Guwahati (Assam) [India], November 28 (ANI): Congress leader Pawan Khera on Friday said that the Centre must act tough against the move made by Nepal over issuing a new banknote for the NPR 100, featuring an updated map that includes the disputed territories of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani.

Speaking to ANI, Pawan Khera said, 'This is absolutely shocking. The government of India needs to act smart and tough. Where is the response from the government of India?' Nepal on Thursday issued its new banknote for the NPR 100, featuring an updated map that includes Indian territories of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani.

The bank note came into circulation today. In a public notice, Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), the central bank of the Himalayan nation, stated that the newly introduced NPR 100 note was designed to include 'refined security and identification elements to enhance authenticity and usability'.

In October last year, the NRB entrusted a Chinese company with printing the new banknotes. The Nepalese Cabinet approved the design of the NPR 100 denomination during a meeting led by the former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in May 2024.

The printing contract was awarded to China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation. On May 20, 2020, Nepal issued a new map incorporating Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani through a constitutional amendment.

Former Diplomat KP Fabian called for Nepal to diplomatically engage with India on the issue of territories of Lipulekh, Limiyadhura and Kalapani, which have now been represented on the newly minted currency of the country.

Speaking to ANI after the release of the new NPR 100 banknote, Fabian said, 'This is most unfortunate, and more importantly, unnecessary. If Nepal had the conviction that a part of what is Indian territory is part of Nepalese territory, then Nepal should engage with India diplomatically, not just put an updated map on its currency.'

India had in August this year also rejected Nepal's objection to the resumption of India-China border trade through the Lipulekh Pass.'Our position in this regard has been consistent and clear. Border trade between India and China through Lipulekh Pass commenced in 1954 and has been going on for decades.

Under the Nepal Rastra Bank Act, the NRB is responsible for designing the notes, though any changes to the design or size of the notes require government approval. (ANI)