Government Clarifies Stance on Border Disputes

Kathmandu. Government spokesperson and Minister for Education and Sports, Sassmit Pokharel, has clarified the Prime Minister's statement in the House regarding border disputes. He clarified that the border dispute with India would be resolved through diplomatic talks and existing mechanisms.

Responding to questions raised by the opposition regarding the Prime Minister's statement in the House, spokesperson Pokharel defended the Prime Minister. He claimed that the Prime Minister was merely surprised when, while advancing work related to border disputes, it was reported that Nepal had also encroached on India's borders. Pokharel said after the cabinet meeting, "The Prime Minister did not say that Nepal has encroached on India's border; he only stated that he was surprised when such a thing came up."

He recalled that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had also issued a clarification on this matter. Pokharel stated that various mechanisms have been in place between the two countries since before to resolve land border disputes, and work is ongoing through those mechanisms. He said that it is through these mechanisms that land that might fall within Nepal could be under India's occupation, and land occupied by Nepal could fall within India.

Informing that Nepal and India have sent 'diplomatic notes' to each other to resolve the border dispute, he quoted the Prime Minister as saying that the two countries would resolve the dispute through table talks. Pokharel said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already advanced all necessary matters through diplomatic channels.

When asked by journalists whether the Prime Minister would further clarify in the House as per the opposition's demand, spokesperson Pokharel said that the Prime Minister is fully accountable to the House. He clarified that the Prime Minister had previously appeared in the House to provide answers and would do so again if necessary.

Similarly, when asked about the report submitted by the Human Rights Commission, he informed that further action would be taken only after the report is formally received by the government.