Rajnath Singh's Nepal visit: Cross-border crimes topped agenda

Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said he has held extensive discussions with Nepalese officials here to develop a mechanism to control the menace of cross- border crimes, including the smuggling of fake currency notes.

"We have held extensive discussions on matters pertaining to cross border crimes and fake currency among other things during the meeting," Singh told journalists just before leaving for New Delhi. "We have also discussed about developing a mechanism to control these crimes," he said.

Singh was on a three-day visit to Nepal to attend the 6th SAARC Interior/Home Ministers' meeting. The notorious influx of counterfeit currency notes threatens India's economy. India has from time-to-time drawn the attention of Nepal government towards the blooming currency rackets there. On many instances the fake currencynothes have been smuggled into Nepal from Pakistan on their way to India to be used for anti-national activities in the country.

On a question about terrorism, he said: "We will face all kinds of challenges related terrorism with full strength." Home Minister Singh said peace, stability and prosperity in Nepal is crucial for India's interests. "India realises that when there is peace, prosperity and stability in Nepal, only then we can have peace, prosperity and stability in our country," he said.

Singh also assured all kinds of assistance to Nepal for its development. He said talks on the pending extradition treaty will continue with Nepal. "We haven't reached any conclusion yet, but I am confident that it will be fruitful."

"Nepal is a sovereign country and any decision on whether the country should return back to Hinduism will be taken by Nepal's citizens," he said when asked about his government's views on Hinduism in Nepal. Besides attending the SAARC meet, Singh met Nepal's President Ram Baran Yadav, Prime Minister Sushil Koirala and his Nepalese counterpart Bamdev Gautam. He also held consultations with senior political leaders of the ruling and opposition parties.

"I felt after meeting people here that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Nepal has had a very positive impact on common people," he said. Singh lauded signing of a pact between Nepalese government and GMR Energy Group to develop the 900 MW Upper Karnali hydropower project and assured that more investments will pour-in from India after the landmark agreement.