Defense Minister Rajnath Singh recently inaugurated the 80 Km road from Dharchula, Uttrakhand to Lipulekh, in order to reduce time taken by the pilgrims to travel to Kailash- Mansarovar. This was mainly done to avoid the dangerous high-altitude routes through Sikkim and Nepal.
Nepal had expressed protest over this inauguration of the pass to Lipulekh. The foreign Ministry of Nepal issued a statement saying, the road passes through Nepal territory. The ministry focused on country’s claim on the Lipulekh. They said that “The government of Nepal has consistently maintained that as per the Sugauli Treaty, all the territories east of Kali River, including Limpiyadhura, Kalapaniand Lipulekh belong to Nepal.
They added that this act of opening a new road, runs against the agreement of the two countries, that a solution to boundary issues would be sought through negotiation. And that Indian government should refrain itself from any activity inside the territory of Nepal.
To this, the External affairs Ministry has said that that “The recently inaugurated road section in Pithoragarh district in the State of Uttrakhand lies completely within the territory of India. The road followsthe pre-existing route used by the pilgrims of the Kailash- Mansarovar.” This has been done for ease of pilgrims, traders and local residents.
They added that India is dedicated to resolve unresolved boundaries issues through diplomatic dialogue, and that delineation of the border with Nepal is in process. The talks for the same will be scheduled by both countries after the Covid-19 pandemic. Will the big brother take the initiative to solve the ongoing dispute?
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