KATHMANDU: Lawmakers in the House of Representatives on Wednesday demanded that Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) clarify his recent remarks on Nepal-India border issues, while also raising concerns over the treatment and management of landless settlers housed in holding centers in Kathmandu.

At the outset of the House meeting, Shram Sanskriti Party lawmaker Harka Sampang called on the prime minister to explain statements made regarding Nepal-India border relations. He also urged the government to ensure proper management and humane treatment of landless settlers currently residing in holding centers.

Nepali Communist Party MP Gopal Sharma asked Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal to issue a ruling on the matter, arguing that the Constitution requires the government to remain accountable to Parliament. He also criticized what he described as irresponsible public statements by government ministers.

CPN (UML) lawmaker Kripa Ram Rana highlighted border disputes in Lipulekh, Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, and Susta, while drawing the government’s attention to conditions faced by landless settlers in holding centers.

Nepali Congress MP Chandra Mohan Yadav criticized the Prime Minister’s border-related remarks and questioned the Speaker’s impartiality, prompting a point of order from ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party lawmaker Ganesh Karki. Speaker Aryal said his attention had been drawn to the issue.