Coronavirus : Nepal PM KP Oli Alleges That ‘Indian’ Virus Is ‘More Lethal’ Than ‘Chinese’ And ‘Italian’

Ratcheting up his hostile rhetoric amid the border dispute with India, Nepal Prime Minister KP Oli said that the virus from India “looks more lethal” than Chinese and Italian, accusing India for the spread of coronavirus cases in the country.

Oli has alleged that Indians carrying the virus are entering the Himalayan state through illegal channels and spreading the virus in the country.

"Those who are coming from India through illegal channels are spreading the virus in the country and some local representatives and party leaders are responsible for bringing in people from India without proper testing," Oli said during a Parliament speech he delivered on Tuesday (May 19).

It has become very difficult to contain COVID-19 due to the flow of people from outside. Indian virus looks more lethal than Chinese and Italian now. More are getting infected," added the Nepal PM.

Oli was also quoted as alleging that individuals illegally coming into Nepal from India were spreading the virus and blamed local leaders for smuggling them into the country.

Indian Army Chief General M M Naravane had earlier hinted that Nepal was probably acting on China’s behest in this matter.