Nepal Parliament Unanimously Passes Bill To Redraw Political Map Including Disputed Indian Territory

Parliament of Nepal began earlier in the day to discuss a key Constitution amendment bill tabled by the government to revise the country's political map

Special session of Parliament of Nepal began earlier in the day. (File Photo/ Getty)

Kathmandu: Nepal’s Parliament on Saturday passed the amendment to include the new map which includes disputed areas in India -- Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura -- in the Constitution of Nepal. As per reports, the bill was supported by all the 258 lawmakers present and voting. ALSO READ | Army Chief Naravane Assures Border Situation With China Under Control, Hopeful Of Resolving The Differences The special session of Parliament of Nepal began earlier in the day to discuss a key Constitution amendment bill tabled by the government to revise the country's political map, laying claim over the strategically key areas. Major Opposition parties including Nepali Congress (NC), Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal (RJP-N) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) voted in favour of the government bill to amend Schedule 3 of the Constitution to update the national emblem by incorporating the new controversial map. A two-thirds majority was required in the 275-member House of Representatives or the lower house to pass the bill. Earlier on June 9, Nepal Parliament unanimously endorsed a proposal to consider the Constitution amendment bill to pave way for endorsing the new political map amid the border row with India. Now, the bill will be sent to the National Assembly where it will undergo a similar process. The ruling Nepal Communist Party commands two-thirds majority in the National Assembly. The National Assembly will have to give lawmakers 72 hours to move amendments against the bill's provisions, if any. Post this, National Assembly passes the bill, it will be submitted to the President for authentication, after which the bill will be incorporated in the Constitution. Diplomats and experts, however, questioned the government's move, asking why the task force was formed when the map has already been released and approved by the Cabinet. Bilateral ties between India and Nepal came under strain after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a 80-km-long strategically crucial road connecting the Lipulekh pass with Dharchula in Uttarakhand on May 8. Nepal reacted sharply to the inauguration of the road claiming that it passed through Nepalese territory. India rejected the claim asserting that the road lies completely within its territory.