New Delhi, December 28: The Indian Government today asserted that the current spate of violence and anti-India sentiment in Nepal is clearly ‘‘orchestrated by vested interests’’. An External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said: ‘‘It is difficult to say at this juncture who exactly is behind it. But it is clearly the work of vested interests, orchestrated by elements inimical to the warm and cordial relations between the two countries.’’Foreign secretary Lalit Mansingh spoke to his Nepalese counterpart Narayan Shamsher Thapa and urged him ‘‘to take all necessary measures to protect the property and interests of all Indian nationals in Nepal’’. A similar message was also conveyed to the Nepalese Charge D’ Affaires M. Bhattarai, who was called to the External Affairs Ministry and handed over a note verbal on ‘‘India’s deep concern over the safety and security of Indian nationals in Nepal’’ by Meera Shankar, Joint Secretary (North). Bhattarai said ‘‘all measures were being taken, although the situation, still tense is under control’’.The MEA spokesperson quoted Nepalese newspapers citing Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Ramchandra Poudel as saying a high-level committee would investigate the violent incidents. The spokesperson said the entire campaign originated from a ‘‘baseless rumour and an entirely fabricated story’’. The spiral of violence has continued despite Roshan categorically denying making any such remark. The disturbance was exacerbated by the fact that the Nepal’s leading Spacetime Cable Network cut off links to Indian channels as Roshan denied rumours of his statement. Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee also spoke to his Nepalese counterpart G.P. Koirala on the telephone and urged him to take steps to end the violence. Koirala told Vajpayee that these incidents appeared to be a part of a conspiracy aimed at harming the traditionally close bonds of friendship between the two neighbours.
