Kathmandu – The Nepal government on Tuesday clarified Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s remarks on the Nepal-India border issue as opposition parties continued protests inside and outside parliament demanding an explanation over what they described as statements that hurt national sentiment.
Government Spokesperson and Minister for Education Sasmit Pokharel defended the Prime Minister’s statement saying it was made in the context of ongoing diplomatic exchanges and parliamentary accountability.
“India has sent a note regarding the border dispute and Nepal has done the same. What the Prime Minister said in parliament was simply that concerns have also been raised from the other side regarding certain areas.
He was referring to that context and expressing his own surprise at the situation. The foreign ministry has already issued a clarification on the matter,” Pokharel said.
Referring to the border mechanisms, he said there are existing committees to settle land and border disputes. Pokharel reiterated the Foreign Ministry’s statement saying that due to cross-border occupation, “some areas currently being used by India could fall within Nepal’s territory while areas being used by Nepal could fall within India’s territory”.
On opposition demanding PM Shah’s clarification in parliament, he said, “The Prime Minister is accountable to parliament and must speak in the House when necessary.
There is no doubt that border disputes should be resolved through dialogue and negotiations.”
Despite the government’s defence, opposition lawmakers continued to disrupt parliament demanding a clearer and more detailed explanation of the Prime Minister’s position on the sensitive issue.
The protests have repeatedly stalled parliamentary business over the past few days.
Opposition parties have argued that statements relating to territorial disputes carry diplomatic weight and require precise articulation from the head of government particularly at a time when Nepal-India relations are under renewed public and political scrutiny.
Government officials maintain that Nepal’s position on the border issue remains unchanged and that existing bilateral mechanisms between Kathmandu and New Delhi remain the appropriate channel for resolution through dialogue and negotiation.
With parliament still under pressure and no sign of immediate resolution, the controversy has become a central political flashpoint reflecting the sensitivity of border-related discourse in Nepal’s domestic politics.
