Janakpurdham, December 12

Visiting Indian leader Yogi Adityanath has described the open border between Nepal and India as the base of the strong relationship between the two countries.

Addressing a Swayambar ceremony organised at Bahrabigha of Janakpur to observe the symbolic marriage rituals between Ram and Sita today, the visiting Uttar Pradesh chief minister, who came here to participate in the event, underscored the need of connectivity between Nepal and India.

“Besides facilitating cross-border movement of people, such connectivity will help in the economic and social development of Nepal,” he said.

Further, saying there is much to do to put Janakpurdham in the world map, Adityanath spoke of the huge prospects of tourism the place offers and said, “As Mithila and Awadh are two ancient cities with their glorious history, they carry huge prospects of cultural tourism that will benefit the entire country.”

The visiting guest also conveyed his commitment to work in cooperation with the Government of Nepal and the provincial government of Province 2. “As Nepal has entered a new phase of good governance and inclusive development, there are so many ways we could help,” he said, observing that Nepal and India are linked by common fate.

Province 2 Chief Minister Rambabu Raut  welcomed Adityanath at Janakpur Airport.

Keeping in view the security of the visiting leader, who is known as a hardcore Hindu leader, security had been beefed up in Janakpur. There was heavy presence of police on both sides of the way from the airport to Janaki temple. Commoners were prevented from entering the temple for five hours or so to make way for the guest to offer puja.

Adityanath was welcomed at the temple by Mahantha Ramtapeshwor Das and his heir Mahantha Ram Roshan Das Baishnav. Nepali Congress Vice-president Bimalendra Nidhi and three other central members also welcomed him at the temple.

Upon exiting the temple after 15-mutures or so of puja, Adityanath said he was proud to have come to Janakpurdham on the occasion of Vivaha Panchami.

“The life of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita is the mainstay of the religion, culture and civilisation of both of our countries,” he said.

The visiting Indian chief minister also participated in a reception organised by the provincial government in the Madhes building today. During the reception, Province Chief Ratneshworlal Kayastha and the visiting guest talked about relations between the two countries.

After that, he met Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal presidium Coordinator Rajendra Mahato and members Mahantha Thakur, Anil Jha and others in Chief Minister Raut’s residence. Indian envoy to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri and CM Raut were also present during talks with RJP-N leaders.