Nepal set to adopt constitutional amendment on June 9 to give legal status to new map

Nepal is all set to adopt a constitutional amendment on June 9 in the House of Representatives. Once passed, and signed by the Nepali president, it will give constitutional backing to the new map that shows Indian territories of as Nepal territories --Lipulekh, Kalapani, Limpiyadhura as its own. 

Nepal Law Minister Shiva Maya Tumbahamphe tabled the new Nepal map constitutional amendment in Nepal's House of Representatives or Lower house of Nepali Parliament on May 31. 

The map row broke after India's defence minister inaugurated a road till Lipulekh which Nepal says is its own territory. It was followed by Nepal FM Pradeep Kumar Gyawali meeting Indian envoy to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra and Nepali Foreign Ministery and ruling party Nepal Communist Party issued a strongly worded release protesting the new road built by India that will reduce the time for Indian pilgrims to go for Mansarovar Yatra in Tibet, China. It was followed by a protest by India who reminded Kathmandu that it is Indian territory. 

What followed was Nepali President addressing the joint session of the Parliament saying the new maps of the country will be published that will show all areas it considers its own irking New Delhi. The MEA reacting to it and said, "This unilateral act is not based on historical facts and evidence" and "Such artificial enlargement of territorial claims will not be accepted by India."

The ongoing dispute is not new and dates back to 1816 when under the Treaty of Sugauli, King of Nepal lost parts of its territory to British including Kalapani and Lipulekh.