Dhangadhi — CPN-UML secretary and Far-Western in-charge Lekhraj Bhatt has denounced the recent India–China understanding on Lipulekh, calling it a direct challenge to Nepal’s sovereignty.
At an interaction program organized by Press Chautari in Dhangadhi on Saturday, the former industry minister said powerful neighbors cannot decide on Nepali territory without Nepal’s consent.
“Lipulekh is Nepal’s land. History and documents clearly prove this. But India and China have gone ahead with an agreement as if Nepal does not exist. That is nothing short of a missile strike against our national dignity,” Bhatt said.
On august 19 in New Delhi, Indian foreign minister S. Jaishankar and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi discussed trade through Lipulekh. The move has provoked anger in Nepal, which regards the area as its own territory.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is set to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in China on august 30 and then travel to India. Bhatt said the prime minister must raise the matter firmly with both governments.
He also recalled that in 2015, during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China, Lipulekh was announced as a trade route. At that time, Bhatt said, he was one of the few who openly protested.
Bhatt argued that Lipulekh carries not only territorial but also emotional significance for people in Sudurpaschim. “For us, Lipulekh is tied to identity and heritage. Any agreement made without Nepal’s involvement is unacceptable. We should all stand together against this interference,” he said.
The program was chaired by Press Chautari Kailali president Janak Bista and attended by UML leaders, local representatives, and members of mass organizations.
