Wednesday, December 21 2005 14:08 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: There is some change in India's approach towards Nepal after the end of democracy in the Himalayan Kingdom, Home Minister Shivraj Patil told the Rajya Sabha today (Dec 21.2005).

"After democracy ended in Nepal, there is some change in India's approach," Patil said replying to supplementaries during Question Hour.

Earlier, India had helped Kathmandu with arms, he said.

"Right now, bilateral mechanism existed between the two countries for interaction and exchange of information on security and border management related issues of mutual concern, "Patil said.

On joint measures to quell Maoist and Naxalite threat,he said measures had been taken at various levels, including at the level of Home Secretaries, in this regard.

The Minister said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Nepalese King Gyanendra had also discussed the problem during their meeting.

In reply to a query, Patil said there was no proposal to erect fences along the border to stop movement of Maoists.

The Minister said there was no indication of Maoists and Naxalites from both countries exchanging arms, though they were providing training facilities to each other's cadre.