China could set up border outposts in encroached territories of Nepal: Report

Sounding the warning bell, the document said China's boundaries have expanded in the northern territories of Nepal and added that patches of Nepalese territory in several districts have been already encroached by China, stated the HT report.

The loss of Napalese territories with rivers changing their course could run into hundreds of hectare of land, the Nepalese agriculture Department report noted, and warned that in due course of time China may set up border observation posts of armed police in those areas.

The survey department has found that the changing course of 11 rivers at least 36 km or 0.36 km of land across four districts: Humla, Rasuwa, Sindhupalchowk and Sankhuwas.

There were some protests over the issue, but the Oli government played down the concern, and directed public outrage against India over the new maps issued by New Delhi after Jammu and Kashmir was split into two union territories in November last.

The Nepalese government has been criticised by several sections of the country for cozying up with the Chinese Communist Party.

Overlooking the large stretches of land already occupied by China, PM Oli decided to intensify differences with India over Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh spread across 330 sq km in May, said the HT report, adding that the move came after a Chinese intervention helped the Nepalese PM survive a rebellion within his Nepal Communist Party.