Kathmandu: Lawmakers in the National Assembly on Friday strongly objected to a recent agreement between India and China to use Nepal’s Lipulekh Pass for bilateral trade, describing it as a violation of Nepal’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
During a special session, members called on the government through Speaker Devraj Ghimire to seek clarification and take diplomatic steps to stop the move. Lawmaker Gopal Bhattarai said the deal undermined smaller nations and urged Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to prioritize the Lipulekh issue during his upcoming visit to India.
Jag Prasad Sharma called the agreement a “direct assault” on Nepal’s sovereignty, stressing that the country’s borders are defined by the Kali River. He appealed to all political parties to unite in defending Kalapani and Lipulekh.
Lawmaker Krishna Bahadur Rokaya expressed concern that Nepal had not even been informed of the deal and demanded the government issue a diplomatic note.
Dr. Beduram Bhusal accused India and China of territorial encroachment, citing treaties and past studies to affirm Nepal’s claim. He recalled that a similar move was halted in the past after then Prime Minister Sushil Koirala sent a diplomatic protest note, urging the government to act in the same way.