All parties agree for constitution amendment to endorse revised Nepal map

By Prakash Silwal and Narayan Dhungana

KATHMANDU, June 9: Lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition have supported the ‘Constitution of Nepal (second amendment) bill 2077’ to endorse the revised administrative map of Nepal.

At today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr Shivamaya Tumbahangphe presented the proposal seeking consideration on the bill in the parliament meeting.

The constitution is being amended to update the Nepal map in the Coat of Arms as per the new Nepal map the government released on May 20 incorporating Kalapani, Lipulek and Limpiyadhura.

Nepal has taken the stand that Limpiyadhura is the origin of the Kali River and thereby the land east of Kali River belongs to Nepal as per Sugauli Treaty 1816.

During the discussion today, Krishna Bhakta Pokhrel of the ruling NCP welcomed the constitution amendment proposal and argued that Indian meddling on Nepali territory is unacceptable. All parties need to be united for the nationality and anyone speaking against national interest must face action, he stressed.

Khagaraj Adhikari, Shanta Chaudhari, Ganga Chaudhari, and Tulsa Thapa, also from the ruling party, stressed that release of the revised map of the country is a historic deed and it elated everyone. The Nepali land encroached upon by India must be returned, they added.

Similarly, chief whip of major opposition, Nepali Congress, Balkrishna Khand, said NC is always committed to Nepal’s sovereignty, integrity and independence. NC has officially decided to include the revised map of Nepal in the Constitution’s schedule, he shared.

Whip of the NC, Pushpa Bhushal, said there is support from the party for the bill on amendment of the Constitution to include the revised map. She however stressed the need to hold diplomatic dialogue with India to reclaim Nepali territory. She further said other issues should also be discussed for the amendment of Constitution.

Dr Minendra Rijal, Gagan Kumar Thapa and Dr Dila Sangraula of the NC said it was not necessary to idolize any individual in the effort to bring back Nepali territory but collective works are essential.

Moreover, Socialist Party’s Rajendra Shrestha viewed that the government bill on Nepal’s map would be supported by his party. Together with this, party’s demand for constitution amendment to address broader issues of people should be addressed, he stressed.

Rastriya Janata Party’s Laxman Lal Karna suggested the government to solve border dispute via diplomatic efforts. He urged not to develop the notion- ‘it’s only me the nationalist.’

Durga Poudel of Rastriya Janamorcha said it is noticeable achievement of the government to bring revised map of the country.

Prem Suwal of Nepal Workers and Peasant Party demanded that Limpiyadhura be fixed as the tri-nation (Nepal, India and China) border point.