Nepal asks India to ease supplies, calls protesters for talks

Kathmandu: Nepal's Cabinet on Monday passed a special resolution asking India to open the border entry points to ease supplies of essential goods like medicines, gas and petroleum to the landlocked country, reeling under acute shortage due to blockade of key trade points.

The Cabinet meeting headed by Prime Minister KP Oli passed the special resolution asking India to open the border entry points and ease supply of essentials including petrol and LPG, according to cabinet sources. The Cabinet called on the Indian government to further improve the bilateral relations and make the bond of friendship strong by easing the supplies.

The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) also asked the agitating Madhes-based parties to seek solutions to their demands through dialogue. Stating that the government has already initiated process for treatment to the injured agitators, withdrawal of fake charges lodged against the detained protesters, and implementation of decision to compensate bereaved family members with Rs 1 million, the OPMCM urged the protesters to end blockade at border points at the time when festivals like Chhath and Lhosar are just around the corner.

The government has said it is serious about fulfilling other remaining demands through dialogue. "The government is saddened by the inconvenience caused to Nepali people at Terai and all across the country at this moment. "We express gratitude to the general public for their patience and harmony during this critical times," it said. The special resolution came as talks between the government representatives and the Madhesi parties scheduled for today were postponed.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa, who heads the government talks team, told media that the meeting was postponed due to lack of proper home works. The development came amid a political crisis over the new Constitution opposed by Indian-origin Madhesis who have led an agitation and blockaded key border trade points of Nepal with India, bringing supplies of essential goods including fuel and cooking gas for over a month.