3 August, Kathmandu: Senior leader of Nepali Congress, Sher Bahadur Deuba, has said the Lipulek, Kalapani and Susta belong to Nepali.
Upon his return home from India after a weeklong visit, senior leader Deuba told media persons at the Tribhuvan International Airport that during the visit he made India aware that Lipulek, Kalapani and Sustat were all Nepali territory.
He reminded that historic deal of Sugauli Treaty recognized the Kali River as the border between Nepal and India, and the Kali emanates from Lipulek. Therefore, Lipulek is regarded as the three-country border point. “My visit to India was satisfactory”, he said, adding, “India has good will towards Nepal.”
According to him, the Indian leaders were for the timely completion of constitution in Nepal. They welcomed the 16-point agreement among the major political forces, but suggested to incorporate dissenting parties too if possible, Mr Deuba added.
In a question what he would respond as India has suggested for constitution with delineation of provinces, he said, “India does not say- do this or don’t that, but it has wished unity among all, saying better if all parties worked together.”
The former prime minister made it clear that his visit was not aimed at creating atmosphere for him to become the prime minister again. I was not there to garner India’s support to become the prime minister, he reiterated. “What I wanted was India’s good will to Nepal,” he argued.
Moreover, he told media that he had been to India to share that Nepal was safe for tourism and investment, and India could augment its assistance in view of the devastation triggered by earthquake.
On a different note, the NC leader said the party had not changed the main date for its general convention though the dates for the convention in the local level has been changed.
During his visit to India, leader Deuba met with Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj, and the Indian foreign secretary among others.
