Investigation Launched After Burning of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Books in Nepal
Image source, NurPhoto via Getty Images
An investigation has been launched after numerous copies of a book authored by Chinese President Xi Jinping were burned at an educational institution in eastern Nepal, following diplomatic objections from Beijing.
Yubaraj Kattel, Chief District Officer at the Morang District Administration Office, said a committee has been formed to investigate the incident amid its diplomatic sensitivity.
“We have established an investigative team of five members chaired by Deputy Chief District Officer Saroj Koirala. The team has been asked to submit a report within 15 days,” Kattel said.
“The team’s responsibilities include uncovering the facts, recommending disciplinary measures if anyone is found guilty, and proposing necessary steps to prevent recurrence of such incidents.”
Details of the Book Burning Incident
A video showing books featuring the image of Xi Jinping being burned at the central campus of Manmohan Technical University in Budhiganga, Morang, established in the name of former Prime Minister and UML leader Manmohan Adhikari, was shared on a Facebook page called ‘Live News Raftaar’.
Sonukumar Das, the operator of the media outlet, confirmed that the video of the book burning was live streamed on Facebook. The video was later removed from the page following a request from the Chief District Officer.
The campus administration stated that the incident occurred on Saturday, Falgun 30 (mid-March).
“Among the three laboratories used to teach students, one contained old books and other materials. Since a workshop was to be built, we decided to properly store necessary materials and discard unwanted items,” said Sujan Bhurtel, the university’s Chief Executive Officer.
“Well-maintained books were safely preserved. The books that were dusty and damaged were destroyed during cleanup,” he added.
In a statement released on Chaitra 1 (mid-March), Bhurtel clarified that the Civil Engineering department’s laboratory at the School of Engineering had been cleared and reorganized.
Image source, Screengrab
“Books that were completely damaged and unusable were destroyed during the cleanup. Books in good condition were sorted and preserved,” the statement said.
The university denies targeting any particular book or material for destruction.
“This was not intentional. Other books also existed. Dusty and damaged books were burned to avoid any misinterpretation,” Bhurtel explained.
How Thousands of Xi Jinping’s Books Reached the University
Image source, MTU
Authorities indicated that the books may have originally come from the Manmohan Foundation, which operated at this location prior to the establishment of the university.
“About 9-10 years ago, the foundation was active here, and Bharatmohan Adhikari was involved. The books likely came from that place,” said Chief Executive Officer Bhurtel.
Officials suggest that the Chinese President’s books were likely gifted to the foundation named after the former communist leader for study and distribution.
The remaining books left undistributed by the foundation have come under university management. An internal investigation report also notes that thousands of books remain at the site.
“We still have over 10,000 books in our possession,” Bhurtel stated.
China’s Reaction
Image source, MTU
The Chinese Embassy, via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kathmandu, expressed objection over the burning of books authored by President Xi Jinping and demanded legal action.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs alerted the Ministry of Home Affairs about the issue.
According to ministry spokesperson Anand Kafle, Home Minister Om Prakash Asal has directed that the incident be investigated and the culprits be subjected to legal consequences.
“The Home Ministry has instructed to uncover the truth and legally prosecute those responsible,” Kafle said.
Following this directive, the District Administration Office formed the investigative committee, confirmed Chief District Officer Kattel.
“It does not appear to be a planned act targeting the head of state of a sovereign country or that of a neighboring nation. We are also investigating how the incident occurred,” Kattel said.
Officials also noted that since the campus decided to dispose of unused old items that had accumulated dust, the book burning was not premeditated.
Additional reporting from Bikram Niraula in Biratnagar
For videos and more content related to this story, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The Nepali service is broadcast on radio weekdays at 8:45 PM.
