Rastriya Swatantra Party Comments on Prime Minister Balen Shah's Border Statement

Kathmandu. The ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has commented that Prime Minister Balen Shah's statement regarding the border has strengthened Nepal's position. Mahasachiv Kabindra Burlaoti gave this reaction while responding to queries from journalists in the federal parliament complex on Tuesday. He argued that the issue of land use on both sides of the Nepal-India border pillars has strengthened the border issue for discussion. Mahasachiv Burlaoti also stated that the RSP is clear in its stance that encroached Nepali land must be returned. Prime Minister Shah clarified that he would respond to the issue when the time comes, and expressed the view that opposition parties should not obstruct parliamentary sessions. Mahasachiv Burlaoti said, 'Now, there has been land use on both sides of this border pillar area. What word to use for that, whether to call it encroaching on the border, is one aspect. And the Prime Minister has put forward that this should be discussed internationally. This has strengthened us and moved us forward. That our border issue should be resolved a little faster. Diplomatic efforts should be made. Regarding this issue, it will definitely come from the government.' He added, 'This is also reverse diplomacy. On the other hand, the party has already clearly stated that regarding the encroachment of our land, that land must be returned. And diplomatic efforts must be made to reclaim the land. Therefore, the party's stance is clear. And discussions on this issue will move forward. Discussions will take place at those specific locations. Rather than me giving further opinions on this issue, the party's opinion is clear. Our lands should not be encroached upon. The party's opinion is clear that diplomatic efforts should be made to reclaim those lands. We are discussing this very issue. We are also discussing this issue with the opposition parties. Let's resume the session. We have presented it in such a way that it will come from the government at that time. They say that the session will only proceed after this issue is addressed. What they are saying is that if it comes, it should also be moved forward.' Mahasachiv Burlaoti stated that opposition parties should not obstruct the parliamentary session as the budget will be delayed. He emphasized that since a response from the government is certain, the parliament should be kept running instead of being held hostage.