Indian envoy concerned over Tarai violence, urges maximum flexibility

KATHMANDU, Sept 16: Indian ambassador to Nepal, Ranjit Rae, has expressed his concerns over the ongoing violence in the Tarai. He has urged all stakeholders in the constitution-making process to exercise maximum possible flexibility so as to avoid future instability in the country.

Rae's concerns come at a time when the Constituent Assembly passed a motion to promulgate the new constitution on September 20. He said India still wants to see all political parties be part of the new constitution for its effective implementation.Rae reaffirmed India's continuous support in Nepal's social and political developments, and asked the parties to continue dialogue to resolve outstanding issues. He also lauded the progress made so far, but urged major political parties to stick to their previous commitments to take everyone into confidence while promulgating the new constitution.

"We believe Nepal will find ways to end violence in the Tarai," Rae told a group of editors in Kathmandu on Wednesday. He also said that Nepali media did not correctly interpret the statement issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs on Monday night on the ongoing political developments in Nepal.

The statement welcomed the progress made in bringing out new constitution, but also asked major political forces to seriously discuss ways to address the concerns of disgruntled groups.

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