Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, July 16:

Indian leaders voiced “unanimous” concern over the political situation of Nepal during their meeting with acting president of the Nepali Congress (Democratic) Gopal Man Shrestha in New Delhi. Shrestha, who returned today after a two-week New Delhi visit, said, “India wants to see the democratic system restored in Nepal.” “All leaders (ruling establishment and the opposition) had only one thing to say: ‘Democracy should be restored in Nepal,’” Shrestha said, adding, “They (Indian leaders) are extremely worried about the situation here.” He quoted Indian leaders as saying that peace cannot be established without democracy. “They also said both sides should stop thinking that arms can solve the crisis,” he said, adding the Indian leaders emphasised on a political solution to the Maoist problem through dialogue.

“I also told them about the seven-party alliance and its road map,” Shrestha said. “I assured them that the alliance would not break till total democracy is restored.” Shrestha met Foreign Minister K Natwar Singh, Home Minister SR Patil, leader of the opposition LK Advani, former Indian PM IK Gujral, former defence minister George Fernandes, and Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran.