Cross Holding or Encroachment on Nepal-India Border?
May 31, Kathmandu – Following Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s remarks on border issues, the Nepal-India border dispute has intensified once again. His comments have sparked opposition in parliament, with critics arguing that they undermine Nepal and its people. Residents living near the border have also expressed dissatisfaction with his statements.
Meanwhile, reports of an incursion by Indian Border Security Forces onto Nepalese land in the Susta region of Nawalparasi have further inflamed local residents.
Ravindra Jaiswal, an activist with the Save Susta Campaign, voiced his anger over the Prime Minister’s comments. He remarked that while the Indian side has repeatedly created issues, the Prime Minister’s statements lacked the necessary sensitivity and pragmatism.
“It is highly condemnable for the head of state to validate the Indian side’s claims. This is a diplomatic error,” he asserted.
According to activist Jaiswal, following the Prime Minister’s remarks, Indian media has brought this issue into the spotlight. Residents of Susta are concerned because they fear the Indian side may use these statements to substantiate their territorial claims.
Jaiswal further stated that Indian security personnel have created obstacles by instructing Nepali workers not to operate in the disputed area.
“A project to build embankments using tectonic methods is underway in Susta. About 135 meters of work remain. The Indian side is obstructing progress by refusing permission to carry out construction near the eastern road,” he explained.
This is not the first time such a situation has occurred. At each stage of construction, the Indian side raises disputes. Both Nepal Police and Armed Police Force have conducted site inspections. Jaiswal also mentioned that after dialogue with an Indian District Magistrate, they ensured the work would not be halted.
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Hemraj Dahal, an activist who has been campaigning for Susta for 18 years, emphasized that this issue is a matter of nationalism and patriotism.
“This is about patriotism and national pride. It doesn’t matter who holds the positions of Prime Minister or President,” he said. “Susta, specifically Bardaghat Susta East and West, is strategically important for our district.”
Dahal criticized the Prime Minister’s statement that Nepal has encroached on Indian territory. “We strongly condemn and completely reject this claim,” he said. “We believe this statement is related to Ravi Lamichhane’s recent visit to India.”
While marking the third anniversary of founder chairman Gopal Gurung’s passing, Dahal added, “This movement was started collectively; it is not the possession of any individual. We oppose anyone who tries to manipulate spokespersons or the media for selfish interests.”
Residents of Susta endure hardships deeper than the land dispute alone. These challenges are multi-dimensional.
The Narayani River’s erosion consistently washes away land, and flooding submerges houses. Additionally, repeated interference by Indian Border Security Forces hampers work on Nepali soil. There are ongoing grievances about the Nepalese government’s prolonged failure to provide citizenship and land ownership certificates.
Dahal highlighted the daily struggles of Susta’s locals, who lack official documents like land ownership certificates, citizenship, and electricity connections. “We have been fighting for these rights for 18 years. We want to protect our land from India, yet many of us are not even recognized as citizens of Nepal,” he said.
Jaiswal echoed this sentiment about the double burden faced due to lack of land ownership certificates and citizenship, and the pressure from the Indian side.
“Being rendered stateless, you cannot even claim your own land. The Nepalese government must provide citizenship,” Jaiswal stated, underlining that this is not merely an individual grievance but a widespread pain affecting many families in Susta. These families remain unidentified yet continue to fight to protect their land.
Nevertheless, Dahal called for raising the issue above party lines and treating it as a national concern. He urged that the Prime Minister’s remarks be viewed in light of this broader national problem rather than as a political maneuver to undermine parties like the National Independent Party, Congress, or UML.
“This should not be seen as a small or partisan matter. All Nepalis must unite on this issue of nationalism,” he urged.
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Senior geographer Dr. Narendra Raj Khanal highlighted the contradictions raised by the Prime Minister’s remarks. The Nepal government has already released an official updated political and administrative map that includes the territory up to Limpiyadhura.
“The Nepal government has issued an updated political and administrative map. The Prime Minister’s remarks appear contradictory,” Khanal stated.
He pointed out that as the head of the nation’s executive branch, the Prime Minister must exercise extreme caution when discussing sensitive matters in parliament. Statements made there are the official position of the nation and remain on record, so it is advisable to avoid hasty remarks. Ignoring technical aspects in such statements could have long-term diplomatic consequences.
Khanal viewed the Prime Minister’s engagement with the United Kingdom on resolving disputes involving Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura as positive. Expanding talks beyond just Nepal-India borders to include China and the UK could increase the prospects for a lasting resolution.
“We should support the inclusion of the UK in these negotiations. However, it would have been better if the Prime Minister had provided information on how the UK has responded and the next steps planned,” he added.