The Nepal government has warned protesters not to burn the effigy of the prime minister of the neighboring friendly country--without mentioning India and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi-- as people burned the effigy of Modi days after a government panel indicated the role of Indian border forces in the incident of a missing--later found dead-- Nepali person. 

Nepal’s Home Ministry wrote to the Foreign Ministry for taking up the incident of the death of a 33-year-old man from Darchula district of western Nepal-- who fell into the Mahakali river on 30 July while crossing the river using an improvised cable crossing--with India. 

A report prepared by the Home Ministry said, "It appears that the incident happened in the presence of Indian Sashastra Seema Bal."It also recommended that the government take diplomatic initiatives to bring the perpetrators to book. The student wing of the CPN-UML, an opposition party headed by former prime minister KP Sharma Oli, took to the street in Kathmandu protesting against the incident. 

Another issue with the potential to create a fresh diplomatic row between the two countries is the alleged intrusion by an Indian helicopter in Nepali airspace. The helicopter, reports claim, made several rounds in western Nepal last week.

After recent protests last week, the home ministry said that the Nepal government wanted to maintain good relations with all its neighbors and is committed not to allow any activities against its neighbors.

"We urged all not to indulge in any activity that will hamper the dignity and prestige of the neighboring countries," the ministry said in a statement. 

The statement further added that the government has been talking with the neighboring countries to resolve these disputes through diplomatic means, the statement reads further, any dispute, discord, or disagreement with neighboring countries will be resolved through the talks in the future.

The government also warned people that Action would be taken against those who will take the law into their hands and target the neighboring countries.

(SAM)