Foreign Ministry Issues Clarification After PM’s Border Statement Sparks Controversy

 

Kathmandu. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a clarification following controversy sparked by Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s recent remarks in Parliament that Nepal had encroached on Indian land in several places.

In its clarification, the ministry stated that the issue referred to by the prime minister is related to the Nepal–India border and should be understood in the context of “cross-border occupation,” referring to overlapping land use and ownership across the boundary line.

According to the ministry, full mapping of the Nepal–India border has not yet been completed in areas including Susta, Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani. It further noted that beyond these disputed regions, there are also instances of cross-border occupation and minor encroachments in certain locations along the frontier.

The ministry explained that due to the application of the Fixed Boundary Principle in riverine border areas, shifting river courses have in some cases resulted in citizens of one country cultivating or residing on land that falls within the territory of the other country.

It added that bilateral border management mechanisms and technical teams from both Nepal and India are actively engaged in scientific mapping of the long border, installation and maintenance of border pillars, regulation of the ten-yard restricted zone, and management of land under cross-border occupation, including revenue collection where applicable.

The ministry further stated that previously stalled work of the joint technical committee has resumed, and coordinated revenue collection is currently underway in border areas.

Reiterating its position, the Foreign Ministry said that Nepal–India border management will continue through mutual understanding, technical cooperation, and peaceful diplomatic dialogue between the two countries.

पछिल्लो अध्यावधिक: जेठ १८, २०८३ १४:८

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