Several groups staged protests in Nepal against India’s inauguration of a new road via Kalapani Lipulek area, which Nepal claims as its territory. The new link road connects Mansarovar of Tibet, China with India, and was built by India unilaterally without Nepal’s knowledge – and, at a time when Nepal had been pushing for dialogues to resolve the dispute with India.
Police and security personnel were also quick to dispel protests, especially near the Maitighar Mandala area. Nepal, which is under a nationwide lockdown over fears of coronavirus spread bars gatherings of any sort.
Among today’s arrestees were Ranju Darshana, a youth activist and KMC mayor candidate for Bibeksheel Nepali in the 2017 elections, Gyanendra Shahi, an anti-corruption campaigner, amongst others.
Meanwhile, PM K P Sharma Oli has assured Nepali citizens proper diplomatic channels to resolve the issue would be pursued, and has requested citizens to abide by the national lockdown. PM Oli has also advised other ministers to refrain themselves from making comments on the subject.
