Border problems need to be resolved through diplomatic dialogue: PM

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has pointed out the need for resolving border-related problems through serious diplomatic efforts and dialogue between Nepal and India.

The PM said this in his address to a seminar ‘Nepal’s International Border Security and Areas of Coordination among Border Management related Agencies’ held on Sunday. The prime minister argued that the relations with neighbouring nations could be made cordial and emboldened only on the basis of facts, equality, respect and justice rather not on hegemonic measures.

“In order to consolidate Nepal-India ties in a cordial manner, we had to print the map and talk to India. Our relations could turn to be cordial by only returning our territory through dialogue. Border disputes are prevailing in Susta and Kanchanpur”, he said.

Open and friendly dialogue would be held with India regarding the issue of Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani based on facts and evidence, he said, adding, “We must retain our territory. Both nations should consider fact and truth in maintaining relations. Are both the countries in position to claim other’s territory?”

PM Oli went on saying, “There have been some historically-unsolved border problems. The issue of Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani has remained unaddressed for the past 58 years. We were forced to get displaced silently when the then ruler did not dare to speak up against the intrusion”.

He claimed that a new political and administrative map was printed by incorporating these territories of late. “We updated the map and also included it in the schedule of the Constitution and court-of-arms”.

It is not true that the move has increased misunderstanding with India, he said, adding that, “We need to assert a claim on our territory at any cost”. The border security agencies should be highly cautious and alert when the border affairs become more sensitive, PM Oli added.

“We have been admonished and warned while claiming our territory”, he said, adding that, There would be dialogue in future to resolve the border disputes”. He also directed the concerned authorities to pay special attention towards preventing intrusion of Nepali territories and misusing of no man's land in coming days.

Border security is an integral part of national security, PM Oli said, adding, “How a nation can remain secured when there is no border security? We have framed a working policy to implement security policy to that end”.

Of late, the government has increased the force of border security and border outposts, PM Oli shared, adding that adequate attention has been paid to equip the force with logistics.

“The Constitution has represented the aspirations of the nation and the people. The independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity should be best utilized for country’s sake”, he said, adding, “There are some problems along the border as we are India locked from east, west and south directions”.

Citing shifting out of border pillars in Kanchanpur and other areas of Tarai, he asserted that Nepal would not accept reference border pillar as the real one. “We should responsibly take initiative for the security of our land and territory”.

Nepal is a country of glory not only from the evolution of civilisation but also from the perspective of origin of knowledge, its expansion and investigation, he claimed. “We can feel glory to our country not only because of nature but also the contributions our ancestors made in building the nation”.

Prime Minister Oli further said that Nepal has not left its campaign of independence and respect in the history albeit some weaknesses.

On the occasion, Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa said the government has emphatically treated the border security as a crucial part of national security. He stressed the need to formulate different thematic laws for consolidating border security. “The ministry would not leave any stone unturned in providing necessary resources and technology. It is realised to develop a mechanism for coordination and information sharing among all security agencies”.

Likewise, Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) General Purna Chandra Thapa said the border should be managed scientifically taking into consideration the concerns of the general public and complications experienced during the time of COVID-19.

As many as 34 agencies have been involved in the management of the international border of Nepal in a direct or indirect manner. 

Source: RSS