Kathmandu, October 7

Youth campaigners today said any foreign interference in the internal matters of Nepal was unacceptable.

Submitting a five-point memorandum to Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, they said Nepal is capable of sorting out internal disputes on its own and that they would not bow to pressure created by imposing blockades at border checkpoints.

Thakur Gaire, former chairperson of All Nepal National Free Students Union, said, “The government has not made public the proposal floated by India. Thus, we want the government to make public the reasons for the blockade imposed by India and the steps taken by the government to address the current crisis.” He said the government should monitor black-marketing and urge the public to use existing resources wisely.

“Nepal being a landlocked country has certain rights. Thus, if India tries to deprive us from our rights, the government should file a case against it in the international court,” he said.

Responding to the campaigners’ concerns, PM Koirala said India’s recent behavior towards Nepal had surprised him. He also lamented Nepal’s heavy reliance on the southern neighbour.

“Instead of easing supply of petroleum products and other essentials, India has been sending rotten bananas and potatoes to Nepal,” he said. He further urged youth and students to play an active role in ending the current crisis.

Student leaders from various student unions, artists, journalists and professionals from various walks of life had visited the prime minister. They later visited Jamie McGoldrick, UN Resident Coordinator for Nepal, to urge him to take initiatives to stop foreign interference in Nepal and help end the current crisis.

The youth campaigners also urged McGoldrick to draw the attention of international community towards the ‘inhumane act’ of India towards Nepal.