“It will adversely affect our relations with India. I also request you not to engage in any activities that will deteriorate our ties with the southern neighbour”.

This is how Nepal’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Bam Dev Gautam responded when approached by members of Civil Society demanding response from government on the freshly signed deal between India and China to use Lipulekh Pass to enhance their border trade.

India has been illegally occupying Nepali territory in Lipulekh Pass in the Kalapani area of Darchula district after its humiliating defeat with China in 1962.

“I can do nothing,” replied unashamed Bam Dev and added, “You want us to deploy our security forces but I can do nothing.”

“If we deploy forces in Lipulekh there will be serious confrontation between the two sides,” he said and added, “You can go wherever you want but, I will not do anything that will affect our relationship with India.”

When asked if territory between Limpuyadhura to Lipulekh belongs to Nepal or not Bam Dev said, “I suggest you not to engage in any activities that affects our relations with India.”

The Point No. 28 in the 41-point joint statement of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese Premier Li Kegiang issued during Indian Prime Minister Modi's visit to China under the subtitle “New Avenues for Cooperation” mentions:

“The two sides agreed to hold negotiation on augmenting the list of trade commodities, and expand border trade at Nathu La, Qiangla/Lipu-Lekh Pass and Shipki La."

In the meeting, a delegation headed by Phanindra Nepal, coordinator of Unified Nepal National Front had submitted a three point memorandum to the Home Minister.

Bam Dev however informed that the government through the ministry of foreign affairs has already sought response from both the countries.

None of the three major political parties, Nepali Congress, United Marxist Leninist and Unified Maoists have uttered a single word on incident so far.

@telegraph