Kathmandu, May 31: Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah has sparked political controversy after stating that Nepal has also occupied portions of Indian territory, while emphasizing that longstanding border disputes between the two neighbours should be settled through diplomatic negotiations.
Addressing Parliament on Sunday for the first time since assuming office, Shah responded to lawmakers' questions regarding the disputed regions of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani, territories claimed by both Nepal and India but currently administered by India.
During his remarks, the Prime Minister said that after taking office he learned that territorial encroachments were not one-sided.
"After becoming Prime Minister, I came to know that not only has India encroached upon Nepal's land, but Nepal has also occupied Indian land in several places. Both countries should sit together and examine the matter,"Shah told Parliament.
However, the Nepalese leader did not specify the locations where Nepal had allegedly encroached on Indian territory. His statement immediately drew criticism from opposition lawmakers, who demanded clarification and sought details regarding the claim. Some members even urged Speaker DP Aryal to remove the remarks from the official parliamentary record.
The border issue remains one of the most sensitive subjects in India-Nepal relations. Responding to another query regarding an India-China agreement allowing Indian pilgrims to travel to the Kailash Mansarovar region through the disputed Lipulekh route, Shah said Nepal had already lodged a diplomatic protest with India and received a formal response.
According to the Prime Minister, both sides have agreed to pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue and expert consultations.
"India's response indicates that both governments will form teams consisting of historians, surveyors and territorial experts to study the matter and seek a solution through negotiations,"he said.
Shah also revealed that Nepal has engaged in discussions not only with India and China but also with the United Kingdom over the border dispute. The disclosure is considered significant, as it is believed to be the first public acknowledgment by Nepal of discussions with Britain on the issue.
Explaining Kathmandu's position, Shah noted that the roots of the dispute date back to the colonial era when British India administered the region.
The Prime Minister's remarks come ahead of the June 1-2 visit to India by Rabi Lamichhane, president of Nepal's ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). Meanwhile, uncertainty continues over the proposed visit of Prime Minister Shah to India.
