India calls registering amendment bill vital step

Kathmandu, December 4

Indian Ministry of External Affairs has said that registration of the constitution amendment bill in the Parliament is an important step.

MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that in response to a question on Nepal’s constitution amendment bill, according to a press release issued by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu.

The MEA spokesperson added, “Our consistent position has been that peace, stability and progress of Nepal is in the interest of both India and Nepal. We have therefore been supportive of initiatives of the Government of Nepal to meet the aspirations of all sections of its society through dialogue and constitutional processes.”

“We hope that all sides will remain closely engaged and the ongoing efforts will conclude successfully,” the MEA spokesperson said.

“As a close and friendly neighbour of Nepal, India will continue to extend all support for Nepal’s peace, stability and accelerated economic development in accordance with the priorities of the people and government of Nepal,” the release quoted Swarup as saying.

The government had registered the constitution amendment bill in the Parliament last week. The CPN-UML and three fringe communist parties have been stalling parliamentary proceedings in protest since then.

The Federal Alliance and the UDMF that are agitating against the constitution say they can accept the bill only after the government revises it.