After having just come through a long internal conflict and while still recovering from a devastating earthquake, Nepal has been pushed back by its close and unique friend, and finds itself compelled to review its strategy for progress and prosperity, PM Oli told a delegation of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) on Friday.
"Foodstuff and protection come under humanitarian priority even during war but we are facing added troubles from the blocking of the border checkpoints, creating direct effect on people's daily life," he said. The blockade was unreasonable, unfortunate and objectionable, he stressed.
PM Oli also expressed dissatisfaction over the UN Human Rights Council for targeting Nepal, raising issues of impunity and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and this at a time when a neighbor is bulling this country.
Why cannot our nearest neighbor better appreciate Nepal's peace process with the close participation of the United Nations, he asked.
"We resolved a long running conflict in our own way and the actors of that conflict are now peacefully involved in a democratic process," Oli said.
Despite living under hardship, national feeling among the Nepali people has revived along with the continued Indian blockade.
Perishables like tomatoes, brinjal and fish have been allowed through by the Indian side but the supply of essentials such as fuel, cooking gas, edible oil and medicines have been hindered for over a month.
"If we don't draw a lesson from this, we can never make progress. These times must be an eye opener for all Nepalis," he said. The government under his leadership would make maximum efforts to bail the country out of the existing crisis, maximize independence, and strengthen national integrity and dignity.
The modality for demarcation of provinces and the number of provinces are Nepal's concern and demarcation that hampers development and hinders social harmony and integrity is not acceptable to any Nepali citizen, he said.
Oli repeatedly stressed dialogue with the disgruntled parties in Madhes and sough solutions via talks with no further delay. The reason behind the backwardness of Madhes was the feudal system there and the new constitution had included several provisions for eradicating that system and empowering people deprived of their rights.
Oli asked the media to be more responsible in this time of crisis. "Media undermining geographical integrity, dignity and sovereignty shall not be acceptable," he said.
"Our great friendship has 'rewarded' us with the loss of 5 trillions in a short time but my government will come up with alternatives," he said and suggested that people change their lifestyles. He also gave assurances of developing solar power as an alternative to fossil fuels, speeding up the ongoing hydropower projects, resuming the operation of the trolley bus and promoting electric vehicles, among other things.
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