The Nepal Bar Association (NBA) has criticised Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s remarks that Nepal has also encroached on Indian territory, saying the statement weakens the country’s established position on border disputes and national unity.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, NBA General Secretary Kedar Koirala said the association had taken “serious note” of the prime minister’s comments made during a question-answer session in the House of Representatives on Sunday, which touched on issues of sovereignty, independence, national dignity and territorial integrity.

“Matters concerning Nepal’s territory, borders and national sovereignty are common national concerns of all Nepalis,” the statement said. It added that remarks made from the parliamentary rostrum on such sensitive issues had “seriously weakened” Nepal’s established diplomatic position and its claims in bilateral and international forums, as well as national unity.

The association said border disputes should be addressed on the basis of historical facts, official maps, treaties, hydrological data and technical assessments, rather than emotional reactions or unverified conclusions.

It added that such disputes require resolution through documented evidence, diplomatic engagement and internationally accepted norms.

“Technical cross-holdings caused by farming activities or changes in a river’s course cannot be equated with strategic territorial encroachment carried out at the state level,” the statement said. It also described the remarks as “irresponsible”, arguing that they reflected a lack of understanding of diplomatic principles.