Opposition Leader Demands PM's Clarification on Border Remarks

Kathmandu. Chief Whip of the opposition party, Communist Party of Nepal (CPN), Yuvraj Dulal, has stated that Prime Minister Balen Shah must appear in parliament and clarify his controversial statement regarding border issues. Speaking in the House of Representatives meeting on Thursday, he clarified that while his party is flexible to resume parliamentary proceedings, they will not back down from their demand for the Prime Minister's clarification. Chief Whip Dulal reiterated his demand to immediately remove Prime Minister Shah's statement, 'Nepal has encroached upon many areas of India as well,' from the parliamentary record, stating it is contrary to national sovereignty. He also accused the government of not being able to proceed responsibly on sensitive issues of parliament and the country. Presenting the party's official stance on the Prime Minister's statement in parliament, he said, 'We have stepped back one step to ensure parliamentary proceedings responsibly. This does not mean we have forgiven the statement made by the Honourable Prime Minister regarding border encroachment. Our party's, the coalition's clear stance is – the Honourable Prime Minister's statement must be removed from the parliamentary record. And, we want to express the party's stance that the Honourable Prime Minister himself must state what the state's position is on that matter.' Chief Whip Dulal mentioned that it is unfortunate to make light comments on sensitive issues like the country's borders and stated that parliament is awaiting to hear the government's official perspective on this matter directly from the Prime Minister. Warning that the opposition will not compromise on issues of nationality under any circumstances, he urged the government to pay more attention to pro-people works and be accountable to parliament.