Nepal Maoists stage protest outside Indian Embassy in Kathmandu

KATHMANDU - Unified CPN (Maoist) activists staged a protest in front of the Indian Embassy at Lainchour in Kathmandu against New Delhi’s alleged interference in Nepal’s internal affairs.

Hundreds of Maoist cadres marched from Bhadrakali to Lainchour to participate in the protest, which formed part of the fourth phase of agitation launched by the party to restore civilian supremacy.

Addressing the gathering, Maoist Vice Chairman Narayan Kaji Shrestha accused India of interfering in Nepal’s internal matters and encroaching on Nepali land.

“India should stop interfering in the internal affairs of Nepal. The conspiracy against new constitution makers and peace process should also cease. To protest against this, we Maoists have launched the movement,” he added.

He said the party had to spearhead the protest movement as civilian supremacy had been trampled and national independence was at stake.

The Maoists also staged similar protest in front of Singha Durbar.

Maoist chairman Prachanda in his recent meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S.M Krishna in Kathmandu reportedly raised the border issue and attempts [by India] to sideline Maoists.

In response, Krishna said New Delhi was ready to settle all the problems through dialogue and called for necessary preparations from Nepali side for formal dialogue.

Prior to his visit, Maoists had torched copies of ‘unequal’ treaties including the Sugauli Treaty, the 1950 Treaty of Friendship and the Mahakali treaty.

India and Nepal share a 1400 kilometres long open border, which has very few checkpoints.

The porous border between India and Nepal has become a source of worry to the authorities, with smugglers and criminals taking advantage of the difficult terrain. (ANI)