EU calls on India to ensure essential supplies; DPM Thapa blames India for not fulfilling commitment

Kathmandu / October 24: As the Indian high-handedness continued with the neighboring countries, International communities have started voicing against its stance. Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia, Jean Lambert, has highlighted the need for regional solidarity in this new phase of Nepal’s development.

In a press statement, Ms Lambert said, “The unofficial ‘blockade’ at the Nepali border only serves to hurt the Nepalese people who are still recovering from the devastating earthquakes earlier this year.”

She has stated that the fuel shortages as a result of the blockade were also having an impact on tourism in what is usually the peak season in Nepal, causing further damage to the economy of the country and the livelihoods of many.

Lambert welcomed reports earlier this week that Prime Minister KP Oli was seeking talks with Madheshi groups to address grievances with the constitution, and called on India – as a good neighbour – to help ensure essential supplies reach Nepal and that cross-border trade is not impeded.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa has said the government was effortful to ease problems seen in the transport and supplies of essential goods on Nepal-India border.

Taking time at the commencement of the meeting of Legislature Saturday, the Deputy Prime Minister said the government had been making continuous efforts to find a way out to the problems.

He said that his recent India visit was for normalizing the unease surfaced on Nepal-India check points. During his visit to the southern neighbour, he had met with the India’s Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Home Minister and top political leadership.  During his meetings with the Indian leaders, DPM Thapa was assured of rerouting vehicles carrying petroleum products and essential goods stuck in Raxaul point and supplying sufficient fuel to the country by the Indian side. The Indian side had been positive of clearing off obstructions seen in the transport and supply on border points, he said, adding, however, “The commitments from the India side were not implemented honestly.”

The government has already initiated a process of initial phase for finding alternatives to the supply of petroleum products with the participation of private sector and support from other countries, according to the Deputy Prime Minister.  He further went on to say that the government had expected support and cooperation from the international community in the present context.

The Deputy Prime Minister extended gratitude to the people for the support to the government in keeping the national sovereignty intact despite odd situation during the festivals. RSS