Kathmandu: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Nepal clarified the official opinion of the Government of Nepal regarding the launch of the Mansarovar pilgrimage route by India through the Lipulek region of Nepali land on May 3. The reply to the diplomatic note sent by Nepal on this matter has also been received from the Indian government through a diplomatic note. Both countries have expressed their commitment to resolve border disputes through diplomatic channels and mutual discussions.
Nepal and India have a well known centuries-old, long and open border. The current international boundaries of Nepal are established and guided by the Sugauli Treaty of 1816. Mapping is yet to be done in Susta and Limpiyadhura, Lipulek and Kalapani areas within the Nepal-India border. Apart from those places, there are problems of “cross border occupation” and encroachment of Dasgaja.
In this context, the matter mentioned by the Honorable Prime Minister in Parliament is basically related to Dasgaja area encroachment and “Cross-Border Occupation”. Due to the adoption of the Fixed Boundary Principle in the border area between Nepal and India, there is a situation where the citizens of one country are farming and living on the land within the territory of the other country.
The border mechanisms and technical teams of the two countries are active in the areas where the long border between Nepal and India has been systematically and scientifically mapped to build and maintain border posts, encroachment of Dasgaja area and “cross border occupation”. The work of the Technical Committee, which has been stalled for a long time, is currently active in the border area and joint collection of taxes is underway.
The study of the technical committee has shown that in some places, the land that is currently being used and consumed by Nepal may be transferred to India and the land that is currently being consumed and used by India may be transferred to Nepal. The reference to the statement made by the Honorable Prime Minister in the Parliament that ‘in some places India’s land may be towards Nepal’ is connected with this technical reality and ‘cross border occupation’.
To maintain the spirit of the close relationship between Nepal and India, the Government of Nepal is always committed to resolving border issues through diplomatic negotiations based on historical treaties and maps.
