Nepal party slams PM's remarks on Indian territory as 'anti-national'

The Nepali Communist Party (NCP) has strongly condemned Prime Minister Balendra Shah's recent parliamentary remarks suggesting Nepal had also encroached upon Indian territory. The party labeled the statement "irresponsible" and a distortion of historical facts concerning Nepal's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a statement, NCP spokesperson Prakash Jwala asserted that Shah's claim misrepresents the long-standing border dispute over areas like Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura. The NCP views this as a "serious act against national interests" and a betrayal of Nepal's established position.

The controversy arose when Shah, addressing lawmakers, stated that Nepal had occupied Indian land in several places. This remark sparked protests from opposition lawmakers and drew criticism from diplomats and experts. The NCP differentiated between international border encroachment and land use by local residents, arguing the latter should not be conflated with territorial occupation.

The party emphasized that land owned or cultivated by citizens across the Nepal-India border, based on historical demarcations and the Treaty of Sugauli, does not constitute territorial occupation. They believe the prime minister's remarks undermine Nepal's constitutional spirit and its stance on the boundary dispute.

Following widespread criticism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a clarification, stating Shah's comments referred to cross-border land use, not formal territorial claims. The NCP, however, insists Shah must retract his statement, remove it from parliamentary records, and engage in diplomatic talks with India based on factual consensus.

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Claiming that Nepal has also occupied Indian territory by distorting the historical facts surrounding India’s unilateral occupation of areas such as Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura is a serious betrayal of national interests.