Former Prime Minister of Nepal Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that Nepal will not allow its land to be used by Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) for terrorist activities against India. He said this while addressing the media along with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna in Dehradun on Wednesday.
Deuba expressed gratitude to Uttarakhand for taking special care of Nepalis in the State. Referring to the announcement made by Bahuguna about the construction of a suspension bridge linking Purnagiri in Uttarakhand to Parashuram Tapasthali in Nepal, the former Nepal PM said that this will prove beneficial for the people who will be able to travel conveniently.
Deuba said that recently he had met the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and demanded the construction of a large bridge near the Sharda barrage on the Kali river. "The construction of a large bridge in this area will not only strengthen the relations between Uttarakhand and Nepal, but will also benefit both the nations," he said.
He also sought the hand pump technology used for supplying potable water in Uttarakhand for Nepal, adding that the ropeways being constructed in Uttarakhand are also needed in the neighbouring mountain nation. Deuba also termed the Sharda barrage a lifeline for the area. Stating that Nepal has deep relations with India and Uttarakhand, Deuba invited the CM to visit Nepal.
Earlier, Bahuguna announced that a bridge would be constructed to link Purnagiri in Uttarakhand with Parashuram Tapasthali in Nepal adding that this would promote religious tourism.
Stating that both Uttarakhand and Nepal are situated in the lap of Himalayas and shared many cultural and religious aspects, Bahuguna stressed on joint efforts to increase tourism. The CM said, "Direct flights from Dehradun to Kathmandu will greatly help in boosting tourism. Uttarakhand has very old relations with Nepal. Nepalis staying in Uttarakhand have been provided various facilities and our relations will also help in boosting religious tourism," he said, while adding, "Our borders are important nationally and internationally".
Speaking about Uttarakhand, the CM said that the literacy rate in Uttarakhand is good and special focus is being laid on the education of girls. The State is laying stress on the construction of roads and bridges, he added.
Nepal's Ambassador to India Jayant Prasad, Joint Secretary of External Affairs Ministry Akhilesh Mishra, Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar, DGP Satyavrat, Nepal Congress' central working committee member Vimalendra Nidhi and wife of the former PM Arzoo Deuba were also among those present on the occasion.