Modi accused of breaching diplomatic norms in Nepal
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'suggestion' to Nepal's political parties on how to write the new Constitution has been criticised by Nepal's leading newspapers and politicians.
Yesterday, the country's top Nepali dailies said Modi breached diplomatic norms and displayed the “old Indian habit of interfering in Nepal's internal matters”.
During his remarks at the inauguration and handover ceremony of Trauma Centre for Bir Hospital in Kathmandu on Tuesday, Modi, while pointing out the perils of delay in writing the new Constitution, urged political parties to write the statute by consensus.
“Indian PM breached diplomatic Lakshman rekha (norms),” the Kantipur wrote in its editorial. “He also has not taken into account provisions in our Interim Constitution by asking the parties not to decide on the Constitution on the basis of numerical strength.”
Another daily, the Nagarik, also accused Modi of practising “new diplomacy” with his remarks. The newspaper noted that Modi had demonstrated respect and goodwill during his August bilateral visit and desisted from displaying “big brother” attitude.
Both the papers also objected to the Indian PM's warning about the risks of deciding then Constitution through majority. Another national daily, Annapurna Post, noted that the PM should have refrained from appearing to side with one political faction in Nepal.
The deadline for promulgating the new Constitution is January 22. However, the parties here have not been able to settle disputes regarding state restructuring, model of governance, electoral system and judiciary.
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