Madhesi issue will be sorted soon, assures Nepal PM Dahal

Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that he cannot yet give a timeline over solving the issue of Constitution amendment as per the Madhesi demands, but has assured that the problem will be sorted soon.

"After the formation of the new government, we have started conversations with madhesi morcha, janjanati leaders and others in a very cordial and positive environment to bring consent among the parties. I think within some time the problem will be solved," Dhal told an interactive session on the third day of his three-day visit to New Delhi.

When asked that the Madhesi leaders have said otherwise, he asserted that before coming to India, a formal meeting was held for discussions on the same.

He said, "I cannot give you a time line yet, but it will be soon surely and after that, it will become a historical Constitution' for Nepal.

While talking about India's security concerns with Nepal, Dahal said that he had a very fruitful meeting with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to address the security concerns and t they have decided to move forward collectively.

On being asked about how he plans to maintain a balanced relationship with both India and China, Dahal said that he has already taken the initiative for the same by sending his special envoys to the two countries.

"I have already taken initiatives for a balanced relationship by sending special envoy to India and China," he said.

He had earlier sent his Deputy Prime Ministers Bimalendra Nidhi and Krishna Bahadur Mahara as special envoys to India and China to maintain cordial relations with the neighbours.

On being asked about disputes with China and reports of Chinese leaders not visiting Nepal, Dahal said, "We don't have any dispute with China. Talks for high level visits with China are still ongoing and we hope a decision will be made soon."

Dahal, who today completed the final leg of his three day visit to India met with many Indian leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Pranab Mukherjee, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and many others.

In these meetings, he expressed willingness to explore newer areas of mutual cooperation and partnerships between both nations, while adding that his visit to India demonstrates the importance that the government of Nepal attaches to its relations with New Delhi.