Stop bullying Nepal: CPI(M) to NDA govt

CPI(M) today accused the NDA government of adopting "bullying policy" towards Nepal and demanded the Centre to take "immediate" steps to clear obstructions at border crossings between the two countries in consultation with Kathmandu.
In the editorial of forthcoming issue of party mouthpiece 'People's Democracy', fromer CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat reiterated the Left outfit's stand that the Centre's alleged bullying tactics stem out of its projection of New Delhi as a big power in the region and set to strain ties with Nepal.
"The Modi government should stop this bullying policy. It should immediately take steps to clear the obstructions in the border crossings in consultation with the Nepali government," Karat insisted.

He accused Prime minister Narendra Modi and the BJP of willing to harm relations with Nepal for the sake of winning support of the Madhesis.
They have a substantial transborder presence in the neighbouring areas of Bihar and were opposed to promulgation of Constitution in September this year, keeping in mind the Assembly elections in the northern state.
Internationally, the communist leader observed that NDA Government's allegedly being shaped by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, towards Nepal has resulted in the Himalayan country approaching international forums seeking protection from Indian "depredations".
"This policy has already resulted in worsening relations with Pakistan and now Nepal, which is the closest to India in terms of cultural and civilisational ties, has been forced to go to international forums to demand protection and justice from Indian depredations. The damage done to India's image is substantial," he claimed.

The problems of Madhesis and janjatis should be amicably resolved by political process within Nepal and Centre must exercise its influence with Madhesi groups to see that the negotiations are resumed for this purpose, he said.