Kathmandu, September 29

Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae today said that India would welcome a constitution that ensures peace and stability in Nepal.

Speaking at a function organised by the Nepal-India Friendship Society in the capital, ambassador Rae reiterated New Delhi’s main concern was only peace and stability in Nepal. He further said India has no objection to Nepal’s democratically adopted constitution, but said the document should ensure peace and stability and not provoke tensions.

Speaking at the programme, Rae also welcomed the formation of a talks-team by three major parties to hold dialogue with the Madhesi forces in order to resolve the ongoing crisis. He also reiterated New Delhi’s position that the current delay in cargo clearance through border checkpoints was not because of India but due to security fears as a result of ongoing protests in Tarai districts bordering India.

Meanwhile, Ambassador of Nepal to India Deep Kumar Upadhayay, who had shared the dais with his Indian counterpart, expressed hope the disruptions in cargo clearance from the Indian side would be removed soon.

Separately, speaking at the Reporters Club, Upadhayay said disruptions on the Nepal-India border should be stopped immediately and stranded cargoes of essential supplies should be allowed to enter Nepali territory without delay.

Upadhayay is in Kathmandu for consultations after thousands of Nepali trucks carrying essential supplies were barred from entering Nepali territory citing security threat on the Nepali side. He said delay in cargo clearance from the Indian side was “sudden” and “unexpected” but refrained from terming it as a blockade on Nepal.

“As the Indian side has told me, we have not taken it as an intentional move,” said Upadhayay. He, however, cautioned that things would complicate if the situation persists. He also reiterated that Nepal’s internal matters should be resolved internally. Upadhayay also appealed to the people not to incite negativity against any country.