Nepal PM sparks row, says his country has encroached upon Indian territory, Pg1

Kalapani region.png

• Nepal's PM Balendra Shah stated Nepal has encroached on Indian territory, a first by a Nepali head of government.
• The statement was made in response to a question about the disputed Kalapani region.
• Opposition parties demanded clarification and retraction of the statement in the Nepali Parliament.
• Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified the issue relates to encroachment in the Dasgaja area (no-man's land) and cross-border occupation.

Detailed Insights:

• The Kalapani region, including Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura, is a long-standing territorial dispute between Nepal and India.
• The dispute resurfaced after India's announcement of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via the Lipulekh route.
• Nepal claims that citizens of both countries cultivate or reside on land across the border, leading to cross-border occupation.
• Technical committee studies indicate that some land used by Nepal may fall on the Indian side of the border.
• The PM's statement referenced this technical reality and the issue of cross-border occupation, according to the Foreign Ministry.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Dasgaja: The no-man's land area between the borders of Nepal and India.
• Encroachment: Illegal or unauthorized intrusion onto another's property or territory.
• Cross-border occupation: Use or possession of land across an international border by citizens of another country.