Kathmandu: Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today criticised India and said that the blockade of key border points with India is 'more inhuman than a war' as he criticised New Delhi for raking up alleged rights abuse in Nepal at the UNHRC.
"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," Oli told a delegation of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ).
India, for the first time, raised the issue of war crimes committed during the decade-long conflict in any international forum and urged Nepal to carry out the transitional justice mechanisms in an effective way.
He said the current problem of blockade is the result of an "imported agenda carried by certain elements. Nepal is currently at the receiving end of unofficial blockade. But this is the time for us to find alternative," he was quoted as saying by local media.
He said India had not made its position public earlier on Nepal's transitional justice mechanisms or their efficacy but raised the issue at an international body.
"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 added.
Oli went on to say that the blockade and subsequent violence has revived nationalism among the Nepalese people. He said that the government will resolve the problems by holding talks with the agitating groups in Terai. "I am personally very sad and sensitive for the public bearing the brunt of crisis," Oli said.
The Indian representative said in Geneva that Nepal should "ensure the effective functioning of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and full implementation of its recommendations, including prosecution of those responsible for violent insurgency".
This has been widely interpreted in Kathmandu as another example of India's harsh stand vis-a-vis Nepal.
Without taking any name, Mr Oli said: "Some days back, one of the leaders from our neighbourhood publicly warned that India will show its mettle against Nepal.
"Now, they are digging out a decade-old-issue," he added.
The prime minister said Nepal had formed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and another commission to probe the disappeared people to address war crime issues such as killings, torture and rape.
"We faced war in the past. Then we realized it was not possible to have war all the time. So we initiated the peace process," said Mr Oli, adding Kathmandu also invited the UN to resolve the armed conflict.
"The conflicting parties in the past are together today and carrying out democratic and peaceful reforms, whether they are in the government or not," he said.
The development came amid a political crisis over the new Constitution opposed by Indian-origin Madhesis who have led an agitation and blockaded key border trade points of Nepal with India, bringing supplies of essential goods including fuel and
cooking gas for over a month.
Reeling under the pressure, Nepal has warmed up to China to open border trade points for the much-needed supplies ahead of the festive season.
(With inputs from agencies)
