Nepal Reaffirms Claim Over Lipulekh and Kalapani

Nepal has reaffirmed its position on the long-standing border issue involving Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani, stating that the territories remain an inseparable part of the country under the 1816 Sugauli Treaty.

The government also raised diplomatic concerns with both India and China over plans related to the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route through the disputed area.

Alongside the border issue, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed major developments involving the rescue of hundreds of Nepali citizens from online scam centers operating in several Southeast Asian countries.

The ministry also announced new measures aimed at simplifying passport distribution and expanding consular support services for citizens living abroad.

Nepal Repeats Firm Position on Border Territories

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government remains clear and unwavering regarding Nepal’s claim over Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani. According to the ministry, the territories fall within Nepal’s borders based on the Sugauli Treaty signed in 1816, which defines areas east of the Mahakali River as Nepali land.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Paudel Kshetri said Nepal has already communicated its serious concerns to both neighboring countries through diplomatic channels regarding the reported plan to operate the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route via Lipulekh.

The ministry stated that Nepal had earlier requested India not to proceed with road construction activities in the disputed region. It added that Nepal remains committed to resolving the border matter through diplomatic dialogue based on historical agreements, maps and documented evidence.

Hundreds of Nepalis Rescued From Online Scam Centers

The government also disclosed that 616 Nepali citizens trapped in online scam operations across different Southeast Asian countries have been rescued and brought back home.

According to the ministry, the rescue operations were carried out in coordination with Nepali embassies located in Thailand and Myanmar.

• 491 citizens were rescued from Cambodia
• 111 citizens were rescued from Myanmar
• 8 citizens were rescued from Laos
• 6 citizens were rescued from Thailand

Officials said the rescued individuals had become victims of fraudulent online operations running in different countries in the region.

The ministry noted that more than 21,000 Nepalis have traveled to Cambodia over the last three years. Authorities believe a significant number of them may have fallen into scam networks operating there.

Efforts Underway to Free Detained Citizens

The Foreign Ministry said diplomatic efforts are continuing to secure the release of 18 Nepali citizens currently being held in Myanmar.

Spokesperson Kshetri said the government has been working closely with concerned authorities and diplomatic missions to facilitate their return to Nepal.

The ministry also stated that many affected individuals lacked valid passports or travel documents during the rescue process. To address this issue, free travel documents have been issued to support their safe return home.

In another relief measure, the Cambodian government has waived financial penalties imposed on 102 Nepali citizens, according to the ministry.

Government Expands Consular Support Services

The ministry announced plans to launch a separate consular assistance center for Nepalis living abroad starting next week.

The upcoming facility is expected to provide support related to consular consultation, emergency relief and compensation assistance for citizens facing problems overseas.

Officials said preparations for the center have already been completed. The move comes as the government faces increasing pressure to improve support systems for migrant workers and Nepalis living outside the country.

The ministry believes the new assistance center will make it easier for citizens to access help during emergencies and legal or administrative difficulties abroad.

Passport Distribution Process Made Faster

The government also announced changes aimed at making passport services faster and more efficient.

According to the ministry, applicants visiting the Department of Passports at their scheduled time can now complete the enrollment process within 30 minutes. Authorities said passports can be received as early as the next day after application submission.

For urgent cases, same-day passport issuance arrangements have also been introduced.

The ministry added that citizens applying through district administration offices or Nepali diplomatic missions abroad can expect to receive passports within seven to twelve days.

Postal Delivery System Being Prepared

Officials said work is underway to introduce a system that would allow passports to be delivered directly to applicants’ addresses.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it is preparing operational procedures in coordination with the Department of Postal Services to implement the plan.

If introduced successfully, the service is expected to reduce travel difficulties for applicants and improve public access to passport facilities, especially for those living outside major cities.

Government Focuses on Diplomacy and Citizen Protection

The latest announcements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reflect two major priorities for the government — maintaining Nepal’s diplomatic position on sensitive border issues and improving protection for Nepali citizens abroad.

While the border dispute involving Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani continues to remain a sensitive diplomatic issue, the ministry has reiterated its commitment to resolving the matter through peaceful dialogue and historical evidence.

At the same time, the rescue of hundreds of Nepalis from online scam centers and the expansion of passport and consular services indicate growing government efforts to respond to challenges faced by citizens overseas.