Protests in Nepal Protests in Nepal

Protests broke out in Janakpur and other places in Nepal on Sunday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi cancelled his scheduled visit to these towns and decided to restrict his tour only to the SAARC summit to be held in Kathmandu from November 26-27.The Indian external affairs ministry said that this was decided due to Modi's "unavoidable domestic commitments and pre-scheduled travels within" India.

"During his last visit to Kathmandu, Prime Minister Modi had expressed a desire to visit other places in Nepal, including Janakpur, Lumbini and Muktinath, to highlight, in particular, the strong civilisational links and unparalleled people-to-people contacts between our two countries. There has been widespread interest in Prime Minister's schedule in the upcoming visit to Nepal for the SAARC summit.

"Due to Prime Minister's unavoidable domestic commitments and pre-scheduled travels within the country, he will travel only to Kathmandu to attend the SAARC summit," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said.

The three places he had specifically desired to go were Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, as well as Janakpur and Muktinath, which both Hindus and Buddhists hold as sacred.

He also said the Prime Minister deeply values the special relationship between India and Nepal and will always welcome every occasion to visit Nepal and interact with the leadership and the people of Nepal.

"He looks forward to an early opportunity to visit Janakpur, Lumbini, Muktinath and other places in Nepal," he further added.

Modi will be leaving India on November 25 to attend the 18th SAARC summit in Kathmandu on November 26-27.