Nepal skipper held in World Cup fixing probe

Announcing Thapa’s visit, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Vikas Swarup on Thursday stated, “Kamal Thapa, deputy prime minister and overseas minister of Nepal, will visit India from October 17 to 19, which shall be his first visit overseas because the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister inside every week of assuming workplace”.

He said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will receive him and Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar is to call on him.

Last year, a few officials from ANFA had asked the football governing body namely FIFA to start investigation against Nepal’s governing body following financial irregularities during the tenure of President Ganesh Thapa. Sources said they are hopeful things will be only get better between the two countries after Thapa’s visit. “The visit will provide us an opportunity to discuss all issues of mutual concern as well as to review and further strengthen the India-Nepal relations”, Swarup added. If the blockade from that side is removed and if the protesters end their demonstrations, our truckers are waiting to go inside and deliver the supply that Nepal needs.

Of the nine crossing points that are capable of crossing commercial cargo, five-six have been in constantly in use throughout, which dispels any kind of theory that there was blockade, he said.

India sees no merit in Nepal’s complaints that it was being “choked” and deprived of essential supplies by it. Out of these 1,500-2,000 are at Raxaul and 750 at Sanauli points.

“Today is the 21st day of border obstructions, and the 62nd day of unrest (in Nepal)”, the ministry spokesman said, referring to the protest by people of Madhes region (plains in southern Nepal bordering India) against the new constitution, which they say does not give them adequate representation.