Nepali Congress-led opposition lawmakers on Thursday pressed the Balendra Shah government to “go beyond diplomatic notes” and launch high-level talks with India and China to “reclaim” Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani – Indian territories claimed by Kathmandu as belonging to them, Vishant Agarwala reports. The demand, made before the House International Relations and Tourism Committee in Singhadurba, comes at a time when India and China are using the Lipulekh route for trade and Kailash pilgrimage without Nepal’s consent, triggering fresh unease. Nepali Congress lawmaker Sandeep Rana said Nepal should not postpone direct “desktop talks” with its two neighbors. “Liplekh is our land and it is used for the trip to Mount Kailash and the holy lake,” Rana said. . Nepal Communist Party (UML) lawmaker Bhumika Limbu Subba called India’s response to the Lipulekh incident “irresponsible”. Maoist Center MP Pramesh Kumar Hamal urged the government to give credit to other political forces. After New Delhi announced the pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a diplomatic note to India and China. India said its position was “unanimous and clear”.
