Harka demands PM Shah clarify India border remark
He argued that meaningful debate on other national matters would be impossible until the issue is clarified, stressing that protecting the country’s territory and sovereignty is the state’s foremost responsibility.
KATHMANDU: Shram Sanskriti Party Chair Harka Raj Rai (Sampang) has demanded that Prime Minister Balen Shah substantiate his controversial claim that Nepal has also encroached on Indian territory, warning that he must publicly correct the statement if he cannot provide factual evidence.
Addressing Monday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Rai said the Prime Minister’s remarks had created unnecessary confusion over sensitive issues related to national sovereignty and border disputes.
He argued that meaningful debate on other national matters would be impossible until the issue is clarified, stressing that protecting the country’s territory and sovereignty is the state’s foremost responsibility.
“The Prime Minister must explain where and how Nepal has allegedly encroached on the territory of a neighboring country. If he cannot prove it, he should address the nation and correct his statement,” Rai said. “A country cannot exist without its geography. Instead of safeguarding our national territory, the Prime Minister’s remarks have deeply concerned and angered us.”
Rai also urged the government to strengthen security presence in Nepal’s border regions, including the deployment of security forces where necessary.
The controversy erupted after Prime Minister Shah, while addressing the House of Representatives, stated that India had not only encroached on Nepali land but that Nepal had also encroached on Indian territory, triggering criticism from opposition leaders and political figures.
