2 min readKathmanduNov 6, 2015 09:52 PM IST
First published on: Nov 6, 2015 at 09:39 PM IST
Nepal’s new Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli
Nepal’s new Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli Friday criticised New Delhi for raking up alleged rights abuse in Nepal at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and said that the blockade of key border points with India is “more inhuman than a war”.
“Neighbouring country is bullying us on one hand and raising issues of impunity on the other,” Oli told a delegation of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ).
Taking a stand against Nepal for the first time at an international forum, India had told a meeting of the UNHRC Wednesday that it was “concerned” over “lack of political progress” and incidents of “violence, extra-judicial killings and ethnic discrimination” in the Himalayan country. India was referring to the Madhesi protests against the new Constitution and zero-movement of trucks on the Indo-Nepal border which, it said, was caused by of “Nepalese protesters”.
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Referring to the blockade, Oli said, “Foodstuff and protection come into priority under the humanitarian aspect even during a war. Neighbouring country has further troubled our country by blocking checkpoints while it is still paralysed by the April 25 devastating earthquake. This is objectionable.” He said the blockade was the result of an “imported agenda carried by certain elements”.
“Nepal is currently at the receiving end of an unofficial blockade. But this is the time for us to find an alternative,” he was quoted as saying by local media.
“Our close neighbour has opened our eyes. I will render efforts to bail the country out of the existing crisis, maintaining our national independence, dignity and national integrity,” he said.
He added that the blockade and the subsequent violence has revived nationalism among Nepalese people. He said the government will resolve the problems by holding talks with agitating groups in Terai.
“I am personally very sad and sensitive for the public bearing the brunt of the crisis,” Oli said. With supply of essential goods such as fuel and cooking gas hit for more than a month now, Nepal has warmed up to China to open border trade points.
Nepal’s new Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli
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