Nepal demurs the Kailash-Mansarovar Link Road; summons the Indian Envoy

Kathmandu – The Kailash-Mansarovar Link Road, built from Uttarakhand to China border by India, has received backlash from Nepal. On Saturday, the Nepalese citizens conducted demonstrations in front of the Indian embassy. Moreover, the Nepal Foreign Ministry issued summons to the Indian Embassy. Nepal has also decided to deploy its army at the Lipulekh Pass.

On Friday, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the ‘Kailash-Mansarovar Link Road through video conference. However, only a few hours later, Nepal raised an objection. The Nepal government reminded of the Treaty of Sugauli, which was established in 1816 and declared that India building on that road only means trespassing. Hence, it is mentioned in the summons that the discussions to resolve border-related issue can raise further problems.

The repercussions of this new route developed by India were witnessed in Nepal Parliament. The leaders of opposition criticised the Nepal government. On Sunday, volunteers of several political parties in Nepal held demonstrations before the Indian embassy. All these protestors were then arrested. On Monday, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali held a discussion with Indian Envoy, Vinay Mohan Kwatra. During this session, Nepal’s Foreign Minister briefed his nation’s stance on this road and also presented an appeal.

India has already answered Nepal’s expectations. The road developed by India in the Pithoragarh district is very well situated within the Indian border. Hence, India has said that Nepal’s objection is wrong.

Meanwhile, even though Nepal has raised an objection against India on the grounds that this road passes through Kalapani river, the analysts suspect China to be the culprit behind this situation. Currently, Nepal is under the rule of pro-Chinese communist party. Apart from that, this Lipulekh-Dharachula route is going to smoothen the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrim. Moreover, this route is also closer to the China border. Thus, it also holds strategic significance. This will enable India to supply the life-essentials to the soldiers deployed on the China Border. Hence, analysts speculate that China is inciting Nepal against India.