KATHMANDU: Opposition lawmakers on Wednesday intensified their criticism of the government in the House of Representatives (HoR), demanding clarification on Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s remarks regarding the Nepal-India border, questioning the government’s commitment to the rule of law, and raising concerns over deaths linked to the clearance of a landless settlement.

Nepali Communist Party lawmaker Mahendra Bahadur Shahi called on the government to publicly clarify the prime minister’s border remarks, warning that the opposition would continue its protest until an official response is provided. He also urged the government to prioritize strengthening state institutions over publicity-driven politics.

Shram Sanskriti Party lawmaker Ambika Devi Sangraula accused the government of disregarding legal procedures, arguing that no individual should be placed above the law and warning against weakening state institutions.

Meanwhile, Nepali Congress lawmaker Gita Gurung said the death toll following the clearance of a landless settlement had reached nine, blaming the government’s handling of the operation and calling for greater accountability and human sensitivity.