Prime Minister Balen clarifies remarks on border dispute

Chitwan, June 22

Prime Minister Balen Shah has clarified the controversial remarks he made in the House of Representatives on May 31 regarding Nepal’s border dispute with India.

The statement had sparked widespread debate among nationalist groups and opposition parties. Addressing the first General Convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Chitwan on Sunday, Shah explained the intent behind his earlier comments.

What did Balen say on May 31?

While responding to lawmakers in Parliament, Prime Minister Shah had stated that Nepal and India were working to resolve border disputes through diplomatic dialogue. During his remarks, he said, “After becoming Prime Minister, I learned that not only India but Nepal too has encroached on Indian land. This issue should be examined by both sides together.”

He also said, “There have been discussions about holding table talks on land-related issues. We have also spoken with the British government about this matter. It should be discussed through dialogue.”

Both statements drew criticism from opposition parties, which demanded that the remarks be removed from the parliamentary record. On the same day, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a clarification, stating that the Prime Minister’s comments referred to cross-border occupation issues.

However, opposition parties remained dissatisfied. Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal later clarified during a visit to India that Nepal was not seeking British mediation. India also stated that no third-party involvement was necessary in matters between the two neighbouring countries.

As parliamentary obstruction continued, Foreign Minister Khanal eventually addressed the House on behalf of the Prime Minister, helping to end the deadlock. Nevertheless, public and political criticism of the Prime Minister’s remarks persisted.

What did he say in Chitwan?

In Chitwan, Prime Minister Shah clarified that his reference to Britain was related to historical evidence concerning the Kalapani and Lipulekh border disputes.

“When we spoke about the border issue, objections were raised. I was surprised. If you have evidence, bring it forward; we also have evidence. We have evidence regarding Kalapani and Lipulekh. We said we would bring records from the period when the British ruled. We were not trying to make Britain a mediator. We will resolve the matter ourselves through dialogue with our neighbour,” he said.

The Prime Minister emphasised that Nepal does not want any third party to act as a mediator in border issues.

Regarding his earlier statement that Nepal had also encroached on Indian territory, Shah said he had asked Indian authorities to provide evidence supporting such claims. He noted that some critics had questioned his commitment to nationalism because of the remark.

“No one should have any doubt about my patriotism,” Shah said.