Online Khabar caught up with veteran diplomat and foreign affairs expert Bhesh Bahadur Thapa for a brief conversation. Excerpts:

On the blockade

This blockade has violated a landlocked country’s rights. The blockade is against international conventions. This is not the only time India has imposed a blockade against Nepal. This is third such blockade against Nepal. This blockade has given rise to a humanitarian crisis. Why is India doing this? This blockade is pushing Nepal away from India.

 Through the blockade, India seems to be wanting to dominate Nepali politics. Nepal and India should sort out issues and normalise ties through talks. I hope the bilateral ties are reparable.

Impact on Nepal-India ties

This blockade has caused a huge impact to Nepal. Three months of blockade has also affected people-to-people relations also. They have brought certain coldness to these ties. I do not think Nepalis will forget this blockade that easily. Let’s hope both the countries manage to normalise bilateral relations. At the same time, it is time for us to move towards self-reliance.

On the protest against the constitution

This constitution is the result of seven years of effort. It is not appropriate to stage protests against the constitution even when ink spilled in it has not dried. It’s like putting the cart before the horse. Let’s start the implementation of the constitution. Let’s build on current achievements and move ahead. We can make timely changes as we move on.