KATHMANDU, July 24: The Centre for Social Innovation and Foreign Policy (CESIF) held a seminar titled “Mainstreaming Borderland Voices in Nepal’s Foreign Policy Discourse” on Tuesday. The event aimed to present findings from CESIF’s Borderland Fellowship program and discuss the evolving dynamics of borderland issues to better inform policymakers and practitioners.

CESIF’s Research Director Ajay Bhadra Khanal opened the seminar with a welcome address, emphasizing the importance of addressing borderland concerns. “While border issues with India and China frequently make national news, the perspectives of borderland communities are often overlooked,” he remarked. He noted that the fellows’ reports covered critical topics such as the shifting status of borders, cross-border relations, trade, connectivity, and geopolitics. Khanal stressed that integrating these issues into the country’s foreign policy is essential for addressing the needs of borderland communities.

The seminar featured presentations from six Borderland fellows. Anish Tiwari from Sindhupalchowk discussed the “Changing Dynamics of the Nepal-China Tatopani Border,” highlighting the disparity in activity levels between the bustling Chinese side and the quieter Nepali side. Tiwari noted that China has restricted border crossings for Nepali goods and people while primarily exporting Chinese products to Nepal. He suggested that local frustrations might stem from perceptions of China's non-cooperation linked to geopolitical sensitivities.

Ananda Gautam’s presentation, “Changing Cross-border Ties Among Borderland Residents at Olangchung Gola, Taplejung,” addressed the decline in cross-border marriages due to irregular borders, inadequate basic services, and challenges in obtaining Nepali citizenship.

The seminar's second session included two panel discussions. The first, “Borderlands in Nepal’s Policy Discourse,” featured Raj Kishor Yadav, chairman of the House of Representatives International Relations and Tourism Committee; Liladevi Boikhim Limbu; and Chanda Chaudhary, members of the House of Representatives. The discussion, moderated by former ambassador Vijaya Kant Karna, highlighted that borderland issues are insufficiently addressed in parliament due to a “fear psychosis” among Nepali representatives who are wary of being labeled anti-national or pro-India when raising genuine concerns.

The second panel, “Evolving Dynamics of Nepal’s Borderlands,” included Chandra Kishor Jha, senior journalist and analyst; Umesh Chauhan, editor of Kantipur Daily; Amish Mulmi, author; and Chheten Lama Sherpa. The discussion was moderated by Ajay Bhadra Khanal.

 
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