Is ignorance always a bliss? India remains quiet as Nepal claims geography over disputed areas

GEOGRAPHY OF THE DISPUTED AREA 

• The Kalapani territory is an area under Indian administration as part of Pithoragarh district in the Uttarakhand state, but is also claimed by Nepal in its Darchula district, Sudurpashchim Pradesh since 1998.
• The territory represents the basin of the Kalapani river, one of the headwaters of the Kali River in the Himalayas at an altitude of 3600–5200 meters.
• The valley of Kalapani, with the Lipulekh Pass  at the top, forms the Indian route to Kailash–Manasarovar, an ancient pilgrimage site. It is also the traditional trading route to Tibet for the Bhotiyas of Uttarakhand and Tinkar valley.
• Limpiyadhura pass and the Lipulekh pass were frequently used by the Byansis, but the Lipulekh pass leading to the Tibetan trading town of Burang was the most popular.

WHAT IS THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT BILL? 

• The Second Constitution Amendment bill was tabled by the Nepalese Parliament on May 30 to change Schedule 3 of the Nepalese Constitution and replace the existing map on its National emblem with the map that was unveiled on May 20.
• The new map depicts the sliver of strategically important land covering Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani as part of Nepal
• The bill was tabled by Shiva Maya Tumbahangphe who is Nepal’s Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. Reports claim that that the bill was passed amidst  high drama on the streets where senior diplomats wanted to reach the parliament to witness the historic session.

WHAT IS THE TAKE OF INDIAN GOVERNMENT IN THIS CARTOGRAPHIC WAR?

• Initially India had decided to ignore the situation putting forward no response to the border issue showing its insincerity. It rather decided to inaugurate development of a new road through Lipulekh, in the midst of a pandemic.
• The development is being seen as a major blow to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy.  

• As of 20th May, per the response of an Official spokesperson to Media queries under the Ministry of External Affairs, “the unilateral act is not based on historical facts and 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.”
• India is yet to make a befitting and bold reply as Nepal reaches the final leg of amending its Constitution to adopt a new controversial map. The question however remains on India’s ignorance which seems to be a bliss, but for how long?