Decision on foreign rescue workers not aimed at India, clarifies Nepal

Underlining that his country was thankful to India for responding within “6-7” hours and saving lives following the devastating earthquake, Nepal Ambassador here Deep Kumar Upadhyay indicated that India will remain engaged in the rehabilitation process.

He said Nepal Army, police and other local organizations had the expertise to handle the situation but lacked the equipment. “We have to thank the Indian government since within 6-7 hours of time, a flight reached Kathmandu with all the necessary equipment. It helped many people survive,” he said.

He asked the media to take the situation very positively and added that rescue work in Nepal was about to be completed.

“This (rescue) is the first phase. Now we have to clear all the debris also. Kathmandu is a monumental city…Nepal army is coordinating all these things. They are the experts and if they need any kind of equipment, personnel, they will make their request and government will do accordingly,” he said emerging from his meeting with Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar.

Nepal’s decision, asking foreign rescue workers to leave had led to speculation that it was directed at India.

“Not not all. Please be positive,” he said when asked if Nepal was upset with India.

Pointing out that Jaishankar had visited Nepal recently, Upadhyay said he had “good discussion” about how to get Nepal out of this tragedy.

“We have the full commitment of Indian government. We told them our priorities. As far as rescue operation is concerned, it is almost ending and that is why the government of Nepal has decided that all friends who have come should prepare to leave now,” he said.

Meanwhile, Spokesperson in the External Affairs Minister Vikas Swarup said “relief operations will continue in full swing. Nepal government has asked for earth-moving equipment to assist in clearing debris.”