Opposition parties obstruct National Assembly over PM Shah’s border remark

Nepal's National Assembly faced repeated adjournments on Monday as opposition parties protested Prime Minister Balendra Shah's recent remarks concerning the Nepal-India border. The controversy erupted after Shah stated in the House of Representatives that Nepal had "encroached upon Indian territory."

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If Nepal has encroached on the border, whose interest is the prime minister serving? We feel ashamed. Can such a leader defend national integrity?

Lawmakers across several parties voiced strong objections, demanding that Prime Minister Shah issue a public apology and that a parliamentary investigation committee be formed. MP Ram Kumari Jhakri argued that the prime minister's statement was "against national interest" and questioned his commitment to national sovereignty. She asked whose interests the prime minister was serving if Nepal had indeed encroached on Indian land, expressing shame and doubt about his ability to defend national integrity.

Other MPs echoed these sentiments, questioning the basis of Shah's statement and whether it was intended to appease India. Congress MP Ranjit Karna called for a formal inquiry, demanding evidence or a public apology from the prime minister regarding the specific areas of alleged encroachment. The continued protests led National Assembly chair Narayan Prasad Dahal to adjourn the session until Tuesday afternoon.

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What is the mindset of the prime minister? It does not seem like a simple mistake.

Meanwhile, student organizations and the youth wing of the Nepali Congress held separate demonstrations in Kathmandu, accusing Prime Minister Shah of undermining national sovereignty with his remarks. Protesters gathered under the slogan "let's protect sovereignty," labeling his statements as "anti-national."

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We feel ashamed.