India supports Nepal Constitution amendment process

Welcoming the move to amend the Constitution by the Nepal government, India on Sunday expressed support for ongoing efforts to meet the aspirations of all sections of the Nepalese people.

"Peace, progress, and stability of Nepal is in interest of both India and Nepal. We have been supportive of the initiative of the Nepal government to meet the aspiration of all sectors of society through dialogue and constitutional process," the Indian Embassy said in a statement.

"India will continue to support Nepal's peace, stability, and accelerated economic development as per the priorities of the people and government of Nepal," it said.

The Constitution promulgated last year could not be implemented due to the agitation by the Madhesis, mostly Indian-origin. Amendment of the Constitution to redraw the provincial boundary of the country is the key demand of the Madhesi parties. The Madhesi Front last week refused to back the Constitution amendment bill, saying it was not acceptable in its current discriminatory form.

The United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) and the Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal (FSF-N) stated that they cannot accept the Constitution amendment bill which has been registered in Parliament by Nepal's government despite opposition from CPN-UML.