No need of another round of blockade-PM Oli

Prakash Silwal (India) / February 21: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that there was no need of enforcing another sequel of blockade on the Indian border in order to vent discontent on Nepal’s constitution.

Prime Minister Oli, who is currently on a six-day state visit to India, said this at a press conference organized at New Delhi-based Nepal Embassy on Sunday.

Asserting that there were no provisions in the constitution providing space for discrimination and inequality, he expressed willingness of the government to amend the statute on consensus if there are any pertinent issues that the people wish to change.

Provided that the government is flexible to address people’s aspirations in light of the constitution, PM Oli ruled out any necessity of launching next round of agitation.

On Indian journalists’ query regarding fresh warning of the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) to launch border-based blockade again, Prime Minister Oli replied, “Please someone tell me – Is there any discrimination in the constitution? If someone speak for launching blockade I will ask them after my return to home – Where is the space for discrimination in the constitution? Why discontent? Come on and have discussion on the content with open mind”.

He said that Nepal got the constitution enabled with inclusive democratic spirit through the eight-year-long assiduous democratic process. “The constitution was not framed overnight or in a sudden moment. It is democratic both in process and in content”.

The agitation of Terai-Madhes based political parties and Indian unofficial blockade following the promulgation of the constitution had created trouble in smooth supply of petroleum products in Nepal. Prime Minister Oli made a visit to India after the smooth operation of border.

Responding to a query on Nepal’s recent efforts for opening additional entry points on India and China borders and receiving assistances from neighbours, PM Oli clarified Nepal was not in favour of being used as a card of one against another country and was mulling efforts to take the country to the path of economic prosperity after the constitution in place.

Saying that his first foreign visit during his prime ministerial tenure was fruitful in improving bilateral relations between the two countries, PM Oli said all misunderstandings persisting between Nepal and India have been removed with this entourage.

“The mission of my visit is completely over. I did not come here with a purchase list but with good faith to express and receive friendship. It is received now”, said the Prime Minister.

In the press conference, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa commented that Prime Minister Oli’s maiden state visit had played a role to bring back Nepal-India relations on track. RSS