Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah has ignited a political firestorm after suggesting in Parliament that both Nepal and India have encroached upon each other's territory along their shared border. Speaking for the first time in Parliament since taking office, Shah asserted that the border disputes were not one-sided and that Nepal had also occupied Indian land in certain areas.
Opposition Outrage
The remarks drew immediate condemnation from opposition parties, who demanded that Shah either provide concrete evidence or retract his statement. Lawmakers accused the Prime Minister of making unsubstantiated claims that could damage bilateral relations. Opposition leaders insisted that Shah apologise immediately for what they termed an irresponsible comment.
Foreign Ministry Clarification
Amid the uproar, Nepal's Foreign Ministry issued a clarification, stating that the Prime Minister was referring to cross-border occupation and disputes in no-man's-land areas, not formal territorial takeover. The ministry emphasised that joint Nepal-India technical teams are already addressing boundary issues through established mechanisms.
Former diplomats and experts have also disputed Shah's claim, pointing out that there is no official record of Nepal occupying Indian territory. The unresolved border disputes primarily concern the trijunction areas of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani, which have been a source of tension between the two countries.
Political Repercussions
The controversy has put the new government on the defensive, with critics questioning Shah's diplomatic acumen. The incident underscores the sensitivity of border issues in Nepal-India relations, where any perceived deviation from the official stance can trigger political backlash. The opposition has vowed to raise the matter in Parliament until the Prime Minister provides a satisfactory explanation.
