New Delhi: India has welcomed the Nepal government's decision towards addressing some of the key concerns raised by agitating Madhesi-based political parties in the Himalayan country.
“External Affairs Minister was informed by Nepal's Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa today that the Nepalese Cabinet has taken some important decisions to address and resolve demands regarding the Constitution raised by agitating Madhes-based parties,” an MEA statement issued today noted.
Nepal has decided to amend its new Constitution to accommodate Madhesi's demands on participation in the state organs on the basis of proportionate inclusiveness and delineation of electoral constituencies on the basis of population.
According to the Nepalese government, the demarcation of provinces is also to be addressed through an appropriate arrangement in the Constitution on the basis of political consensus. Other demands including citizenship are also to be resolved through negotiations and consensus.
“Government of India welcomes these developments as positive steps that help create the basis for a resolution of the current impasse in Nepal,” the MEA statement read.
The adoption of the new Constitution in September this year saw huge protests by the MAdhesi community, leading to a border blockade and severely hampering the supply of essential commodities in the land-locked country.
“As a neighbour and well-wisher, India was deeply concerned at the unrest stemming from internal differences in Nepal on the Constitution. We urge all Nepali political forces to now demonstrate the necessary maturity and flexibility to find a satisfactory solution to the Constitutional issues through constructive dialogue in an agreed timeframe,” the MEA said today, adding that a return to normalcy in Nepal would create a more secure and predictable climate for unimpeded commerce between the two countries.
