Parliament raises Kuwait rescue, border row & economic concerns
KATHMANDU: A series of strong political statements in the House of Representatives today covered issues ranging from the rescue of Nepali women in Kuwait to disputes over border remarks, agricultural exports, sports funding, and parliamentary conduct.
Urgent call to rescue Nepali women in Kuwait
Chief Whip of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Khushbu Oli urged the government to immediately rescue Nepali women detained and stranded in various prisons in Kuwait.
Speaking in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, she said many Nepali women who went abroad for employment are suffering severe human rights abuses and inhumane conditions.
Oli highlighted the recent successful repatriation of a Nepali woman, Sharmila Darji, after prolonged diplomatic efforts. She warned that hundreds of Nepali women remain in critical conditions in Kuwait, with some reportedly losing mental stability.
She claimed that around 65,000 Nepali women working in Kuwait through irregular channels are currently at risk and urged the government to immediately establish a safe repatriation mechanism.
Strong objection over Prime Minister’s border remarks
Lawmakers raised strong objections over alleged controversial remarks attributed to Prime Minister Balendra Shah regarding Nepal–India border issues.
MP Kriparam Rana of CPN-UML demanded that the Prime Minister apologize to the public, stating that such comments were “disrespectful to national sentiment” and should be removed from parliamentary records unless corrected.
He stressed that Nepal’s territory was earned through the sacrifices of historical figures and should not be discussed casually, warning that protests would continue if no correction is made.
Tea export crisis in Ilam
Nepali Congress whip Niskal Rai raised concerns over the collapse of tea industries in Ilam due to export restrictions imposed by India under a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
He said that more than 83 tea factories have shut down, leaving farmers, workers, and industrialists in crisis. Rai urged the government to immediately initiate diplomatic talks with India and explore alternative international markets.
He also called for the establishment of a tea testing laboratory and long-term export diversification strategy.
Concern over women’s football participation and World Cup broadcast fees
UML Chief Whip Ain Bahadur Mahar raised concerns over budget constraints preventing the Nepal women’s national football team from participating in the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
He urged the government to ensure participation, calling it unfair to block athletes due to financial issues, especially after travel documentation processes had already begun.
He also criticized the USD 999 subscription fee for World Cup football broadcasts, calling it exploitative, and demanded free access through national television.
Opposition criticism of PM and Speaker neutrality
Nepali Congress MP Chandramohan Yadav questioned both the Prime Minister’s remarks and the neutrality of the Speaker, accusing the leadership of weakening parliamentary dignity.
He argued that recent border-related statements by the Prime Minister have harmed Nepal’s international image and strained diplomatic relations. He also criticized ruling party lawmakers for applauding such remarks.
Yadav urged all sides to respect the parliament as a symbol of national sacrifice and democratic accountability.
Demand to correct PM’s statement in parliament
MP Gopal Sharma of the Nepali Communist Party demanded that the Speaker issue a ruling to correct the Prime Minister’s alleged inaccurate remarks on border issues.
He warned that opposition parties would continue protests unless the statement is formally corrected in parliament. Sharma accused the government of undermining parliamentary procedures and failing to provide accountability.
