Constitution promulgation not directed against any country, says Nepal PM Oli

Kathmandu: On a day of heightened tensions at the Indo-Nepal border, Nepalese Prime Minister KP Oli on Monday said the Constitution promulgation is not directed against any neighbouring country but warned that his government will not tolerate activities against national interest.

Oli, who made the remarks at a public function here, however, did not make a direct reference to "foreign interference" as cited by some media reports. "The Constitution promulgation by Nepal is not directed against any neighbouring country," Oli said. He said his government will not tolerate activities directed against national interest.

"Now after the promulgation of the new Constitution, the challenge is to implement it," the Prime Minister said addressing the programme. "Government is flexible to accommodate genuine demands of the disgruntled groups," he added. However, Oli did not speak about "foreign interference" as mentioned by some media reports, according to the Premier's press adviser.

An Indian youth was killed on Monday when Nepalese police opened fire on protesters near the Indo-Nepal border, prompting a "concerned" India to ask its transporters to exercise caution and not endanger their lives, in an advisory which may deepen the supply crisis in Nepal. 19-year-old, Ashish Ram of Raxaul in Bihar was killed after he received a bullet shot in his head when police opened fire on protesters at Shankaracharya Gate near Birgunj Customs.

Clashes erupted in different parts of Birgunj today after Nepal police baton-charged Indian-origin Madhesi protesters in a pre-dawn swoop, burned down their tents and evicted them from the key Miteri bridge at the Indo-Nepal border, opening the main Birgunj-Raxaul border trading point for the first time in 40 days.

Madhesis, who claim to represent the interests of the Indian-origin inhabitants of Nepal's Terai region (plains, have been protesting against the Constitution close to the main trading point near Raxaul. Their agitation has led to a halt in supply of essential goods, causing acute shortage of fuel in Nepal.