The Lipulekh Pass, also known as Kalapani, is a Himalayan pass located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, India. It connects the Kumaon region of India to Tibet and is a popular route for trekkers and adventurers. The border dispute between India and Nepal over the Lipulekh Pass and Kalapani area has been a longstanding issue, with both countries claiming the area as their own.The Lipulekh Pass and Kalapani area has been a source of tension between India and Nepal for several decades. The border dispute centers around the location of the western boundary of Nepal, with India claiming that the boundary lies along the Kali River, while Nepal argues that it lies along the Lipulekh Pass and Kalapani area. India maintains that the Lipulekh Pass and Kalapani area have been under its control since the 1816 treaty between the British East India Company and the Nepalese government. Nepal, however, argues that the treaty is invalid and that the Lipulekh Pass and Kalapani area have been part of Nepal's territory for centuries. The issue has been a point of diplomatic discussion between the two countries but no significant progress has been made in resolving the dispute.
Recently India has changed its map which includes Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura in its territory which led to further tension between Nepal and India. Nepal government rejected the new map and raised the issue in United Nations and other international forums. Nepal has also summoned Indian ambassador and lodged diplomatic protest. Both countries have deployed military personnel in the border areas. The border dispute has also led to widespread protests in Nepal and has become a major political issue. India and Nepal have held several rounds of talks in an effort to resolve the issue, but a final solution has not been reached yet. The dispute has also caused strain in the relations between the two countries and has led to a deterioration in trade and economic ties.
The Lipulekh Pass and Kalapani area have significant strategic importance for both India and Nepal. The pass provides access to the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage route, which is considered sacred by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. It also provides a potential trade route between India and Tibet, which could potentially be developed for economic benefit. India has been developing infrastructure in the area, including building a road connecting the Lipulekh Pass to the Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand. Nepal, on the other hand, has been concerned that any Indian infrastructure development in the area will be seen as a de facto annexation of its territory.
The dispute over Lipulekh Pass and Kalapani area is a complex issue with historical, territorial, strategic and cultural dimensions. Both India and Nepal have taken a firm stance on their respective claims, and it remains to be seen how the situation will develop in the future. It is important for both countries to engage in diplomatic dialogue and find a peaceful solution to the dispute, in the interest of preserving good relations between the two countries and the well-being of the people living in the area.
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