Author: space4knews

18 Jestha, Kathmandu – The Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Development Committee has established the maximum wholesale prices for agricultural produce for today. According to the committee, large Nepali tomatoes are priced at NPR 65 per kilogram, large Indian tomatoes at NPR 80 per kilogram, small local tomatoes at NPR 35 per kilogram, and small tunnel tomatoes at NPR 39 per kilogram. Red potatoes (long) are priced at NPR 35 per kilogram, red potatoes (round) at NPR 30 per kilogram, and dried Indian onions at NPR 43 per kilogram.

Similarly, local carrots are set at NPR 80 per kilogram, local cabbage NPR 40 per kilogram, local cauliflower NPR 80 per kilogram, hybrid white radish NPR 25 per kilogram, long bitter gourd NPR 50 per kilogram, and dwarf bitter gourd NPR 50 per kilogram.

Other prices include long yard beans at NPR 90 per kilogram, corn yard beans at NPR 90 per kilogram, local ghee beans at NPR 90 per kilogram, hybrid ghee beans at NPR 70 per kilogram, rajma ghee beans at NPR 100 per kilogram, winged beans at NPR 130 per kilogram, cowpeas at NPR 160 per kilogram, and bitter melon at NPR 40 per kilogram. Bottle gourd is priced at NPR 70 per kilogram, local parwar at NPR 70 per kilogram, ghirla at NPR 60 per kilogram, chikindo at NPR 35 per kilogram, jyiguni at NPR 60 per kilogram, ripe pumpkin at NPR 60 per kilogram, green pumpkin (small) at NPR 50 per kilogram, okra at NPR 50 per kilogram, sweet cucumber at NPR 80 per kilogram, pindalu at NPR 40 per kilogram, and skus at NPR 100 per kilogram.

Other leafy vegetables include spinach at NPR 80 per kilogram, palungo at NPR 90 per kilogram, chamsur leaves at NPR 90 per kilogram, mustard greens at NPR 50 per kilogram, fenugreek at NPR 60 per kilogram, green onions at NPR 100 per kilogram. Mushrooms are priced with kanya (button) mushrooms at NPR 250 per kilogram, large mushrooms at NPR 450 per kilogram, king oyster mushrooms at NPR 320 per kilogram, and shiitake mushrooms at NPR 1,000 per kilogram. Additionally, bitter gourd is NPR 350 per kilogram, nyuro at NPR 80 per kilogram, broccoli at NPR 110 per kilogram, beetroot at NPR 60 per kilogram, saagawan at NPR 120 per kilogram, red cabbage at NPR 50 per kilogram, cumin leaves at NPR 100 per kilogram, celery at NPR 130 per kilogram, parsley at NPR 220 per kilogram, fennel leaves at NPR 90 per kilogram, mint at NPR 150 per kilogram, green corn at NPR 50 per kilogram, gantemula at NPR 60 per kilogram, tamarind at NPR 180 per kilogram, tama at NPR 140 per kilogram, tofu at NPR 160 per kilogram, and dried leafy greens (gundruk) at NPR 350 per kilogram.

Fruits prices include Fuji apples at NPR 300 per kilogram, Nepali bananas at NPR 200 per dozen, Malbhog bananas at NPR 221 per dozen, lemons at NPR 221 per kilogram, pomegranates at NPR 420 per kilogram, Maldah mangoes at NPR 120 per kilogram, Dussehri mangoes at NPR 130 per kilogram, green watermelon at NPR 45 per kilogram, local cucumbers at NPR 80 per kilogram, hybrid cucumbers at NPR 25 per kilogram, local cross cucumbers at NPR 70 per kilogram. Further, khatakhar is NPR 50 per kilogram, Chinese pears at NPR 160 per kilogram, Nepali walnuts at NPR 90 per kilogram, Indian walnuts at NPR 100 per kilogram, local lychee at NPR 250 per kilogram, Indian lychee at NPR 300 per kilogram, raw coconuts at NPR 80 per kilogram, and green coconuts at NPR 180 per kilogram.

Prices for spices and other produce include ginger at NPR 120 per kilogram, dried chili at NPR 450 per kilogram, long green chili at NPR 60 per kilogram, bullet chili at NPR 50 per kilogram, mache chili at NPR 60 per kilogram, Akabare chili at NPR 420 per kilogram, and sheep chili at NPR 70 per kilogram. Green garlic is priced at NPR 180 per kilogram, fresh coriander at NPR 150 per kilogram, dried Chinese garlic at NPR 221 per kilogram, dried Nepali garlic at NPR 180 per kilogram, fresh dried garlic at NPR 1,000 per kilogram. Fresh fish prices are set at Rahu fish at NPR 340 per kilogram, Bachuwa fish at NPR 300 per kilogram, and Chhadi fish at NPR 250 per kilogram.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah Balen has become the focal point of controversy along with his party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), following his maiden speech in the House of Representatives. His comments during Sunday’s session, responding to questions about the Nepal-India border dispute, have ignited debate and criticism. While addressing the parliament, Shah stated, “You may be surprised, but I only realized after becoming Prime Minister that not only has India encroached on Nepalese land in many areas, but Nepal has also encroached on Indian territory in several places. This has come to light recently, and therefore both countries are considering studies to resolve the disputed areas.”

Following these remarks, opposition members raised objections within the parliament. The Prime Minister’s statement has also become a major topic of discussion and dissent across social media and the press.

In response to the escalating controversy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement titled “Response to Media Queries Regarding the Honorable Prime Minister’s Statements on Nepal-India Border Relations.” The spokesperson clarified that the Prime Minister’s remarks fundamentally concerned “Dashgaja encroachment and cross-border occupation” issues. According to the spokesperson, “When demarcating the Nepal-India border, a fixed boundary principle was adopted in riverine areas, resulting in residents of one country engaging in agricultural or residential activities on land technically belonging to the other country.” The technical assessment showed that some land currently used by Nepal might lie on the Indian side of the border, and likewise, some land used by India might be within Nepalese territory. The Prime Minister’s reference in parliament to “certain places where Indian territory may lie on the Nepal side” pertains to this technical reality and cross-border occupation concerns.

After the Prime Minister’s initial parliamentary remarks were deemed “incorrect,” there have been demands for his resignation, calls for a formal apology, and skepticism about whether he misspoke. Former Foreign Minister and RSP leader Kamal Thapa expressed that Shah’s statements “shocked and surprised the entire nation.” Thapa urged the Prime Minister to rectify the exaggerated and inaccurate claims immediately. He emphasized, “Although there are some border disputes, Nepal has not encroached upon or occupied Indian territory. Our firm stance is that Nepal must not violate its neighbors’ borders. If the Prime Minister believes Nepal has encroached on India’s territory, he must present evidence promptly and take swift action to correct the mistake by returning the land to India.”

May 31, Kathmandu – U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran has given a guarantee that it will not develop nuclear weapons. He has emphasized that preventing Iran from building nuclear arms is his top priority in any potential agreement. In an interview with Fox News, Trump stated, “The guarantee I need is a commitment not to develop nuclear weapons. Iran has agreed to this.”

Meanwhile, U.S. media reports indicate that the Trump administration has sent a new peace proposal to Iran with stricter conditions. The details of the proposal have not been made public. Trump highlighted the necessity of halting Iran’s nuclear weapons development as well as fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy shipping route. However, Iran has expressed skepticism toward Trump’s assertions.

According to Iranian media, Tehran demands the release of $12 billion in frozen overseas assets before any substantive negotiations on its nuclear program can proceed. Iran has dismissed Trump’s claim that “enriched uranium has been destroyed” as unfounded. It has also insisted that Lebanon be included in any ceasefire or peace agreement.

Israel has asserted that it has conducted targeted airstrikes against the Iran-backed group Hezbollah in Lebanon. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has echoed Trump’s statements, affirming at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore that the U.S. remains fully capable of renewed military action if necessary. In April, mediated by Pakistan, Tehran and Washington agreed to a temporary ceasefire. While daily attacks have ceased since then, sporadic armed incidents continue.

Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil supply, have driven up oil prices on the international market following the conflict. This has increased pressure on the U.S. and global economies. Analysts suggest this is why the Trump administration faces growing pressure to reach some form of agreement with Iran. Through social media, Trump announced that as part of the potential agreement, the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened, with Iran pledging no fees on ships passing through. However, according to Iranian news agency Fars, this provision is not included in the draft agreement.

May 31, Myagdi. The road connecting Beni Municipality–10 Wakhet to Todke, a major tourist destination in Myagdi, has been upgraded. Situated at an altitude of 2,430 meters above sea level on the boundary of Raghuganga, Mangala Rural Municipality, and Beni Municipality, Todke is developed as a tourist spot for observing sunrises, mountain ranges, Gurans forests, and hilly landscapes. Masveer Roka, ward chairperson of Beni Municipality–10, informed that the local infrastructure project Pokharamar has concreted the section of the Patlekhet–Wakhet–Todke road from Gahete Chowk through Wakhet to the Ramjali Temple segment.

“By concreting and paving the road, the journey which earlier took 20 minutes between Gahete Chowk and Ramjali Temple has now been reduced to just 5 minutes, making travel more convenient for local residents and tourists heading to Todke,” he said. “We are continuing efforts with the municipality, provincial, and federal governments to further improve the road from Ramjali Temple to Barahthan and up to Todke.” On January 24, the construction contract worth NPR 23,623,152 was awarded to Dupcheshwar Shubham Builders for the Wakhet–Todke road upgrade project.

The plan to upgrade 1.7 kilometers of road has been completed ahead of schedule, two months prior to the deadline on July 15. Subas Chandra Karki, director of the construction company, stated that necessary equipment and labor were deployed immediately after the contract was signed, managing construction materials efficiently. Despite hikes in fuel and material costs, they completed the work before the targeted deadline. Although construction is complete, technical inspection and payment processes remain outstanding.

The road has been paved and concreted to a width ranging from 3.5 to 4 meters. Ward member Begum Paija from Beni Municipality–10 noted that the route, opened in 2009 BS (1952-53 AD), has been concreted after 16 years. Local residents are enthusiastic about the new paved road. Arjun Pun, a resident of Wakhet, shared that the previously narrow and unpaved road made travel difficult, but concreting has shortened travel time and improved convenience. Roads connecting Wakhet in Beni Municipality to Jhhi in Raghuganga Rural Municipality–5, Daduwa in Beni Municipality–5, Poornagaun in Mangala Rural Municipality–1, and Kuhun-Bhirketera lead to Todke.

Todke offers a unique vantage point to view long mountain ranges including Gurja, Churen, Manapathi, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Lamjung. Visitors can enjoy yoga and meditation amid the mountain scenery. Local agricultural products like radish, potatoes, and beans can be savored here. Additionally, Todke holds religious significance due to the penances performed by many saints, including Swargadwari Mahaprabhu. The hilltop contains a branch of the Swargadwari Ashram called “Tapovan Shivalay” and other sacred sites. Shivalay is an affiliate of the Swargadwari Ashram in Pyuthan. The temple houses statues of saints such as Pujari Maharaj and Rakhal Maharaj, as well as historical relics like Shiva lingams and ritual materials used by Mahaprabhu. The ashram complex also includes a cowshed.

18 Jestha, Kathmandu – Nepal Rastra Bank has set the foreign currency exchange rates for today (Monday). According to the central bank, the buying rate for the US Dollar is NPR 151.71 and the selling rate NPR 152.31. Similarly, the Euro’s buying rate is NPR 176.89, with a selling rate of NPR 177.59; the British Pound Sterling’s buying rate is NPR 204.21 and selling rate NPR 205.02; and the Swiss Franc buys at NPR 194.21 and sells at NPR 194.98.

The Australian Dollar’s buying rate is set at NPR 108.98, with a selling rate of NPR 109.41; the Canadian Dollar buys at NPR 109.97 and sells at NPR 110.40; the Singapore Dollar’s buying rate is NPR 118.83 and selling NPR 119.30. For the Japanese Yen (10 units), the buying rate is NPR 9.53 and selling NPR 9.56; the Chinese Yuan buys at NPR 22.42 and sells at NPR 22.51; the Saudi Arabian Riyal’s buying rate is NPR 40.43 and selling NPR 40.59; and the Qatari Riyal buys at NPR 41.66 and sells at NPR 41.82.

According to the central bank, the Thai Baht buys at NPR 4.67 and sells at NPR 4.69; the UAE Dirham’s buying rate is NPR 41.30 and selling NPR 41.47; the Malaysian Ringgit buys at NPR 38.26 and sells at NPR 38.41; the South Korean Won (100 units) has a buying rate of NPR 10.06 and selling rate of NPR 10.10; the Swedish Krona buys at NPR 16.41 and sells at NPR 16.48; and the Danish Krone’s buying rate is NPR 23.67 and selling rate NPR 23.76.

Nepal Rastra Bank has also established the Hong Kong Dollar’s buying rate at NPR 19.36 and selling rate NPR 19.43; the Kuwaiti Dinar’s buying rate at NPR 494.65 and selling rate NPR 496.61; the Bahraini Dinar buys at NPR 402.39 and sells at NPR 403.98; the Omani Riyal’s buying rate is NPR 394.05 with a selling rate of NPR 395.61. The Indian Rupee (100 units) is set at a buying rate of NPR 160.00 and a selling rate of NPR 160.15.

The central bank has noted that these exchange rates may be revised at any time as necessary. Exchange rates set by commercial banks may vary, and the latest updated rates are accessible on the Nepal Rastra Bank’s official website.

Border expert Buddhinarayan Shrestha has clarified that Nepal has not encroached upon India’s territory and that only limited mutual land usage occurs in the border areas. India has reportedly encroached upon 372 square kilometers of Nepalese land in Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura, and another 145 square kilometers in Susta, Nawalparasi. The Prime Minister has announced plans to engage in diplomatic talks with India to resolve the border dispute, adding that consultations with the UK government are also underway. Prime Minister Balendra Shah, speaking from the parliament rostrum, expressed the view that Nepal has also encroached on India’s territory, and he committed to discussing the issue at the negotiation table with India.

The areas of Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Susta are recognized as Nepalese territory encroached upon by India. Following the Prime Minister’s parliamentary statement suggesting Nepal might have encroached on India’s border, what are the facts? In an interview with border expert Buddhinarayan Shrestha, he asserted, “Nepal has not encroached upon India’s border anywhere.” However, a technical aspect to understand is that Nepal shares an 1880-kilometer-long border with India, involving 27 Nepalese districts. Due to the extensive border, there are some cases of ‘cross-holding occupation’ related to land used for farming purposes.

‘Cross-holding occupation’ refers to a situation where residents along the border mutually use each other’s land. To clarify, how does this usage occur? To some extent, Indian citizens cultivate land owned by Nepalese farmers, and likewise, some Nepalese farmers cultivate Indian land. This is a common practice in border areas and does not constitute territorial encroachment. For example, near the district of Parsa close to Birgunj, the Sirsia River historically flowed straightforwardly. Over time, the river changed course, and as the Sirsia River is the border, this shift affected land usage rights.

India has encroached upon 372 square kilometers in Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura, and 145 square kilometers in Susta, Nawalparasi. Nepal, however, has not encroached upon any significant area of Indian territory. The issue is limited to simple cross-border usage, which cannot be characterized as encroachment but rather as ‘usage interference.’ There are no precise estimates of the area involved in this mutual usage on either side at present.

The Prime Minister stated in parliament that India has responded positively to talks aimed at resolving the disputes concerning Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Susta. Are these issues connected and discussed collectively, or are they separate matters? In fact, they are closely related topics. India is currently preparing to facilitate pilgrims traveling to Mansarovar via the Lipulekh route and has even issued calls for applications to collect funds for this purpose. Following this, the Nepalese government has asserted its rights firmly.

Nepal has sent diplomatic notes regarding this matter to both India and China. The Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson has rejected Nepal’s claims, alleging that pilgrims are being taken through Indian territory where Nepal claims mutual usage. China has not yet responded. Nepal has proposed resolving the issue through dialogue, a stance the Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson also acknowledges as necessary, but no concrete steps have been taken so far.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need to initiate dialogue soon. He also mentioned ongoing talks with the UK government regarding the border dispute. How does the UK relate to this issue? According to my research, Nepal has not formally requested the UK government’s involvement, but the Prime Minister’s statement is welcome. The Treaty of Sugauli, signed in 1816, was between Nepal and British India, not independent India.

Requesting the UK to mediate in the border dispute is a constructive proposal. The best resolution is through bilateral dialogue. If that fails, a third party may mediate, potentially including the UK, given its involvement in the Sugauli Treaty. However, no official correspondence has been exchanged so far, and historically Nepal has not engaged in such communications with the UK. Is it possible for Nepal and India to settle their border issues without involving the UK? Yes, both countries can resolve the dispute amicably by referring to old maps, historical documents, and border details through mutual dialogue. Only if negotiations fail should mediation be sought, at which point the UK could be promptly included. Since the Sugauli Treaty was signed with British involvement, the UK could be engaged as a mediator if requested officially. To date, no such official request has been made.

The House of Representatives session on 31 May was disrupted after opposition MPs surrounded the well and protested against the Speaker by shouting slogans. Even after the suspended session resumed, the opposition MPs reached the Speaker’s podium to voice their dissent. Kathmandu, 31 May.

The House of Representatives session has encountered controversy today. The meeting, which was suspended earlier this morning due to obstruction by opposition members, faced continued disruption upon resumption. Opposition MPs are once again surrounding the well and have advanced to the Speaker’s podium to demonstrate their protest, loudly chanting slogans against the Speaker.

Ganesh Karki, a former police officer who had fled after robbing a woman in Sukedhara, Kathmandu, was apprehended by police after being shot during the arrest. Authorities recovered a gold pendant, a mobile phone, and a kukri knife stolen during the incident from Karki, and his accomplice Vishnu Gurung was also taken into custody. Karki had previously been convicted in cases related to homicide and robbery and escaped from the Central Jail in Sundhara last Bhadra.

On May 30, Kathmandu—At 1:23 PM on Saturday, a woman was robbed in Sukedhara. While walking on the street, someone suddenly threw chili powder into her eyes, causing severe pain. At that moment, two men searched her body, stole a one-tola gold pendant and a mobile phone from her neck, and fled. The victim immediately reported the incident to the police. Using technical analysis and CCTV footage, police advanced their investigation. The Kathmandu District Police Office team identified the suspect as Ganesh Karki, 40, residing in Chapali Badrakali, Budhanilkantha Municipality-3.

According to police, the investigation team arrested Karki at 9:25 PM on Saturday inside the Manohara Khola Corridor of Jadibuti, Kathmandu Metropolitan City-32, just eight hours after the incident. During the arrest, Karki threw chili powder into the officers’ eyes and attempted to attack them with a kukri knife. The police responded with gunfire, taking him into custody. Karki sustained a gunshot wound to his left knee and is currently receiving treatment at the National Trauma Center.

Police recovered the stolen gold pendant, mobile phone, and kukri knife from Karki. His accomplice Vishnu Gurung, originally from Ilam and residing in Dharamshala, was also arrested. Gurung had completed a three-year prison sentence and was facing ongoing charges related to narcotics.

Karki reportedly always carries chili powder with him. During the arrest, police seized chili powder from him. He sprayed chili powder into the eyes of the woman during the robbery in Sukedhara. During the Janajati Movement, he had previously escaped from prison by throwing chili powder at officers.

Superintendent of Police Pawan Kumar Bhattarai stated that Karki’s hallmark is the use of chili powder whether committing crimes or evading arrest. Police reported that Karki also attacked officers with chili powder during an incident in Kapan.

Karki has been apprehended with gunfire nine times within eight months for various crimes. He escaped from the Central Jail Sundhara during the Janajati Movement last Bhadra. Police records show he committed a series of crimes systematically after escaping. When officers tried to arrest him, he fled by spraying chili powder. His criminal activities span locations such as Kapan, Gaushala, Tilganga, and Shantinagar, involving not only theft and robbery but also narcotics cases. He was particularly active in criminal activities near Pashupati and Gaushala areas.

Karki was formerly a police officer, recruited as a constable in 2004 (2061 BS). However, after approximately two years, he left the force in 2007 (2064 BS). Following his departure, he entered the criminal world, engaging in offenses ranging from minor theft to murder. He had previously faced charges of misconduct, possession of illegal weapons, and murder during this time.

Convicted in a homicide case, Karki was arrested on April 15, 2011 (2 Vaishakh 2068 BS) and sentenced to ten years in prison. He was released on October 20, 2021 (3 Ashoj 2078 BS) after a presidential pardon on Constitution Day but continued his involvement in crime thereafter. Since 2021, he had been charged with robbery and had escaped from jail during the Janajati Movement last Bhadra.

After escaping, Karki reportedly fled to India by spraying chili powder on police officers. After spending some time in India, he returned to Kathmandu and resumed his criminal activities.

The meeting of the House of Representatives was postponed due to obstruction by opposition parties, but even after it resumed, the hall encirclement and slogans continued. Basana Thapa, the chief spokesperson of the Nepali Congress, demanded that the amendments be referred to the thematic committee. When the Speaker began presenting the procedural amendments for decision in the House, opposition MPs reacted angrily by lifting chairs.

17 Jestha, Kathmandu: A controversy erupted during the House of Representatives session. The meeting held this morning was suspended after opposition members disrupted proceedings. Even in the ongoing session, the opposition is protesting by encircling the hall and chanting slogans. They have approached the Speaker’s chair, expressing strong dissent.

Parliamentary committee discussion on the amendments to the House rules had been completed, and preparations were underway to present them for decision. However, opposition MPs demanded the amendments be sent to the parliamentary committee. Basana Thapa, the chief spokesperson of Nepali Congress, insisted, “The amendments should be referred to the thematic committees.” The Speaker responded that the scheduled procedural discussion was continuing in the House as per the agenda.

The draft House rules include 35 amendments. When the Speaker began presenting these amendments for decision, opposition MPs moved into the hall, chanting slogans and questioning the Speaker’s role. During the protest, visuals showed opposition members raising chairs and even reaching the Speaker’s chair.

The government has announced in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget that a 3% education equality fee will be levied on fees collected by private educational institutions. Operators of private schools and parents have demanded the cancellation of this 3% education equality fee, as it will affect 2.6 million students. Prime Minister Balen Shah stated in Parliament that due to budget constraints, it is currently not possible to provide free education and healthcare services to everyone immediately. May 31, Kathmandu.

Pramila Shrestha from Ramechhap has been working as a wage laborer to educate her son in a private school. When enrolling her son in Grade 4 at a private school in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, she paid an annual fee of NPR 11,000 and has been paying a monthly fee of NPR 5,500. With the government imposing this equality fee, she expressed concern about the added financial burden. “I work as a wage laborer to support my son’s education. After paying the fees, how will I be able to pay an additional 3%? We simply cannot afford it,” she said.

On Friday, the government announced through the budget that a 3% education equality fee will be collected on all types of fees charged by private sector educational institutions from students. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle stated in the budget presentation that the fee imposed at a minimum rate on education and health services provided by the private sector will help support the construction and expansion of educational and health infrastructure in remote areas. Both parents and private school operators have expressed opposition to this equality fee.

Rama Giri, a member of the Parents’ Federation, stated, “The government’s move is wrong and will impose a burden on parents. This is a decision that harms the public. Some parents earn just NPR 1,000 daily to educate their children in private schools. Those struggling to make a living cannot afford to pay this equality fee. The government needs to reconsider this decision.” Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle responded by urging people to understand the proposed 3% contribution on fees collected by private schools as a progressive tax aimed at promoting social equality.

May 31, Kathmandu – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially announced the India visit of Ravi Lamichhane, chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). Dr. Vijay Chauthaiwale, head of BJP’s Department of External Affairs, issued a press release on Sunday detailing the purpose and schedule of Lamichhane’s trip. The visit is scheduled for tomorrow.

According to Dr. Chauthaiwale, the delegation’s visit is taking place at the invitation of BJP President Nitin Naveen. The team led by Chairman Lamichhane will hold meetings in New Delhi with BJP President Nitin Naveen and other senior party leaders. The press release states that the visit aims to initiate party-to-party relations and dialogue between RSP and BJP, as well as to exchange views on organizational practices, democratic processes, and people-centered political outreach.

Dr. Rajan Bhattarai, Secretary of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), has expressed surprise over the Prime Minister’s assertion that Nepal has also encroached upon Indian territory. Bhattarai noted that India has never officially claimed that Nepal has infringed on its land. He warned that involving the United Kingdom as a third party in the Nepal-India border dispute would complicate the issue further.
May 29, Kathmandu – Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s recent remarks that Nepal, alongside India, has encroached upon Indian land have stirred significant political upheaval. Opposition parties have demanded disclosure of facts in the House of Representatives, while border experts have refuted the Prime Minister’s statements.
In a brief conversation regarding the issue, Dr. Rajan Bhattarai, a member of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) established to study the Nepal-India border dispute and Secretary of the CPN-UML, shared his perspective:
You mentioned that the Prime Minister stated Nepal has also encroached upon Indian territory. What is your viewpoint on this?
I am almost certain that India has never formally accused Nepal of encroaching on its territory. Through the EPG, we engaged in discussions with the Indian side for two years, examining various aspects of the Nepal-India border issues. During these negotiations, even when territorial encroachments were raised, the Indian side never alleged that Nepal had encroached upon Indian land. Therefore, it is very surprising and puzzling to hear the Prime Minister suddenly acknowledge from the parliamentary rostrum that Nepal has encroached on others’ land, apparently based on some documents or assumptions.
Second, this is a sensitive and serious issue. We are aware that efforts to reclaim encroached lands have included repeated dialogues and bilateral negotiation teams, yet resolution remains elusive and the problem is becoming increasingly complex. At such a delicate time, it was inappropriate for the Prime Minister to make a casual remark about such a sensitive issue.
Third, the Prime Minister mentioned that discussions are ongoing with England, specifically the United Kingdom, regarding this matter. Historically, when India and Bangladesh resolved their border and Ganges river disputes in 2014, the UK was not involved as a third party. Similarly, the border dispute between India and China, related to the McMahon Line stemming from British-era agreements, does not involve Britain as a third party. India and China are negotiating directly, albeit without reaching a final agreement. Hence, involving a third party in Nepal’s case would not be a solution but would likely complicate matters further.
Has India ever claimed that Nepal encroached its territory, while our Prime Minister says otherwise?
India has never officially or diplomatically asserted that Nepal encroached upon its land. This issue did not arise even in our EPG dialogues. Moreover, we were never called upon by India for discussions on this matter.
What are the implications of the Prime Minister’s remarks?
This adds a new layer of complexity. While we are engaged in dialogue with India to reclaim encroached lands, the Prime Minister’s claim that India has also encroached on Nepalese territory—something India has never formally alleged—could provide India with a political advantage and hinder resolution. It risks escalating the dispute rather than resolving it. The Prime Minister, as the chief guardian of national interest over territorial matters, must realize that such statements could jeopardize Nepal’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and regional security.
How can this situation be remedied?
The Prime Minister must clarify which specific land he referred to and which documents form the basis of his remarks. Transparency is essential given the sensitivity of the issue.
Do you believe the Prime Minister’s statement was mistaken?
I am fully convinced that such statements do not protect Nepal’s national interests.