KATHMANDU, June 10: Prime Minister K P Oli has said that India has encroached Nepali territory by stationing its army personnel in Kalapani region. 

Responding to the queries of lawmakers, Prime Minister Oli said India had built Kali temple and created an artificial Kali River to prove its claim on Kalapani. He said that the government has given priority to Lipu Lekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura in priority as Nepali territories have not been captured this way in other parts of its international border. 

While reiterating Nepal's position that Kalapani, Lipu Lekh and Limpiyadhura belong to Nepal, Prime Minister Oli further said that India has encroached upon Nepali territory by stationing its army personnel in Kalapani region. "We will seek a solution through diplomatic talks on the basis of historical facts and pieces of evidence. And that means our territory should be returned," he further said.

Prime Minister Oli's remarks came a day after the House of Representatives (HoR) unanimously endorsed a proposal to consider a constitution amendment bill to pave way for putting a new political map that includes Kalapani, Lipu Lekh and Limpiyadhura in Nepal's national emblem. Prime Minister Oli expressed happiness over the unprecedented national unity seen both in parliament and outside parliament on the issue of nationality. 

Prime Minister Oli also said that it was a common effort of all to ensure territorial integrity and the rights of Nepal over its territory. "Our ancestors founded and saved this country through their struggles. We will be able to establish our territorial integrity if we remain firm," he said. "The whole country has stood firm on it. The parliament has expressed out the people's general will." 

While stating that the credit for safeguarding Nepal's territorial integrity will go to all parties and people, the Prime Minister asked not to worry about who receives credit for doing this. "Who takes the credit for this? Who is to be glorified is not an issue. This is the expression of the common feeling of entire Nepalis. We have been raising this issue since long ago," he said. 

"The issue has been raised at the level of people. Some people have voluntarily conducted research on the issue. They have established facts. There is no need to worry if someone will get credit for this or others miss out on getting that credit."

Prime Minister Oli said that all will get equal credit since this is going to be a consensus decision. "This will be a consensus decision of our parliament. Once endorsed in a consensus manner, this makes clear that votes of all and feelings of all are put together in one place," he further said.

 
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