New Delhi, May 3: India tonight rejected Nepal’s claims over Lipulekh area, saying those are “neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence.”
External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal issued a statement in response to media queries regarding claims related to border issues made by Foreign Ministry of Nepal in the context of the annual Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.
“India’s position in this regard had been consistent and clear. Lipulekh Pass has been a long standing route for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra since 1954 and the Yatra through this route has been going on for decades. This is not a new development,” Jaiswal said.
The statement came after reports that Kathmandu had sent diplomatic notes to India and China over the proposed Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimate route through Lipulekh, which Nepal claims as its territory.
Nepal’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri, according to those reports, said his country has conveyed its “position and concerns” to both neighbours through diplomatic channels regarding the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra which is slated to take place in the coming months after a gap of 6 years.
“As regards territorial claims, India has consistently maintained that such claims are neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence. Such unilateral artificial enlargement of territorial claims is untenable,” he added.
His reaction came after Nepal’s Foreign Ministry objected to Lipulekh being a route for the annual Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, saying it falls within its sovereign territory.
Jaiswal added that “India remains open to a constructive interaction with Nepal on all issues in the bilateral relationship, including on resolving agreed outstanding boundary issues through dialogue and diplomacy.”
Chhetri earlier reportedly said in the day that under the Sugauli Treaty of 1816, Limpiyandhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani — areas east of River Mahakali — are integral parts of Nepal.
He said Nepal said it has “consistently urged India to refrain from activities in the region, including road construction, expansion, border trade and pilgrimages.” (NVI)
