New Nepal Constitution should address concerns of all: S Jaishankar

During his meeting with President Ram Baran Yadav at the Rastrapati Bhawan, Jaishankar, who is here as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special envoy, underlined the need to address the concerns of all sides while promulgating the new statute, President’s press advisor Rajendra Dahal said.

Jaishankar, who arrived here today on a two-day visit, pointed out that this would help protect the achievements of sustainable peace and development. A wide range of issues relating to Nepal-India relations were covered during the discussion, Dahal said.

The Foreign Secretary expressed India’s concern regarding <g data-gr-id="21">ongoing</g> political crisis in Nepal and also extended goodwill for promulgating the constitution, he added.

Jaishankar also paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sushil Koirala at his official residence at Baluwatar.

He held a separate meeting with UCP-Maoist chairman Prachanda and discussed the country’s latest political situation amid protests by Madhesi groups over the issue of federating the country in the new Constitution to be unveiled on Sunday. Violence surrounding the federal structure that will divide the country into seven provinces has triggered violence in the Himalayan nation, claiming at least 40 lives.

The Foreign Secretary’s visit to Nepal at a time when preparations to promulgate the new constitution has reached its final <g data-gr-id="28">stage,</g> is regarded here as “significant”. Jaishankar also met prominent Madhesi leaders including <g data-gr-id="22">Bijay</g> Gachhadar, Mahantha Thakur and Upendra Yadav, according to party sources. The Madhes-based political parties have launched <g data-gr-id="27">agitation</g> over the issue of adopting a federal model in the new constitution.