New Delhi: India on Wednesday sharply reacted to Nepal government’s move of issuing artificially enlarged map.
India dismissed Nepal government’s claims, saying New Delhi won’t accept their artificial enlargement of territorial claims.
On Wednesday, Nepal has officially launched a new political map of the country showing the regions of Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh of Uttarakhand, as part of its sovereign territory.
India has also termed that the decision which has been taken today was not based on historical facts and evidence.
Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said in a statement, “The Government of Nepal has released a revised official map of Nepal today that includes parts of Indian territory. This unilateral act is not based on historical facts and evidence.”
It is contrary to the bilateral understanding to resolve the outstanding boundary issues through diplomatic dialogue. Such artificial enlargement of territorial claims will not be accepted by India, he added.
New Delhi also asked Kathmandu to refrain from such unjustified cartographic assertion.
“Nepal is well aware of India’s consistent position on this matter and we urge the Government of Nepal to refrain from such unjustified cartographic assertion and respect India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Mr Srivastava said.
“We hope that the Nepalese leadership will create a positive atmosphere for diplomatic dialogue to resolve the outstanding boundary issues,” the spokesperson said.
Nepalese Minister of Land Management Padma Kumari Aryal said Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli was committed to protecting territorial sovereignty and integrity of the country.
“It is a historic moment of happiness for the people of Nepal. The government will not allow erosion of self-esteem of our people. Nepal will publish the new map and make it part of the school textbooks,” said Ms Aryal.
The area of Susta near Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh also appears to be part of Nepal in the new map.
Kathmandu claims that India has encroached upon this area claiming large tracts of land and wants Delhi to evacuate the population from the region.
The controversies between both the nations erupted after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a road to Lipulekh Pass from Dharchula in pithorogarh district of Uttarakhand two weeks back.
“We look forward to begin diplomatic negotiations with friendly nation of India regarding the territorial claims”, Ms Aryal said on Wednesday.
