Former PM Khanal Slams Government Over Tibetan Spiritual Leader's Visit, Citing Damage to Nepal-China Ties

Kathmandu. Former Prime Minister and senior leader of the CPN, Jhalanath Khanal, has raised serious questions against the government regarding the arrival of Tibetan-origin Buddhist spiritual leader Jhonang Gyaltsab Rinpoche and the sermons being delivered in Boudha, Kathmandu.

Speaking at the inauguration program of the election mobilization committee contact office of the Nepali Communist Party, Kathmandu Constituency No. 8, Ward No. 15, on Tuesday, Khanal stated that the Rinpoche's arrival in Nepal is not merely a normal religious activity but a diplomatically sensitive issue.

He commented that such activities taking place under the protection of the government itself is a direct assault on Nepal's established One China Policy, alleging that this has pushed Nepal-China relations to their weakest state in history.

Tibetan-origin Buddhist spiritual leader Jhonang Gyaltsab Rinpoche is currently participating in a 10-day Buddhist sermon in Kathmandu. Former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal's strong reaction came amid discussions that neighboring friendly nation China has expressed diplomatic dissatisfaction over this very issue.

'Such irresponsible behavior has pushed Nepal-China relations to the lowest level in history,' Khanal said, 'The impact of this will not be limited only to diplomatic relations but also carries the danger of inviting further political crisis in the country.'

Khanal warned that any activity disregarding Nepal's geopolitical sensitivity and balanced relations with neighboring countries would be against national interest.

He urged the government to show a clear, firm, and practical commitment to the One China Policy.