Nepal Parliament's lower house unanimously passes bill to redraw political map
Kathmandu: Nepal's Parliament on Saturday unanimously voted to amend the Constitution to update the country's new political map, laying claim over the strategically key areas of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura along the border with India.
Major Opposition parties including Nepali Congress (NC), Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal (RJP-N) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) voted in favour of the government bill to amend Schedule 3 of the Constitution to update the national emblem by incorporating the new controversial map.
A two-thirds majority was required in the 275-member House of Representatives or the lower house to pass the bill.
On June 9, the Parliament unanimously endorsed a proposal to consider the Constitution amendment bill to pave way for endorsing the new political map amid the border row with India.
Now, the bill will be sent to the National Assembly where it will undergo a similar process. The ruling Nepal Communist Party commands two-thirds majority in the National Assembly.
The NA will have to give lawmakers 72 hours to move amendments against the bill's provisions, if any.
After the National Assembly passes the bill, it will be submitted to the President for authentication, after which the bill will be incorporated in the Constitution.
The government on Wednesday formed a nine-member team of experts to collect historical facts and evidence related to the area.
Diplomats and experts, however, questioned the government's move, asking why the task force was formed when the map has already been released and approved by the Cabinet.
The ties between India and Nepal came under strain after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a 80-km-long strategically crucial road connecting the Lipulekh pass with Dharchula in Uttarakhand on May 8.
Nepal reacted sharply to the inauguration of the road claiming that it passed through Nepalese territory. India rejected the claim asserting that the road lies completely within its territory.
Nepal last month released the revised political and administrative map of the country laying claim over the strategically key areas. India has been maintaining that these three areas belonged to it.
India sternly asked Nepal not to resort to any "artificial enlargement" of territorial claims after Kathmandu released the new map.
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Restrictions imposed in Kashmir after protests over killing of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei
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Srinagar(PTI): Authorities on Monday imposed several restrictions in parts of Kashmir where massive street protests were witnessed over the killing of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint strike by the US and Israel.
The iconic Ghanta Ghar at Lal Chowk has been sealed with barricades erected all around it, officials said.
They said a large number of police and paramilitary CRPF personnel have been deployed across the city to prevent gatherings of protestors.
Khamenei was killed in an airstrike in Tehran on Saturday during a joint Israel-US attack on Iran. Iranian state media confirmed the same on Sunday, triggering a wave of protests and mourning across the world, including India.
Kashmir — which has about 15 lakh Shias — witnessed major protests at Lal Chowk, Saida Kadal, Budgam, Bandipora, Anantnag and Pulwama, an official said.
The protesters were seen beating their chests as they shouted anti-US and anti-Israel slogans.
The officials said the restrictions were imposed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.
Concentrated wires and barricades have been placed at important intersections leading into the city, they said.
Similar curbs have been imposed in Shia-dominated areas in other districts of the valley.
The restrictions come in the backdrop of a one-day strike call given by Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.
"We urge the people to observe it with unity, dignity, and complete peacefulness," the Mirwaiz said.
The MMU strike call was supported by several political parties, including opposition PDP president Mehbooba Mufti.
"Extending our full support and solidarity with the shutdown call of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on the martyrdom of Iran's Supreme Leader. This is a day of mourning to remind the world that injustice anywhere wounds the entire Muslim Ummah and all who stand for truth," Mufti said.
The authorities have also closed all educational institutions, including private schools, for two days, as a precautionary measure for the safety of students and to maintain law and order.
