Nepal's left warns of Indian interference posing as relief

KATHMANDU: Opposition Left parties in quake-hit Nepal have termed the distribution of relief materials by foreign nations, including India, as a "threat" to its national security and have asked Prime Minister Sushil Koirala to be cautious.

During an all-party meeting called by Koirala, three senior opposition leaders - UCPN-Maoist chief Prachanda, CPN-Maoist chairman Mohan Baidya and Nepal Majdoor Kisan Party chief Narayan Man Bijukchhe - warned that national security could be under threat by "foreign intervention" in the name of rescue and relief operations.

According to national daily Annapura Post, Baidya and Bijukchhe said in the meeting that India's relief distribution activities "are posing a threat to national security and urged the prime minister that activities of the Indian military and rescue teams should be limited."

Prachanda said that India's border force is operating beyond Nepalese control and asked the government to specify priority sectors while distributing relief materials.

Ruling coalition partner CPN-UML chairman K P Sharma Oli said that relief distribution activities should be under the regulation of the government.

Baidya said that Indian "intervention" is increasing in Nepal following the earthquake and "it is only focusing on Tribhuvan International Airport and towards the northern border with China, which may create concern for China."