It takes two to tango: Envoy on anti-India feeling in Nepal

They are protesting against a blockade by the Madhesi ethnic minority, who say they are discriminated against in the new constitution.

India denies blockading Nepal, but it has urged the government to hold serious talks with the Madhesi.

“As to why there is an anti India feeling, yes I agree with you that it takes, you know, do hath se talli bajti hai (It takes two hands to clap) and that’s why I’m saying it is something we need to discuss”, Rae said at a press briefing in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu, Nov. 27 (ANI): Expressing concern over growing “anti- India” sentiment in Nepal, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae on Friday said, “We sense that this is being used for certain objective – political or otherwise”.

He said that if Nepal had any problem with the way India behaves or with its “micromanagement” then New Delhi should introspect on the issue. They demand a bigger province than granted in the new constitution and greater representation in the government.

Nepal’s foreign ministry said in a statement Thursday that Indian border guards entered Hairharpur village in southeast Nepal and fired at Nepalese civilians Wednesday morning.

In connection with the above, India reportedly imposed an “unofficial” blockade at the Birgunj trade checkpoint, effectively cutting off vital supplies – including petroleum products – to Nepal.

The fact that the pressure that India probably hoped to level through the blockade has backfired was cemented by Nepal signing an agreement with China on supply of petroleum products to alleviate shortages.

An effective blockade of cargo from India, Nepal’s primary source of imports, began in late September amid violent protests in Nepal’s southern Terai region.