Prime Minister Balen Clarifies Border Remark, Says Britain Was Not Sought as Mediator

Prime Minister Balendra Shah has clarified his statement in the House of Representatives regarding the Nepal-India border issue. Addressing the first general convention of Rastriya Swatantra Party in Chitwan on Sunday, Shah said his earlier remark about talking to Britain was related to evidence from the British period. He said Nepal has evidence regarding Kalapani and Lipulekh, and if evidence from the period of British rule is needed, Nepal is ready to bring it forward. However, he clarified that he did not mean Britain should act as a mediator.

Shah said Nepal would resolve border issues through direct talks with its neighbors on the basis of evidence. He added that no one should doubt his nationalism. Speaking at the same event, Shah also said his government would question the misuse of public property if necessary. He said his party is development-oriented and focused on work, not revenge. However, he stated that if wrongdoing and misuse of state property had taken place in the past, it was necessary to raise questions. Shah also said the government would not go beyond the rules and, if needed, would consult the CIAA not only for five hours but even for five years.