Kathmandu June 18:

Lawmakers representing different political parties have shown same stance on national sovereignty and national interest in the meeting of the National Assembly (NA) today. Taking part in the clause-wise discussion on the Constitution of Nepal (2nd amendment) Bill, lawmakers have stressed the need of adopting effective diplomatic channel to return the encroached territory back to Nepal. The government had recently tabled the amendment bill to update the country’s emblem by incorporating Lipulek, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura. Earlier, the bill was unanimously passed by the House of Representatives. The Indian side had unilaterally constructed and inaugurated a link road to China’s Mansarobar, an autonomous region of China via Nepali territory. Taking part in the discussion at today’s meeting, ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) lawmaker Narayan Kaji Shrestha argued that the single stance was utmost to resolve such issue adding that it was not time to blame others. Leader Shrestha, also former Foreign Affairs Minister, said this agenda should be addressed with high priority as conducive environment was created amongst all for the same. He claimed that the Limpiyadhura was the origin of Kali river therefore there was no confusion on the sovereign rights of Nepal on Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipulek. He stressed on strong and effective diplomatic talks to resolve the issue. Shrestha argued that the hegemonic behaviour of India was not tolerable to Nepal urging India to sit for talks. Leader Shrestha also urged India to submit evidences if she had to prove that these territories belonged to India. NCP lawmaker Khimlal Bhattarai urged India not to show its big brother attitude and highhandedness in bilateral issue.