Menon reiterated India's continued support in Nepal's transition to multiparty democracy and peace process at a press meet before he left for Delhi. He also urged not to believe in media hype on border issues, which he said has been 'blown out of proportion'.

He said there is clear border demarcation and whenever a border dispute arises, it should be dealt with a joint high level mechanism at local level. He said India is ready to set up such mechanism to resolve the border problem.

His visit coincided with the protests against the encroachment of Nepali territory from the Indian side and the delayed cabinet expansion, which he was expected to facilitate. Having failed to convince the Madhesi parties, the UML led coalition has been unable to complete the expansion of the cabinet till date.

During the visit Menon met the president, prime minister and leaders of major political parties. He also met deputy PM, foreign minister, defence minister and secretary. He is said to have discussed the peace process, PLA integration and MJF's role in the nw coalition.

Activists of Revolutionary Left Wing and Unified Nepal National Front, which are little known groups, showed Menon black flags upon his arrival outside the airport on Saturday protesting against the encroachment. But as Menon departed it was the Maoists cadres who brought the capital's trafficl to halt, staging their sit-in demonstrations in front of the government offices. He simply commented everyone in democracy has right to protest.

He brushed off the allegations of the Maoists that the new government a puppet and said Nepal formed its government on its own and it is Nepal's internal affairs. Menon added that his visit was to exchange views with leaders and strengthen ties with Nepal. This is his third visit.

Meanwhile, the Maoists cadres prevented civil servants and service seekers from entering government offices across the country on Sunday by staging sit-in demonstrations in front of the offices as part of their phase wise protest programmes against the President's move.

They obstructed traffic at different choks, staging sit-in from 10AM to 12 noon. People could not get to office and were stuck in traffic jam. Those who got to offices were not able to avail public service from the government offices throughout the country.