Nepalese PM cancels New York visit amid anti-Constitution protests

It is important to note that the envisaged federalisation process – dividing the country into seven provinces – has sparked much anger, especially in the southern plains (Madhesh-Terai) and the Midwest, the epicentres of bloody protests.

The adoption of a federal, democratic and secular Constitution in Nepal is a historic occasion. The man became the first Indian head of government to visit Nepal, on a bilateral tour in 17 years. Several minority groups instead demand the introduction of ethnicity-based federalism.

But India can not – if the Terai continues to burn, India will receive an increasing flow of people from Nepal, and an unrestricted border will exacerbate our security concerns. Nepal has been trying to successfully write and implement a constitution since the fall of the monarchy in 2008, but had failed to do so until now, having missed multiple deadlines. This is where the danger of confrontation lies between two nuclear countries India and China.

“But no country should try to make Nepal its puppet in return for its support and cooperation”, he said.

Even the staunchest proponents of anti-India sentiment among Nepal’s political elite were softened. They do have reason to feel that their concerns have not been met. Firstly, in Article 63(3) of the Interim Constitution, there was proportionate representation which was omitted in Article 84 of the new Constitution. The remaining 507 members voted in favour of the Big 3 draft, and the Constitution was adopted.

The foreign secretary reportedly said that a constitution that doesn’t take everyone on board will not be acceptable to India. Jaishankar said promulgation of the new Constitution should be an occasion of joy and not violence. The foreign ministry said in a statement that the issues facing Nepal were political in nature.

BBC Nepali reporters in Kathmandu say long queues are forming at petrol stations as residents stockpile fuel in anticipation of shortages.

Rae stated that the problems were not created due to India. Kathmandu is now seeking answer to this question from New Delhi. Adhikari discussed the situation at border checkpoints between the two nations and sought India’s cooperation in ensuring uninterrupted movement of vehicles carrying essential commodities to Nepal, the statement said. The charter would bar them from seeking higher office.

Ranjit Rae, Indian Ambassador to Nepal today held separate gatherings with Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, senior leader Madhav Kumar, and CPN-UML Chairman KP Oli Nepal.