January 23, 2022
2 mins read

Protest in Nepal against China’s BRI over land encroachments

The Nepal government had formed a committee to survey the border and it found physical structures and wire-fencing inside the country’s border….report Asian Lite News

People in Nepal are protesting against China for various reasons including Belt Road Initiative (BRI), a project they term as “illegal occupation of Nepalese land by Beijing,” a Canada-based think tank has said.

Citing Nepalese media, the International Forum for Rights and Security (IFFRAS) reported such encroachments in Humla, Gorkha, Darchula, Dolakha and Sindhupalchowk districts.

The Nepal government had formed a committee to survey the border and it found physical structures and wire-fencing inside the country’s border. The encroachment in Humla district was well 1-km inside the border, according to the think tank.

According to IFFRAS, the reports of BRI loan recipient countries falling into debt traps have caused people in Nepal people to be worried about the projects in their country.

And they are not ready to trust even their own political leaders, citing the example of Sri Lanka, Kenya, where lawmakers let Beijing impose unfavourable conditions, risking their sovereignty.

Locals in Jhapa district have opposed China-sponsored Damak Clean Industrial Park, stating that “industrial park falls in former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s constituency” believing that Oli was seen too close to Beijing.

IFFRAS reported that there were over 5,000 protesters including those from indigenous communities, who called for attention to “illegal activities” at the BRI- sponsored industrial park.

However, experts in Nepal claimed that the BRI was leading to unsustainable development that would have a negative bearing on the social and ecological aspects.

There have been fears that China was getting its hands on strategic sectors that are vital to Nepal’s security interests. And the people of Nepal see BRI as a major reason besides land encroachment.

“BRI project has been a ploy to impose a debt burden on poor nations, including Nepal. BRI project should not be allowed to be implemented in Nepal.” IFFRAS quoting Birendra Sah of the Loktantirk Socialist Party reported.

After China-friendly Oli resigned as Prime Minister of Nepal in July 2021, Beijing is finding it difficult in keeping its influence in the Himalayan nation. Amid growing public anger, China has said that it “respects Nepal’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” and denied interference in the country’s internal affairs. “China considers Nepal as an important partner of the Belt and Road Initiative, and does not attach any political conditions to its aid toNepal” said the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, according to the think tank. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Inflation, Covid hit Nepali households

Previous Story

Beijing urges Berlin to refrain from ‘megaphone diplomacy’

Next Story

Captain almost ready with the list

Latest from -Top News

Islamists Rise Under Yunus Rule

After the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, Islamic parties in Bangladesh, crushed for years by the Awami League government, have made inroads into the political arena…writes Baidya

TIES WITH CHINA: Is Bangladesh Going Lanka Way?

Plans for nine Special Economic Zones, including Chinese-developed sites in Chattogram and Chandpur, promise jobs but risk creating enclaves where Beijing’s economic priorities overshadow Bangladesh’s….reports Asian Lite News On a humid March

Khaleda Zia’s Son Return Looms as Yunus Faces Heat

The core question remains whether Rahman can provide leadership in politically turbulent times in Bangladesh….reports Asian Lite News Speculation is mounting in Bangladesh over the possible return of Tarique Rahman, son of

India Eyes Top 5 Spot in Global Entertainment

With focused investments, policy support, and infrastructural upgrades, India is on track to position itself as one of the top five live entertainment destinations globally by 2030…reports Asian Lite News Fueled by
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Taiwan lambasts China, Pakistan over misinterpretation of UN resolution

During Shehbaz Sharif’s June 7 visit to China, the statement

G7 diplomats to grapple with Ukraine, China crises

There’s also considerable doubt that diplomats from mostly Western democracies