Youth Association Demands PM Balen Shah’s Resignation Over Border Remarks

The National Youth Association Nepal, close to CPN-UML, has demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, also known as Balen. The fourth full meeting of the association’s central committee objected to the Prime Minister’s statement in Parliament that Nepal had also encroached on India’s border in different places. In a statement issued by Chair Maharaj Gurung, the association said the remark raised questions over Nepal’s territorial integrity. It demanded self-criticism, an apology to the Nepali people and the Prime Minister’s resignation.

The meeting also criticized the government’s behavior toward landless people and demanded just, humane and dignified management of squatters. The association expressed concern over what it called the government’s disrespect toward Parliament, lack of accountability and indifference to democratic values. It also decided to make the organization more active, responsible and result-oriented at all levels ahead of upcoming elections and political campaigns. The association announced a month-long national tree plantation campaign from Ashar 14, a nationwide blood donation campaign from Shrawan 15 to Bhadra 15, training programs, disaster management training in all seven provinces, a “one municipality, one product” program, youth dialogue programs and an international youth festival. It also objected to India’s activities in Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Susta, and demanded a parliamentary probe into alleged irregularities involving tax rate changes and information leaks related to EV vehicles.