India concerned about lack of progress in Nepal's peace process

Calcutta News.Net
Thursday 9th July, 2009 (IANS)

India Thursday voiced concern at the floundering peace process in Nepal that has jeopardised the framing of its constitution and reiterated its commitment to support the Himalayan state in its democratic transition and economic development.

New Delhi also denied allegations in the Nepali media about encroachments on the border by the Indian border force, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

'Due to the nature of our relations and the open border, developments in Nepal have a direct impact on us,' External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna said in a suo moto statement in parliament on 'significant developments in our neighbourhood'.

'We are, therefore, concerned at the lack of progress on peace process issues and fraying of the political consensus that was critical to the peace process,' he said.

'The task of constitution making has also not progressed as per the agreed schedule and it remains to be seen whether it can be completed by the stipulated time frame of April 2010,' he said, while alluding to the ongoing political turmoil in Nepal after the resignation of Maoist Prime Minister Prachanda in May.

Krishna also expressed concern at 'significant differences' among political parties on key issues such as governance and federalism.

He drew attention to the lack of tangible progress in the process of reconstitution of the Nepali Army.

'Over 19,600 combatants of the People's Liberation Army of the Maoists and over 4,000 cadres disqualified by the UN Mission in Nepal (UNMIN), which include minors, continue to stay in cantonments with their upkeep paid for by the government of Nepal and international donors,' he informed parliament.

Denying allegations of Indian encroachment on the border, Krishna said the two countries have decided to establish local-level mechanisms to address issues related to border management.

'Strip maps covering about 96 percent of the India-Nepal boundary have been jointly finalised and initialled,' he said.

Underlining India's 'unique' relations with Nepal, Krishna said a peaceful democratic Nepal is in the interest of the people of Nepal and India and of our region. 'India will continue to support Nepal in its democratic transition and economic development in any manner and to the extent it would like us to,' he said.

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