NEW DELHI: India has expressed its concerns over “horrific violence” during the critical phase of drafting of constitution of the country and urged the political leadership of the Himalayan nation to resolve all the outstanding issues through dialogue and widest possible agreement.
In a statement, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Constitution, which is fully owned by and accommodates the aspirations of all regions and sections of the Nepalese society, will lay a durable foundation for a peaceful and prosperous Nepal and will become the focal point for Nepal’s bright future.
“India is concerned over the ongoing protests and strife in several parts of Nepal. Horrific violence has once again shaken Nepal’s soul. Whether the victims are Nepali citizens or government officials, the blood spilt in all the incidents was Nepalese,” she said, adding that when Nepal is yet to come out of the tragedy of the earthquake, these developments would hurt any humanitarian country in the world.
“As Nepal’s closest neighbour and the largest trading partner, India takes interest in Nepal’s political affairs. India was the chief mediator between the Maoists and major political parties to end a decade-long insurgency and usher long-lasting peace in Nepal,” the External Affairs Minister said, adding that India has a moral responsibility to interfere when human rights organisations report about horrific human rights violations in Nepal.
Appreciating the Nepalese political leadership for its wisdom and maturity in overcoming several challenges over the last few years, resulting in substantial gains in the peace process and consolidation of inclusive multi-party Constitutional democracy through two successful elections, she said,” We laud the achievements that Nepal has made in the peace process”.
“We welcome and commend the recent progress achieved by the Constituent Assembly in the Constitution-drafting process wherein several contentious issues have been resolved,”the Minister said.
She underscored that India had always supported peace, stability, unity and development of Nepal. “In the last two decades, we all have witnessed violence, instability, internal struggle and political discord in Nepal, as well as its negative consequences. Nepal had not yet emerged from this crisis, when a major earthquake in April 2015 wreaked havoc and caused major destruction in the country,” she added.
In the wake of devastating earthquake in Nepal this April, India pledged a support of $1 billion. New Delhi was the first to rush its relief teams to the crisis-hit country. (AGENCIES)
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