Following Prime Minister Balen Shah’s statement that Nepal has also encroached on Indian land, widespread debate and protests have erupted in both parliament and public spaces. Regarding the dam construction underway in Susta of West Nawalparasi, the Indian Border Security Force has requested discussions at the district official level before proceeding with the work. Over the last three fiscal years, the Armed Police Force has repaired 2,690 boundary pillars, but Indian activity on this front has been relatively minimal.
Responding to parliamentarians’ questions, Prime Minister Balen Shah stated, “Only after becoming prime minister did I realize that not only India, but Nepal as well, has encroached on Indian land. Both sides need to sit together to find a solution.” While highlighting India’s encroachment of Nepalese territories such as Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani, he also brought up Nepal’s own encroachment issues. His statements have intensified extensive debate within parliament and on the streets. Opposition parties have demanded that this remark be removed from parliamentary records.
Border residents face various ongoing challenges. According to former AIG Narayan Babu Thapa, who retired from the Armed Police Force’s border division, disputes frequently occur, especially along the southern border. Issues related to the border intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since border residents serve as the frontline guardians, former AIG Thapa has highlighted the difficulties they endure.
In West Nawalparasi’s Susta, dam construction is underway. The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation is continuously carrying out embankment work, with contracts amounting to approximately NPR 140 million. A monitoring team led by Armed Police Force SP Govind Khati and Chief District Officer Deepak Nepali has inspected the area. Security personnel have reported that the Indian Border Security Force deems discussions necessary before starting new dam construction.
