, reports Vishant Agarwala. The demand was raised at the house of representatives’ international relations and tourism committee in Singha Durbar amid fresh unease over India and China using the Lipulekh route for trade and Kailash Mansarovar Yatra without Nepal’s consent. Nepali Congress MP Sandip Rana said Nepal should not delay direct “table talks” with both neighbours. “Lipulekh is our land, and it is being used for the Kailash Mansarovar journey,” Rana said. . CPN (UML) MP Bhumika Limbu Subba called India’s response on Lipulekh “irresponsible”. Maoist Centre MP Pramesh Kumar Hamal urged govt to take other political forces into confidence. Nepal’s ministry of foreign affairs had sent diplomatic notes to India and China after New Delhi announced the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. India said its position was “consistent and clear”.