August.3. Ending the stalemate in border talks that lasted nearly six months, India and China have agreed in principle to disengage at a key patrol point in eastern Ladakh even though other friction areas remain in the region, government sources said.

The agreement on PP17A was reached during the 12th round of Corps Commander-level talks Saturday. The meeting, which was part of a series of measures to resolve the 15-month standoff in Ladakh, was held on the Indian side of the Chushul-Moldo border. Sources said China has agreed to step back from PP17A, also known as the Gogra Post, but is “not inclined” to move back from PP15 or the Hot Springs area. “Modalities are being worked out. But on PP17A, there is an agreement to disengage. On PP15, China continues to insist that it is holding its own side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC),” an official said. The proposals are with the government, and details of how the troops will move are being discussed, sources said. The movement is expected to start within the next couple of days, they said.

The issue of Chinese ingression in the Depsang Plains and Charding-Ninglung Nallah (CNN) in the Demchok area were not discussed, sources said. But the latest breakthrough is significant, they said, considering the stalemate since February.

A joint statement issued Monday said the two sides had a “candid and in-depth exchange of views on resolution of remaining areas related to disengagement along the Line of Actual Control in the Western Sector of India-China border areas”.

It said: “The two sides noted that this…meeting was constructive, which further enhanced mutual understanding. They agreed to resolve these remaining issues in an expeditious manner in accordance with the existing agreements and protocols and maintain the momentum of dialogue and negotiations.” The statement said the two also agreed that in the interim, “they will continue their effective efforts in ensuring stability along the LAC in the Western Sector and jointly maintain peace and tranquility”.

According to sources, the disengagement at PP17A is likely to follow the process that was adopted for PP14 in the Galwan Valley and Pangong Tso where a time-frame was set for withdrawal, temporary structures were removed and a physical verification was donePlatoon-sized units have been present on the Indian side of the LAC, at PP15 and PP17A, since the Galwan clashes of June last year, but the forces are no longer in an “eyeball to eyeball” confrontation.

“There is a distance of about 500m between troops of both countries at these friction points. But disengagement is important because it is difficult to maintain these positions, and matters can go out of hand any time,” another official said.

In February, the two sides had disengaged from the north and south banks of Pangong Tso, where troops and tanks from both sides were barely a few hundred metres apart at some locations.

Sources said Saturday’s meeting, which began around 10.30 am, continued till 7.30 pm — a relatively shorter period compared to previous engagements that continued till 2-3 am. They said that before the meeting, officials were hoping to achieve a breakthrough on PP15 and PP17A. “Both sides were prepared on what could be achieved. Most of this had been agreed upon during diplomatic engagements,” a senior Government official said.

Apart from PP15 and PP17A, PP14 in Galwan Valley, and Finger 4 on the north bank of Pangong Tso and Rezang La and Rechin La on the south bank, were identified as friction points. Forces from both sides have since disengaged from PP14 after the violent clashes of June 15 last year, which left 20 Indian and at least four Chinese troops dead.

In Depsang Plains, Chinese troops are blocking Indian soldiers from accessing their traditional patrolling limits — PP10, PP11, PP11A, PP12 and PP13. In Demchok, sources said, “so-called civilians” have pitched tents on the Indian side of Charding Nallah, which marks the LAC.0

Agreement on Gogra Post, but not Hot Springs; movement in next few days. Ending the stalemate in border talks that lasted nearly six months, India and China have agreed in principle to disengage at a key patrol point in eastern Ladakh even though other friction areas remain in the region, government sources said.

The agreement on PP17A was reached during the 12th round of Corps Commander-level talks Saturday. The meeting, which was part of a series of measures to resolve the 15-month standoff in Ladakh, was held on the Indian side of the Chushul-Moldo border.

Sources said China has agreed to step back from PP17A, also known as the Gogra Post, but is “not inclined” to move back from PP15 or the Hot Springs area. “Modalities are being worked out. But on PP17A, there is an agreement to disengage. On PP15, China continues to insist that it is holding its own side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC),” an official said.

The proposals are with the government, and details of how the troops will move are being discussed, sources said. The movement is expected to start within the next couple of days, they said.

The issue of Chinese ingression in the Depsang Plains and Charding-Ninglung Nallah (CNN) in the Demchok area were not discussed, sources said. But the latest breakthrough is significant, they said, considering the stalemate since February.

A joint statement issued Monday said the two sides had a “candid and in-depth exchange of views on resolution of remaining areas related to disengagement along the Line of Actual Control in the Western Sector of India-China border areas”.

It said: “The two sides noted that this…meeting was constructive, which further enhanced mutual understanding. They agreed to resolve these remaining issues in an expeditious manner in accordance with the existing agreements and protocols and maintain the momentum of dialogue and negotiations.”

The statement said the two also agreed that in the interim, “they will continue their effective efforts in ensuring stability along the LAC in the Western Sector and jointly maintain peace and tranquility”.

According to sources, the disengagement at PP17A is likely to follow the process that was adopted for PP14 in the Galwan Valley and Pangong Tso where a time-frame was set for withdrawal, temporary structures were removed and a physical verification was done.

Platoon-sized units have been present on the Indian side of the LAC, at PP15 and PP17A, since the Galwan clashes of June last year, but the forces are no longer in an “eyeball to eyeball” confrontation.

“There is a distance of about 500m between troops of both countries at these friction points. But disengagement is important because it is difficult to maintain these positions, and matters can go out of hand any time,” another official said.

In February, the two sides had disengaged from the north and south banks of Pangong Tso, where troops and tanks from both sides were barely a few hundred metres apart at some locations.

Sources said Saturday’s meeting, which began around 10.30 am, continued till 7.30 pm — a relatively shorter period compared to previous engagements that continued till 2-3 am. They said that before the meeting, officials were hoping to achieve a breakthrough on PP15 and PP17A. “Both sides were prepared on what could be achieved. Most of this had been agreed upon during diplomatic engagements,” a senior Government official said.

Apart from PP15 and PP17A, PP14 in Galwan Valley, and Finger 4 on the north bank of Pangong Tso and Rezang La and Rechin La on the south bank, were identified as friction points. Forces from both sides have since disengaged from PP14 after the violent clashes of June 15 last year, which left 20 Indian and at least four Chinese troops dead.

In Depsang Plains, Chinese troops are blocking Indian soldiers from accessing their traditional patrolling limits — PP10, PP11, PP11A, PP12 and PP13. In Demchok, sources said, “so-called civilians” have pitched tents on the Indian side of Charding Nallah, which marks the LAC.0

“Parallel to the talks, China is also engaged in pin-prick tactics. They are building permanent structures very close to the border at many places and have quickened the pace of infrastructure development on their side. But we are hopeful of things improving at existing friction points,” a security officer said.

The last Corps Commander-level talks were held on April 9, when the two sides could not even agree on a joint statement. On Saturday, the Indian delegation was led by Lt Gen P G K Menon, Commander of XIV Corps that is responsible for the LAC with eastern Ladakh, while Maj Gen Liu Lin, Commander of South Xinjiang Military district, led the Chinese side. Indianexpress

With a spike of 22,252 cases, India’s COVID-19 count breached the seven lakh mark and reached 7,19,665 on Tuesday, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

With as many as 467 deaths reported in the last 24 hours due to coronavirus, the death toll has reached 20,160. Out of the total number of cases, 2,59,557 are active and 4,39,948 have been cured/discharged/migrated.

Maharashtra continues to remain the worst-affected state due to COVID-19 with 2,11,987 cases, out of which 87,699 are active, 1,15,262 have been cured/discharged and 9,026 have died.

It is followed by Tamil Nadu (1,14,978) and Delhi (1,00,823). According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 2,41,430 samples were tested for COVID-19 on July 6, taking the total number of samples tested till Monday to 1,02,11,092. (ANI)
With a spike of 22,252 cases, India’s COVID-19 count breached the seven lakh mark and reached 7,19,665 on Tuesday, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

With as many as 467 deaths reported in the last 24 hours due to coronavirus, the death toll has reached 20,160. Out of the total number of cases, 2,59,557 are active and 4,39,948 have been cured/discharged/migrated.

Maharashtra continues to remain the worst-affected state due to COVID-19 with 2,11,987 cases, out of which 87,699 are active, 1,15,262 have been cured/discharged and 9,026 have died.

It is followed by Tamil Nadu (1,14,978) and Delhi (1,00,823). According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 2,41,430 samples were tested for COVID-19 on July 6, taking the total number of samples tested till Monday to 1,02,11,092. (ANI)

KATHMANDU, May 29: India is open to engaging with Nepal on the basis of mutual sensitivity and mutual respect in an environment of trust and confidence to resolve the border issues, said Indian External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said on Thursday.

India’s statement comes amid the Nepal government’s preparation to amend the constitution to update the Nepal map in the national emblem as per the revised administrative map that incorporates Kapalani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura inside Nepali border.

A constitution amendment proposal has been registered in the parliament and the government awaits for Nepali Congress’s official decision to this regard to present the bill for discussion although the main opposition party has said it has full support to the amendment.

Nepal on May 18 released its new map incorporating the encroached territories—which India also claims as its own—in response to India’s move of opening a link road to Mansarovar via Lipulekh.

India had described the Nepal move as “unilateral act” and “artificial”.

“On the recent developments in the boundary issue, we continue to monitor the situation in Nepal We note that this matter is receiving a careful concentration in Nepal,” said Srivastava.

“This is a continuous process and it requires constructive and positive efforts.”

He also said India “attaches great importance to the deep-rooted historical, cultural and friendly relations with Nepal”.

“In recent years these relations have seen an upward trajectory which is visible from expansion and diversification of our bilateral cooperation. There is also increased Indian assistance for development and connectivity projects.

“We have had a timely implementation of several large-scale and critical projects. And even in these challenging times of Covid-19 pandemic, India has ensured unimpeded trade and supply of essentials including medicines to Nepal, besides providing assistance in terms of medical supplies and other facilitation,” he said.

KATHMANDU, May 21: India Wednesday accused Nepal of “unilaterally” revising the administrative map of Nepal and “artificially claiming the Indian territories” and said it would not accept the map.

Nepal on Wednesday, toughening its stance on the decade-long claims over the territories, made public its updated political map incorporating the encroached lands of Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura at the north-western tip that covers an area of 335 square kilometer area. Nepal’s total area is now 147,516 sq km.

The Government of Nepal is also preparing to bring its coat of arms and logo into use as per the updated map and present a bill in the parliament seeking an amendment to the constitution’s index.

Releasing the updated map, Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation Padma Aryal said it was a “historically pleasant” occasion for Nepal and its people.

The government had committed to releasing a new map incorporating the encroached territories in its annual policy and programs for the fiscal year 2020/21 and on May 18, endorsed the new Nepal map.

The move came a week after India opened a 79-kilometer link road connecting Mansarovar via Nepali territory Lipulekh, which including Kalapani and Limpiyadhura, Nepal has claimed as its own territory as per the Sugauli Treaty reached between Nepal and East India Company on March 4, 1816, that sets the Kali river as its western boundary with India. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal described the Indian move as “unilateral act” and urged India “to refrain from carrying out any activity inside the territory of Nepal.”

“The Government of Nepal has released a revised official map of Nepal today that includes parts of Indian territory. This unilateral act is not based on historical facts and evidence,” the Indian External Affairs Ministry said in a press release quoting the Official Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava.

Ironically, India had released its new political map on November 2 last year placing these Nepali territories inside its border. The Indian move drew a public uproar across Nepal and a demand for a New Nepal and heightened the border tensions.

Nepal has been seeking a date for Foreign Secretariat level talks with India to resolve the boundary issues. But India has ignored the calls for diplomatic talks.

But, India has accused Nepal of acting unilaterally and issuing a map which is not based on historical evidence.

“It is contrary to the bilateral understanding to resolve the outstanding boundary issues through diplomatic dialogue. Such artificial enlargement of territorial claims will not be accepted by India,” Srivastava added.

Nepal has consistently maintained that the territories east of Mahakali river including Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipu Lekh belong to Nepal as per the Sugauli Treaty.

“Nepal is well aware of India’s consistent position on this matter and we urge the Government of Nepal to refrain from such unjustified cartographic assertion and respect India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We hope that the Nepalese leadership will create a positive atmosphere for diplomatic dialogue to resolve the outstanding boundary issues,” Srivastava added.

KATHMANDU, May 11: Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali held a meeting with Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra and conveyed Nepal’s position on the boundary issues, according to MoFA Nepal. Minister Gyawali also handed over a diplomatic note to Kwatra on that regard.

“Foreign Minister Hon. @PradeepgyawaliK conveyed Government of Nepal’s position on boundary issues to Ambassador of India to Nepal H.E. Mr. Vinay Mohan Kwatra at a meeting held at MoFA today and handed over a diplomatic note in this regard,” the MoFA tweeted.

Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday opened a 79-km long link road connecting to Lipulekh of Nepal which passes through Nepali territory Lipulekh, which has stirred uproar on the Nepali side against the Indian border encroachment yet again.

Nepal has consistently maintained that Lipulekh the territories east of Mahakali river including Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipu Lekh belong to Nepal as per the 1816 Sugauli Treaty.

Following the announcement of the formal opening of the 79-km long link road, the MoFA Nepal slammed the Indian government’s move as a “unilateral act that is against the understanding reached between the two countries that a solution to boundary issues would be sought through negotiation.”

“The Government of Nepal remains committed to seek a diplomatic solution to boundary issues on the basis of the historical treaty, documents, facts and maps in keeping with the spirit of close and friendly ties between the two countries,” the MoFA stated calling upon the Indian government to refrain from carrying out any activity inside the territory of Nepal.”

But, India, in response, has claimed that the road section lies in the territory of India.

KATHMANDU, May 10: Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Gwayali said Nepal wants a diplomatic solution to the Lipu Lekh issue, keeping at center Nepal’s sovereignty, national interest and the spirit of a good neighbor.

After India inaugurated the 79-km long link road connecting Lipu Lekh which is the Nepali territory , the Government of Nepal has told India “to refrain from carrying out any activity inside the territory of Nepal.”

Nepal has consistently maintained that the territories east of Mahakali river including Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipu Lekh belong to Nepal as per the 1816 Sugauli Treaty, several times in the past and most recently after India issued its new political map placing these Nepali territories inside Indian border in November last year.

Nepal had also expressed disagreement toward the understanding reached between India and China to include Lipu Lekh, which lies inside the Nepali border, as a bilateral route without Nepal’s consent during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to China on May 15, 2015.

“The government of Nepal maintains that Nepal’s border is determined by the Sugauli Treaty. And followed by the 15 November 1860 treaty, no further bilateral agreement regarding the change in territories has been reached,” he said.

Nepal believes that the issues should be resolved through diplomatic efforts based on the fact historical treaty, documents, facts and maps keeping at the center the national sovereignty, national interest and the spirit of friendly ties between the neighbors.”

“Nepal Government had proposed the dates for holding the meeting of the Foreign Secretaries of the two countries, but India has not responded to the diplomatic effort made to resolve the boundary issues as per the understanding reached between the two countries at the prime minister level in 2014.”

“We have made continuous diplomatic efforts to resolve the border issues. But, without even formally responding to the proposed dates, India inaugurated the link road using the Nepali territories, which has drawn the serious attention of the government.”

“At the time when the world is fighting against the coronavirus pandemic, I request the Indian government not to do such activities that questions the sensitivity of the neighboring countries.”

According to Gyawali, the Indian government had decided to construct the link road in 2005. But it officially started in 2008 and the project was expedited in 2014.

He also appealed for a constructive role to resolve the issue.

KATHMANDU, April 19: Of the total 31 coronavirus cases confirmed in Nepal, more than half of the contagion are linked with the Tablighi Jamat congregation.

Thirteen infections were found in a mosque located in Triyuga Municipality of Udayapur district while three were found in another mosque located in Birgunj.

Most of the infected found in mosques had attended the Tablighi Jamaat Congregation held from March 1-15 in New Delhi’s Nizamuddin Markaz Mosque and fled to Nepal.

The event was attended by over 9,000 missionaries chiefly from Indian and more than 900 attendees from 40 different countries despite the ban on public gatherings from Delhi Government.

Of more than 14,000 cases reported in India, around a third have been linked to the Markez event.

Although police have arrested more than two dozen Tablighi Jamatis from various places, around 200 Jamatis are claimed to have been hiding in various districts in Terai region.

Eighteen Nepali Muslims who had participated in the event were quarantined in Saptari district.

After Nepal 31st case — a 65-year old male – was found in a mosque in Udayapur, the Province 1 government has started contact tracing in Morang, Sunsari and Udayapur districts.

Biratnagar metropolitan, in coordination with the Muslim community, monitored the mosques in its area on Saturday.

Likewise, a 46-year-old man from Bhokraha Narsingh rural municipality, who had stayed with three infected Indian citizens in Bhulke mosque of Udayapur for 10 days have been sent to quarantine, said Nepal Muslim Association Province 1 Chair Haji Israil.

KATHMANDU, April 11: Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Saturday said the government is not planning to end the nationwide lockdown anytime soon hinting the possible extension of nationwide lockdown.

Taking to chief ministers in a video conference, the prime minister warned against the risk of possible spread after the end of lockdown as the virus continues to spread in neighbor India, with which Nepal shares an open border.

Nepal has confirmed only nine cases of the COVID-19 so far, but in India, the cases have jumped to 7,600 with 249 deaths. To curb the pandemic, India is mulling to extend the 21-day lockdown which ends Tuesday.

The virus has infected 1,710,799 globally killing 103,513 people till April 11 since the outbreak in late December last year.

The nationwide lockdown — which was extended twice to prevent the spread of the pandemic– is ending on April 15.

Prime Minister Oli in the video conference clarified that maintaining social distance in the only choice to prevent the spread of the virus and stressed on tightening the border security measures.

“Knowing that the virus continues to spread in India, we could not end the lockdown… not anytime soon,” PM Oli said.

“We should tighten border security and cannot accept the carelessness. Each person should be aware of the possible spread of the virus,” he added.

“Lockdown is necessary not to trouble the people but to protect the people.”

He also advised the administrative bodies and police force to remain more alert to stop the gathering of people such as festivals.

The chief ministers had briefed the PM about the initiatives the provincial government had taken to control the pandemic during the meeting.

Photo: Prime Minister’s Press Advisor

KATHMANDU, April 10: Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi has held a telephone conversation on Friday.

“We talked about consolidating the collaboration in the combat against coronavirus and looking after people stranded in each other’s countries due to the lockdowns enforced in both countries,” wrote PM Oli on his twitter.

According to Oli, they also discussed keeping the supply system smooth and easier.

Oli also thanked Modi for assistance including medicine to be provided by the Indian government.

NEW DELHI, March 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a complete lockdown across the country for 21 days from Tuesday midnight, asserting that social distancing is the only way out for the country in its decisive battle against the coronavirus.

In his second address to the nation on the pandemic raging across much of the world with the number of infections rising in India, Modi made a fervent appeal to the countrymen not to cross the ‘lakshman rekha’ of their homes in the next three weeks.

Any negligence in these 21 days will “push the country and your families by 21 years”, he said underlining the massive danger the coronavirus poses.

The experience of countries, which have been able to contain the virus to some extent and experts’ views have made it clear that social distancing caused by a lockdown is the only way to break the cycle of the infection, he said.

This is the only ray of light, he asserted.

“To save India, to save every Indian, there will be a complete ban on people from stepping outside their houses from 12 midnight today,” he said.

“Lockdown is being imposed on every state, union territory, district, village, mohalla and street,” he added.

The lockdown will be like “curfew” and more stringent than the ‘janata curfew’, which the country had observed on Sunday, he said, adding it will have an economic cost but saving people’s lives is of the paramount interest to his government.

A lockdown in most of the country was already in place till March 31, and Modi’s announcement extended it everywhere and for two more weeks after this month.

Modi folded his hands a few times to emphasize his request to citizens to adhere to his call, saying it is applicable to everyone from the prime minister to a citizen in a village.

Even countries like Italy, France and the US with world-class infrastructure have been left helpless due to the spread of the disease despite their relentless efforts, he said, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Some people suffer from this wrong mindset that only infected persons need to follow social distancing, he said, warning that such a view can endanger the lives of others and their families. PTI