FREE IGNOU BPSE 144 Solved Assignment 2023-24
Answer the following questions in about 250 words each.
1. What is the issue of Lipulekh? Elaborate. 10
2. Explain the armed conflicts in Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. 10
3. Critically examine the role of Pakistan in South Asian security
Answer –
1. The Issue of Lipulekh:
The Lipulekh issue is a territorial dispute between India, Nepal, and China concerning a tri-junction point in the Himalayas. It revolves around the Lipulekh Pass, which is located in the northwestern region of Nepal, near the borders of India’s Uttarakhand state and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The primary points of contention are as follows:
- Historical Disputes: Nepal claims that the Lipulekh area, including the Lipulekh Pass, historically belongs to its territory based on maps and treaties dating back to the 19th century.
- Indian Position: India, on the other hand, asserts that the Lipulekh Pass has been an integral part of its territory and that it is a key route for pilgrims traveling to Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet. India’s control over this area is supported by the 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship.
- China’s Involvement: The dispute escalated when India inaugurated a new road in the region in 2020, connecting the Lipulekh Pass to the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Nepal raised objections, arguing that the road traversed its territory.
- Trilateral Dispute: While the primary dispute is between India and Nepal, China is indirectly involved because the Lipulekh Pass is situated near the China-India-Nepal tri-junction. China has its own interests in the region, and its influence could impact the resolution of the issue.
Efforts to resolve the Lipulekh dispute have included diplomatic negotiations and discussions, but a lasting solution remains elusive. The issue underscores the complexity of border disputes in the Himalayan region and the need for careful diplomacy and dialogue to address such territorial conflicts.
