UNSG Moon calls to lift Indo-Nepal border blockade

Kathmandu / November 21: One day after the protesters burnt a truck carrying lifesaving medicine, the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday called on all concerned to lift the ongoing blockade at Indo-Nepal border points.

Issuing a statement from New York, the Spokesman for the Secretary-General said, “The Secretary-General underlines his growing concern over the blocking of essential supplies on the Nepal-India border.”

The Spokesman further informed that the chief of the global body “is alarmed by reports of the obstruction, and destruction, of life-saving medical supplies and the continued impact on humanitarian operations.”

“He calls on all sides to lift these restrictions without further delay and underlines Nepal’s right of free transit.” Stressing the importance of dialogue and non-violence to resolve the issue, the Secretary General urged all sides concerned to resolve their differences in a peaceful and flexible manner.

He reiterated “the support of the United Nations to Nepal’s efforts to build a democratic, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous future,” according to the Spokesman.

Nepal has reached into humanitarian crisis since India blocked its border to the landlocked nation expressing dissatisfaction over the new constitution. Nepal has been witnessing the shortage of petroleum products, food and lifesaving drugs due to the blockade.