In a move that has sparked controversy and heightened tensions between Nepal and India, Nepal has announced the printing of a new ₹100 currency note that includes disputed territories, specifically Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani. These areas were formally incorporated into Nepal’s political map on June 18, 2020, following a constitutional amendment process.
The decision to feature these contentious territories on the currency note was made during a meeting of Nepal’s council of ministers chaired by Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’. Government spokesperson Rekha Sharma confirmed this development, stating that the decision was made to print the new map on the ₹100 banknotes, replacing the previous design that did not include these territories.
This move comes in the wake of heightened tensions between Nepal and India over territorial claims. India has vehemently opposed Nepal’s incorporation of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani into its map, labeling it as “artificial enlargement” and “untenable”. India maintains that these territories belong to it and has expressed strong objections to Nepal’s unilateral actions in amending its political map.
The border dispute between Nepal and India is complex, given their shared border of over 1,850 km across five Indian states – Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The inclusion of these disputed territories on Nepal’s currency note is likely to further strain diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Both Nepal and India have historical ties and share cultural, economic, and political connections. However, territorial disputes such as these have periodically strained their relationship, leading to diplomatic tensions and debates on sovereignty and borders.
Sources By Agencies
