Kalapani facts for kids

Kalapani is a small area of land located high in the Himalayas. It's a special place because both India and Nepal believe it belongs to them. This means it's a "disputed territory." The area is important because of its location and history, and both countries want to find a peaceful solution to this long-standing disagreement.

Understanding the Kalapani Dispute

The Kalapani region is a piece of land that has been a point of disagreement between India and Nepal for many years. Both countries have historical maps and documents that they believe show the area belongs to them. This dispute is mainly about where the border between the two countries should be drawn in this specific mountainous region.

Where is Kalapani?

Kalapani is located in the Himalayas, a very high mountain range. It's in the far western part of Nepal, and it borders the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The area is also very close to the border with China. Because it's in the mountains, the land is rugged and difficult to access. It's known for its beautiful, but challenging, geography.

Why is Kalapani Disputed?

The main reason for the dispute goes back to old treaties and maps from the 19th century. After a war between Nepal and the British East India Company, a treaty called the Treaty of Sugauli was signed in 1816. This treaty defined many parts of the border between Nepal and British India.

The treaty stated that the Kali River would be the western border of Nepal. However, there are different ideas about where the Kali River actually starts.

• India says the river starts at a place called Kalapani, and that the land to the east of this point belongs to Nepal.
• Nepal says the river starts further west, at a place called Limpiyadhura, and that the land between Limpiyadhura and Kalapani is also part of Nepal.

These different interpretations of the river's source are the core of the disagreement.

What India Claims

India believes that the Kali River originates at the Kalapani springs. Based on this, India considers the land to the east of these springs, including the Lipulekh Pass, as part of its territory. India has maintained administrative control over the Kalapani area for a long time, especially since the 1962 war with China, due to its strategic importance for defense. India uses old maps and historical practices to support its claim.

What Nepal Claims

Nepal argues that the true source of the Kali River is further west, at Limpiyadhura. According to Nepal's interpretation of the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli, all the land east of the river, starting from Limpiyadhura, belongs to Nepal. This means Nepal claims the areas of Limpiyadhura, Kalapani, and Lipulekh. Nepal also uses historical maps and records, some dating back to the 1800s, to support its claim that these areas were historically part of its territory.

Efforts to Resolve the Dispute

Both India and Nepal are friendly neighbors, and they have been talking about this border issue for many years. Leaders and officials from both countries have met multiple times to discuss the Kalapani dispute and other border areas. They have set up joint committees to study historical documents and maps to find a solution. The goal is to resolve the disagreement peacefully through discussions and negotiations, respecting each other's claims and working towards a mutually acceptable agreement.