Nepal tables proposal for new political map

nNEWDELHI:NEPAL government on Sunday tabled a constitutional amendment in Parliament to give legal backing to a new map that shows Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura as part of the country’s territory, marking another twist in a border row with India. Law, justice and parliamentary affairs minister Shiva Maya Tumbahangphe’s proposal for approval to table the constitution (second amendment) bill in the House of Representatives or Lower House of Parliament was unanimously endorsed.

The government acted after the main opposition Nepali Congress,

which earlier sought more time to discuss the amendment, directed its lawmakers to vote in favour of the proposal. The central committee of the Nepali Congress made the decision at a meeting on Saturday. There was no word on the development from Indian officials.

India had on Thursday called for “constructive and positive efforts” to end the border row with Nepal, saying that the mutual sensitivity and an environment of trust are needed for handling such issues among neighbours. Nepal earlier planned to move the amendment in Parliament on May 27 but held off on it due to lack of support from the Nepali Congress.