Saturday, April 26, 2008, Rabi-ul-Sani 19, 1429    

Maoists plan to scrap Indo-Nepal peace treaty

New Delhi—The Maoists who poised to head a new government in the Himalyan country plan to scrap the 58-year-old Indo-Nepal Peace and Friendship Treaty and have a fresh pact reflecting new realties.

Maoist chairman Prachanda said in Kathmandu on Thursday that they also want to review all other treaties signed between the two neighboring countries.

During the poll campaign, the Maoists headed by the 54-year-old former school teacher, Prachanda, had said the treaty was “unequal” which needed to be abrogated, a demand which was also made in the Himalayan nation eight years back.

Under the treaty, people living in both countries could freely travel across the border for employment and reside in either place. There is a termination clause in the treaty and Nepal can do away with the pact, which is basically meant to address India’s security needs, if it is uncomfortable.—APP