Modi for early, acceptable statute: Dahal

KATHMANDU, July 20

Unified CPN-Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Sunday said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was for an early constitution in Nepal that had the support of all the parties.

“Indian PM Modiji wants early constitution acceptable for all the parties,” Dahal told reporters at Tribhuvan International Airport on Sunday upon his  arrival after a week-long visit to India.

Modi said there should not be anything that could pose threat to stability in the future, Dahal said claiming that his visit was successful in strengthening ties between the two countries.

Former PM Dahal said he had expected Indian support to conclude the peace process and the constitution of Nepal during his meeting with the high-level leadership of India including the president and prime minister. “They all have promised necessary support as everybody’s focus was on drafting the new constitution,” he said. He further said the Indian leadership congratulated Nepali leaders for sending the draft constitution to the public for their feedback and they have suggested that we garner support of all the people of the country.

“I have presented all the issues to the Indian leadership including Kalapani and Lipulekh and they have said the issues would be resolved through mutual understanding and dialogue,” he added.

Dahal further said he also raised the issue of balancing the trade deficit with India and had positive discussion with Indian leaders about easing the process of opening bank account for Nepalis in India and making telephone contact between the two countries more accessible and lifting the ban on Nepal related organisations in India.