RPP chairman urges caution in foreign affairs after leaders’ statements

Kathmandu – Rajendra Lingden, the chairman of the opposition party Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), has advised the government and the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) to exercise sensitivity in foreign affairs.

Lingden made this suggestion while speaking to journalists after an all-party meeting called by RSP President Rabi Lamichhane on Monday, following his visit to India.

Chairman Lingden criticized Prime Minister Balen Shah’s remarks in Parliament and President Lamichhane’s statement during his India visit, where they mentioned not carrying the burdens of the past. He described these statements as immature and potentially undermining Nepal’s claim, unanimously passed by Parliament, that Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani belong to Nepal. He urged caution in such matters, arguing that the entire country would bear the consequences of the government’s missteps in foreign affairs.

“The entire country will have to bear the consequences of this government’s missteps. Therefore, a more mature approach is needed, whether it’s the Prime Minister’s statement in Parliament regarding borders or the RSP President’s remarks in India about not carrying past burdens. These statements carry significant weight,” Lingden said. “We have given our suggestions. We urged careful use of such statements. Saying we won’t carry past burdens could imply that everything in the past was wrong. We have already passed a unanimous parliamentary resolution, included in the constitution’s schedule, affirming that Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani are ours based on our history, facts, and evidence. Saying we won’t carry that could suggest a willingness to discuss it anew. Therefore, sensitivity in foreign affairs is necessary. The RSP has achieved a significant victory, and the special reception received by the President during the India visit should be turned into an opportunity,” he added.

Chairman Lingden also stated that the government should utilize the mandate given by the people as an opportunity.