Kathmandu, January 4

The Embassy of India in Kathmandu has requested the government to conduct proper investigation on the cases of attacks against Indian entities in the country since last few months and has said such incidents can severely dampen the confidence of the investors.

In a letter addressed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and copies sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Industry (Foreign Investment Division) and Investment Board Nepal, the embassy has requested the government to enhance the security at the GMR office in Surkhet.

There were attempt to vandalise the project office of GMR — developer of 900 megawatt Upper Karnali Hydroelectric Project located at Surkhet — using a petrol bomb on the evening of December 21.

“Officials working in the office narrowly escaped and the incident has created a sense of panic amongst them,” the letter said, adding, “The embassy has also been informed that GMR has been receiving such threats in the past as well. However, no investigations were conducted.”

On September 29, 2015, a group of youths had also tried to vandalise the project office. The embassy further said that

GMR officials, working on the construction of the Upper Karnali project, are scared because similar incidents have occurred time and again.

The embassy has said it expects the government to seriously look into the matter and that the culprits will be brought to books, which in turn will help create a secure business environment and boost the confidence of investors.