KATHMANDU, June 4: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that he is encouraged by the statement of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the border dispute that exists between the two countries. 

Addressing a press conference at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu upon his arrival after a four-day official visit to India on Saturday, Prime Minister Dahal said that he seriously raised the issue of border disputes with his Indian counterpart. He said that he requested the Indian side to activate the diplomatic mechanism to resolve the border disputes. 

"The Indian prime minister has clearly expressed his feeling that all pending issues including border disputes will be resolved. We are encouraged by the positive remarks coming from the Indian prime minister after a long time," he said. 

The remarks of Prime Minister Dahal comes at a time when the main opposition party, CPN-UML, strongly reacted to  his suggestion that the territory of Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura could be swapped with other territories in the way India and Bangladesh had resolved their long-standing border disputes.  

Talking to media persons in India, Prime Minister Dahal had argued that Nepal could give up its claim over Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura if India agreed to provide Nepal a route to reach Phulbari port via Jhapa district of Nepal. His remarks have courted criticisms from various quarters including from the main opposition party, CPN-UML. 

UML Chief Whip Padam Giri said his party will seek explanation of the statements that came from the prime minister on the issue of border disputes in the parliament. He also alleged that Prime Minister Dahal had failed to raise any issues of Nepal's national interest. 

Prime Minister Dahal left for India on May 31 at the invitation of Indian counterpart Modi. He held meetings with Indian President Draupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Modi and other dignitaries. He also visited Indore city of Madhya Pradesh during his visit. 

A total of seven agreements were signed between Nepal and India during the visit of Prime Minister Dahal. 

Addressing the press conference organized at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) upon his arrival, Prime Minister Dahal said his visit to India was fruitful and meaningful. Arguing that his visit was different from all other visits made by Nepali prime ministers in the past, Prime Minister Dahal said that the agreements and understanding reached with India will pave the way for a better future for Nepal. 

Prime Minister Dahal also informed that he had extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Modi to visit Nepal at his convenience. He expressed confidence that Prime Minister Modi will visit Nepal anytime soon. 

Prime Minister Dahal said that he held discussions with his Indian counterpart on a number of issues including border disputes, flood and inundation in Terai districts, energy cooperation and various other issues of bilateral relations. On the occasion, Prime Minister Dahal also complained that his visit to the temple was sensationalized and misinterpreted by a section of the media. He also said that he is not against any religion and holds a secular belief regarding religion. 

During his visit to India, Prime Minister Dahal had held one and one meeting with Prime Minister Modi and delegation level talks between Nepal and India. During his stay in Indore, Prime Minister Dahal had inspected the waste management system. 

 
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