Editorial photo #13789261 Social Issue

Nepali Students Hit Street Demanding Prime Minister Balen’s Resignation Over Border Remarks

Nepali students protest in the streets of Kathmandu, Nepal, on June 5, 2026, following a statement by Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah amid an ongoing border issue with India. In May, the Prime Minister addressed the parliament, stating that Nepal has also encroached on Indian land, which led to protests from the streets to the parliament. Later, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that Prime Minister Shah's statement referred to a technical concept of ''cross-border occupation.'' Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Paudel Kshetri explained that the comments relate to boundary pillars, no-man's land (dashgaja), and cross-border land usage. Technical studies indicate areas where land used by Nepal may fall on the Indian side and vice versa. The ministry reiterated that Nepal's official border is defined by the Treaty of Sugauli and noted that areas such as Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, Kalapani, and Susta remain under incomplete demarcation. It also mentioned that river boundaries and shifting courses have led to situations where citizens of one country may use land on the other side. Technical teams from both Nepal and India are working on tasks such as repairing boundary pillars, monitoring encroachments in no-man's land, and collecting data on cross-border occupation. The ministry reaffirmed Nepal's commitment to resolving boundary issues through diplomatic dialogue based on historical treaties, maps, and agreements. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)