India asks Nepal to resolve differences via peaceful dialogue

New Delhi: Expressing concern over the violent situation in several parts of Nepal along the Indian border, India on Sunday asked the country to resolve differences through dialogue free from violence which would enable broad-based ownership and acceptance.

Noting the promulgation of the new Constitution in Nepal, the External Affairs Ministry said India extends best wishes to the people of the country.

"Throughout the process of Constitution-making in Nepal, India has supported a federal, democratic, republican and inclusive Constitution. We note the promulgation in Nepal today of a Constitution.

"We are concerned that the situation in several parts of the country bordering India continues to be violent. Our Ambassador in Kathmandu has spoken to the Prime Minister of Nepal in this regard," the ministry said.

It urged that issues on which there are differences should be resolved through dialogue in an atmosphere free from violence and intimidation, and institutionalised in a manner that would enable broad-based ownership and acceptance.

"This would lay the foundation of harmony, progress and development in Nepal. We extend our best wishes to the people of Nepal," the statement added.

Concerned over the violence, India had sent Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar to Nepal on Friday for consultations with the country's top leadership ahead of promulgation of the new Constitution.

Jaishankar said promulgation of the new Constitution should be an occasion of joy and not violence.

"India has always been strongly supporting constitution- making process in Nepal and we would like its completion to be an occasion of joy and satisfaction, not agitation and violence," he said yesterday wrapping up his two-day visit to the country.

During his visit, he called on Nepal President Ram Baran Yadav and Prime Minister Sushil Koirala. He also met CPN-UML chairman KP Sharma Oli and UCPN-Maoist chief Prachanda.

Jaishankar also met a number of agitating leaders of Terai including Mahantha Thakur, chairman of Terai Madhes Democratic Party, Upendra Yadav, chairman of Federal Socialist Party Nepal, and Bijaya Gachhadar, chairman of Madhesi Peoples Rights Forum Democratic.