The Unified CPN (Maoist) some four days back threatened the Consortium, which is currently carrying out a Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Upper Karnali, to stop work immediately. Organizing a press conference in Surkhet on Sunday, Maoist politburo member Khadka Bahadur Bishwakarma said that his party will not let the Upper Karnali work continue at any cost and gave a January 30 deadline for halting all project-related work. The Maoists are opposing the project as part of their phase four protests, in support of ´national independence´. [break]
The Indian ambassador to Nepal, Rakesh Sood, told myrepublica.com Friday that the Indian embassy has taken up the matter with top Maoist leaders. "The Maoist leaders have said that the trouble was created at the local initiative and the party would take a decision in this matter in the ongoing Standing Committee meeting."
Biswhwakarma had, however, clarified Sunday that the move was undertaken as per party policy.
Envoy Sood also said, "GMR took up the matter with the Government of Nepal and the Indian embassy as well."
The Indian side is hoping that the ongoing meeting of top Maoist leaders would come up with a positive decision to let GMR continue the work.
As per the terms of the agreement, agreed by the then coalition government that included the Maoists, the GMR consortium will provide 12 percent free power to the government of Nepal and 27 percent free equity to Nepal.
During the visit here of Indian Minister for External Affairs SM Krishna recently, he pointed to concerns about the business environment in Nepal affecting Indian investment and joint ventures. A joint statement issued on the occasion said, "He (Krishna) requested that these issued be addressed urgently and effectively." The statement also reiterated the Nepal side´s commitment "to take necessary measures for the promotion of an investor-friendly business environment to encourage Indian public and private sector investments in Nepal."
India working to deliver MRPs by April deadline
The Indian government is working to supply four million Machine Readable Passports (MRPs) to Nepal within the April 1 deadline set by ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization).
Asked to comment, envoy Sood said, "After the cancellation of the MRP bidding process, the government of Nepal approached us during the visit of the External Affairs Minister to Kathmandu for assistance in addressing the requirement of MRPs for Nepal," adding, "The Minister assured that in keeping with our close ties we would extend all possible assistance in this regard."
According to sources, the cost price of MRPs manufactured by Indian Security Printers, which is under the Indian Ministry of Finance and Revenue, is Indian rupees 200 per booklet. The Indian side has offered to supply the booklets at US $ 4 per piece.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs sources have, however, said the proposal from the Indian side has been on the table for the last 10 months.
akanshya@myrepublica.com
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