Demand Mounts to Scrap Chinese BRI Deal in Nepal

In a recent interactive program organized by Sunsari’s Inaruwa campaign, the Rashtriya Ekta Abhiyan has fervently called for the annulment of Nepal’s agreement for the implementation of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project. The program, titled ‘National Independence, BRI Loan Trap, and Pokhara International Airport,’ brought together key figures, activists, and experts to discuss the potential impacts of the BRI on Nepal’s national interests and sovereignty.

The demand for the cancellation of the BRI agreement was a focal point of the discussions, with speakers at the event expressing concerns about the adverse situations faced by other countries that have already implemented the ambitious Chinese project. Despite the agreement having been in place for several years, the BRI project has yet to be implemented in Nepal, prompting the Rashtriya Ekta Abhiyan to advocate for its annulment.

Prominent figures present at the program included social worker Lakshmi Sah of Inaruwa, Vinay Yadav, President of Rashtriya Ekta Abhiyan, senior leader and campaign member BP Yadav, campaign spokesperson Jeevan Sah, member Lalita Sah, singer Jyotan Mehta, and professor Kunjyalal Yadav. These individuals brought their diverse perspectives to the table, contributing to a comprehensive analysis of the issues at hand.

The program delved into discussions on the significance of national independence, emphasizing the potential far-reaching impacts of what is commonly referred to as the ‘debt trap’ that countries may face following the implementation of the BRI. Additionally, the financial ramifications of the Chinese-funded Pokhara International Airport construction were thoroughly examined during the event.

Vinay Yadav, the President of Rashtriya Ekta Abhiyan, underscored the necessity of safeguarding Nepal’s independence from China. He brought attention to the potential threat to Nepal’s sovereignty in the future due to the loans obtained from China for the Pokhara International Airport. Yadav urged for a reconsideration of the country’s engagement with China, especially in projects that could compromise its autonomy.

Other speakers at the event echoed these sentiments, advocating for Nepal to cancel the BRI agreement with China. They emphasized the importance of prioritizing national unity, development, and prosperity over potentially risky projects that could lead to long-term economic and political consequences.