UML asks govt to probe Indian army team's visit to Sunsari

CPN (UML) has expressed serious concern over the unauthorised entry of a team of the Indian Army "to survey the flood hit areas" in Sunsari district.

Issuing a press statement on Thursday, the UML, an ally in the ruling coalition, asked the government to become sensitive about this incident and immediately launch an inquiry.

According to Indian news agency PTI, a 20-member team of the Indian Army led by Col S.N Dubey had arrived in Sunsari district on Sept 14 "to conduct a study on the Koshi embankment breach". The team is to present the report to the government of India and Indian Army after the study, PTI said.

News reports quoting unnamed Nepali officials said the Indian army team entered Nepal without the Nepal government's authorisation.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal told the press at the Tribhuvan International Airport on his arrival from India that he had telephoned Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Dam Dev Gautam from Delhi, directing him to look into the matter.

"This issue must have been resolved now," the PM said, without further commenting on the controversy. nepalnews.com mk Sept 18 08