Nepal PM apprises Modi of political developments

Nepalese Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli on Thursday telephoned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and apprised him of the political developments in the Himalayan nation.

"Prime Minister (Modi) emphasised the importance of finding a durable solution to the political problems facing Nepal based on consensus or 'sahmati'," an external affairs ministry statement said.

"Modi extended his good wishes to the friendly people of Nepal for the New Year 2016," it added.

Over 50 people have lost their lives in four months of violent protests after the adoption of a new constitution by the Himalayan republic with agitating Madhesi political parties and ethnic groups of the Nepal Terai demanding amendments in the statute that they deem discriminatory and ignoring their rights.

A new bill introduced in the Nepalese parliament on December 15, that aims to amend the constitution, ensures constitutional guarantee of inclusive proportional representation of various ethnic minorities in various state entities apart from the Nepal Army and redrawing the electoral constituencies based on population.

The southern plains comprise of over 50 percent of the population of Nepal and if this bill is passed, the plains will have majority representation in parliament after the next general elections.

Due to the ongoing agitation, thousands of Nepal-bound cargo vehicles have not been able to enter the country from India since the last four months.

As a result, Nepal is facing serious shortage of essential supplies like food, medicines, fuel and other items.