Kathmandu – The All Nepal Peasants Federation (Revolutionary Centre), All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF), Nepal Dalit Liberation Front, and All Nepal Squatters’ Association have strongly condemned Prime Minister Balendra Sah’s recent statement in the Federal Parliament, describing it as anti-national, surrenderist, and a serious attack on Nepal’s national dignity.
In a joint press release issued on Tuesday, the organizations referred to Prime Minister Sah’s statement from the House of Representatives rostrum that “it appears Nepal has also encroached on India’s land in many places.” They claimed that the remark undermines established historical facts, Nepal’s national sovereignty, and the country’s territorial integrity.
The organizations stated that such a statement, delivered by the head of government from the nation’s highest representative institution, has deeply hurt the national pride of the Nepali people. The statement further argued that the remark dishonors the sacrifices of Nepal’s brave ancestors and martyrs who fought to preserve the country’s independence against British colonialism and Indian border encroachments.
The joint statement demands that Prime Minister Sah immediately withdraw his remarks, issue a public apology through Parliament, and correct what the organizations describe as views contrary to the national interest.
Government Accused of Restricting Democratic Rights
The organizations also accused the government led by Balendra Sah of attempting to undermine trade union rights won through decades of struggle by the working class. According to the statement, the government is trying to curtail the constitutionally and internationally recognized rights of students, teachers, civil servants, and various people’s organizations to organize and struggle for their rights.
The statement further alleges that the government has demolished homes in informal settlements in the Kathmandu Valley and other parts of the country without providing alternative arrangements, displacing thousands of residents. It also claims that the government has adopted policies that threaten the livelihoods of millions of landless Dalits, squatters, and unmanaged settlers across the country.
Budget and Policy Agenda Criticized as Anti-Poor
The joint statement concludes that the government’s recently unveiled policies, programs, and budget are contrary to the interests of farmers, workers, Dalits, squatters, unemployed youth, and other marginalized communities.
The organizations accuse the government of pursuing neoliberal and anti-people policies that prioritize the interests of a limited elite while neglecting key issues such as production, employment, agricultural development, land reform, social justice, and people’s livelihoods. They describe the current administration as being “against farmers, workers, Dalits, squatters, and other oppressed communities.”
Warning of Future Struggle
The four organizations, which have significant influence among the masses, have called on the Prime Minister to withdraw his statement, respect democratic and organizational rights, guarantee trade union freedoms, ensure land and housing rights for squatters and landless citizens, and address the demands of farmers, workers, Dalits, and squatter communities.
They have also warned that if these demands are ignored, they will be compelled to launch strong struggles to defend the nation’s dignity, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the democratic rights of the people.
The joint statement was signed by Chitra Bahadur Shrestha, Chairperson of the All Nepal Peasants Federation (Revolutionary Centre); Jagat Bahadur Simkhada, Chairperson of the All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF); Daljit Shripali, Chairperson of the Nepal Dalit Liberation Front; and Amar Pariyar, Chairperson of the All Nepal Squatters’ Association.
