March 30, Surkhet – The Surkhet District Court has ordered the detention of all four individuals accused in the Inisa Bik death case. Judge Deepak Dhakal, presiding over the juvenile bench, directed on Tuesday that the four accused be sent to a juvenile correctional facility during the investigation period.
The accused four minors face charges of rape and intentional homicide following allegations that Inisa was sexually assaulted and murdered. Although currently detained at the juvenile correctional home for the duration of the preliminary investigation, the final verdict on the case is yet to be delivered, according to court information officer Ujwal Rawal.
“All four individuals have been ordered to remain in the juvenile correctional home during the investigation,” Rawal stated. “Given the gravity of the incident and the preliminary evidence, the court has ruled that they remain in custody until the investigation is completed and the case proceeds.”
The police submitted their investigative report to the Public Prosecutor’s Office on March 24, concluding that Inisa was not gang-raped but assaulted by a single perpetrator. The 16-year-old minor considered to be Inisa’s boyfriend stated that their sexual encounter was consensual and that she suddenly fainted. He further mentioned calling his friends for assistance in taking her to the hospital. However, on Sunday, the Public Prosecutor’s Office registered charges against all four individuals, asserting that a planned group rape had taken place. Following this, the court ordered all four minors to be sent to the juvenile correction facility on Tuesday.
On February 5 morning, 16-year-old Inisa left her home in Birendranagar–1, stating she was going to attend tuition classes, but was later found unconscious in the Janjagaran Community Forest in Birendranagar–4. She was immediately taken to Karnali Provincial Hospital, where doctors declared her dead. On the same day, the police detained a 16-year-old male believed to be her boyfriend and commenced an investigation. Based on his statement, three additional juveniles were also taken into custody for further inquiry.
The judicial inquiry into Inisa’s death has already started; however, the victim’s family continues to press for justice through protests. They have demanded that the accused not be released and have refused to permit the funeral rites until the perpetrators are punished. Inisa’s body has remained in the morgue of Karnali Provincial Hospital for 24 days.
March 31, Kathmandu – Cooper Connelly marked a remarkable debut by scoring a half-century, leading Punjab Kings to a victorious start in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. On Tuesday at Mullanpur, Punjab defeated Gujarat Titans by 3 wickets, earning 2 points in the tournament. Chasing Gujarat’s target of 163 runs, Punjab reached the mark with 5 balls remaining and the loss of 7 wickets.
The 22-year-old Australian all-rounder Connelly did not bowl but played an impressive innings with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 72 runs off 44 balls, including 5 fours and 5 sixes. Opener Prabhsimran Singh contributed 37 runs, while captain Shreyas Iyer added 18 runs. Gujarat’s Impact Subba made his bowling debut in the second innings after 10 overs, taking 3 wickets conceding only 3 runs in his first 10 deliveries, applying pressure on Punjab. However, Connelly’s steady batting ultimately led Punjab to victory.
Gujarat, having lost the toss, batted first and posted 162 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their 20 overs. Despite a strong start, Gujarat was unable to accelerate towards the end. Captain Shubman Gill scored 39 runs and Jos Buttler made 38 runs. At the halfway mark, Gujarat was in a commanding position at 84 for 2, but could only add 78 runs in the remaining 10 overs. Punjab’s Vijaykumar Vaishak took 3 wickets for 34 runs in 4 overs, while Yuzvendra Chahal claimed 2 wickets for 28 runs in his 4 overs. The IPL action continues on Wednesday with a clash between Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants.
17 Chaitra, Kathmandu – Home Minister Sudhan Gurung met with senior citizens who were abused by cadres of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) during protests following the arrest of party chairman and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Gurung visited these senior citizens at his residence in Lalitpur on Tuesday.
The senior citizens were reportedly attacked by UML activists who had taken to the streets to demonstrate against Oli’s detention. An individual named RB Sharma, also known as Ram Sharan Sharma Bajgain, residing in Godawari Municipality-10, Takhel, Lalitpur, has been arrested in connection with the assault on these elders.
After meeting the victims, Home Minister Gurung received gratitude from the senior citizens for his support during their difficult time. According to his secretariat, the minister happened to meet them on his way back home after completing official duties.
March 21, Kathmandu – Foreign ministers of Pakistan and China have jointly presented a five-point proposal concerning the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Tuesday. During the meeting, both ministers reviewed the current situation in West Asia and put forward a shared five-point stance aimed at resolving the crisis.
Immediate cessation of war: Both foreign ministers appealed for an immediate halt to hostilities and emphasized the importance of preventing further escalation. They stressed the need to allow humanitarian assistance to reach affected regions without obstruction.
Prompt initiation of peace talks: The ministers called for the swift commencement of peace negotiations. According to their joint understanding, the sovereignty, regional integrity, national independence, and security of Iran and Gulf countries must be ensured.
They agreed that dialogue and diplomatic means remain the only effective options for resolving disputes. Protection of civilians and non-military zones: Both leaders underscored the importance of safeguarding civilians during military conflicts. They urged all parties to immediately cease attacks on civilian and non-military areas and to fully comply with international humanitarian law.
Additionally, they requested no attacks on energy infrastructure, water purification plants, power stations, and peaceful nuclear facilities.
Security of maritime routes: Noting that the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding areas serve as critical maritime routes for global goods and energy supplies, both foreign ministers emphasized the need to ensure the safety of ships and crews stranded in the region.
They also concurred on the importance of guaranteeing the safe and prompt movement of civilian and commercial vessels. Furthermore, they agreed to maintain regular, normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Role of the United Nations: China and Pakistan expressed a shared commitment to promoting a multipolar world order, strengthening the role of the United Nations, and supporting comprehensive agreements aimed at lasting peace based on the UN Charter and principles of international law.
Gianni Infantino, President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), has confirmed that Iran will participate in the World Cup and that their matches will take place in the United States as originally scheduled. Iran is set to play against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21, respectively, and against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
Speaking to AFP, Infantino stated, “Iran will be at the World Cup. They are a very strong team, and I am very pleased. The matches will take place at the venues as drawn.” Mahdi Mohammadanabi, Vice President of the Iran Football Federation, emphasized that FIFA’s rules are paramount and that they respect all decisions made by FIFA.
Uncertainty about Iran’s participation had arisen due to ongoing tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Previously, the Iran Football Federation had been in discussions with FIFA about relocating their matches from the United States to Mexico.
Infantino recently observed Iran’s 5–0 friendly victory against Costa Rica in Turkey. He remarked, “I have spoken with the team, players, and coaching staff, and everything is in order.” Mahdi Mohammadanabi also noted that Infantino’s support has energized the players further.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) will hold its annual conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, from July 8 to 11 this year. This venue was confirmed during a recent virtual board meeting, as reported by cricket news outlet Cricbuzz. The conference will be led by ICC Chairman Jay Shah and is scheduled to take place immediately following the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
The conference will also feature significant elections related to the representation of Associate Members. Three directors from Associate nations will be elected to the 17-member board, each serving a two-year term. Candidates from various countries are expected to contest the elections. Potential nominees include Stephen Musale from Rwanda, Dr. Rudy van Buuren from Namibia, Neil Speight from Bermuda, and Shankar Rangnathan from the United States. Current Associate representatives Gurumurthi Palani, Mubashir Usmani, Mahinda Vallipuram, and Vice-Chairman Imran Khwaja have also announced their intention to run. Previously, the board meeting scheduled to be held in Doha, Qatar, from March 25 to 27 was postponed due to ongoing conflicts in West Asia.
Tottenham Hotspur has appointed Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach on a five-year contract. De Zerbi will face the challenge of keeping Tottenham clear of relegation during the remaining seven matches of the season. Currently, Tottenham sit 17th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone. The contract does not include a relegation release clause.
De Zerbi stated, “I am extremely pleased to work at one of the world’s most prestigious clubs. The club has clear ambitions for the future, and I have come here to fulfill that.” Tottenham parted ways with coach Igor Tudor by mutual agreement prior to this appointment. De Zerbi was the club’s first choice, and following successful discussions that began on Sunday, he was immediately appointed.
De Zerbi’s first match will be on April 12 against Sunderland, followed by a game against his former club Brighton. Tottenham’s sporting director Johan Lange said, “De Zerbi was our first choice. He is one of the best modern coaches with an attacking style.”
The incidence of non-communicable diseases is rapidly rising in Nepal, with over 193,000 annual deaths attributed to these illnesses.
Kidney disease patients Hastimaya Limbu and Rambahadur Tamang have undergone kidney transplants but face severe financial hardship due to treatment costs.
The government has implemented a multisectoral plan to prevent non-communicable diseases, yet greater emphasis appears placed on treatment over prevention.
March 30, Kathmandu – The life story of 55-year-old Hastimaya Limbu from Jhapa resembles a dramatic film. After her husband became unreachable, she single-handedly supported her two daughters and traveled to Oman in 2016 (2073 BS) for employment.
Life in Oman was extremely tough for Limbu. She worked continuously as a domestic worker from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. “I took care of cleaning, cooking, and laundry,” she recalled, “Working day and night left my body aching, and sometimes I had to take painkillers.”
Despite extreme heat, she drank only boiled water. The heavy workload caused her to suppress the urge to urinate, seriously affecting her health. She lost appetite, suffered severe back pain, and experienced persistent vomiting. One day, she fainted and was rushed to the hospital by her employer. There, she was shocked to learn both her kidneys had failed.
After four days of dialysis, her employer sent her back to Nepal. Returning amid the COVID-19 pandemic brought additional challenges—her health deteriorated due to the infection while undergoing dialysis.
Her struggle continued. Her sister was also prepared to donate a kidney, but was found to have gallstones and required gallbladder removal. Finally, in March 2023 (2080 BS), Hastimaya’s kidney transplant was successful. She shared, “I have spent over 6 million Nepali rupees for this.”
“At home, I had to cook meat dishes daily. Especially, the employer liked heavily salted meat,” she said. “I may have damaged my kidneys by eating salty meat.”
Currently, she visits Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital periodically for follow-ups. “Now I depend on others to survive,” she said. “My monthly medication alone costs 15,000 rupees.”
Similar difficulties are faced by 52-year-old Rambahadur Tamang from Kavre. Living in rented accommodation in Kathmandu and supporting his family by daily wage labor, he would leave for work in the morning and return in the evening.
“When living alone, I did not feel like cooking. I ate market food morning and evening,” he admitted. “This affected my health.”
He pointed out that communities consuming readily available oily, salty, and junk food can experience deteriorating health.
Tamang developed fatigue, numbness, and worsening health. When critically ill and hospitalized, he was informed that his kidneys had failed. He spent several years on dialysis.
His son donated a kidney two years ago, successfully enabling a transplant, but the financial crisis pushed the family toward destitution.
“We used to consume large amounts of oil and junk food from the market,” he recalled. “That habit caused my kidney damage.”
The government provided 500,000 rupees in support for the transplant, but the cost of medicine and additional expenses exceeded that. “We had to sell land and property to cover treatment costs,” he revealed.
These incidents highlight the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. Public health specialist Dr. Kedar Baral stated, “Changes in lifestyle and diet have led to increased disease rates.”
Experts note that dietary and lifestyle changes in recent years have elevated disease risks. While infectious diseases were the leading cause of death previously, non-communicable diseases have now become predominant.
Among Nepal’s top 10 causes of death, eight are non-communicable diseases. Board of Disease Statistics reports over 193,331 deaths annually due to these illnesses.
Cardiovascular diseases claim around 46,399 lives per year. Chronic respiratory diseases cause 40,792 premature deaths. Tumors and cancers account for 21,653 deaths annually. Other diseases also contribute thousands of fatalities each year.
Experts attribute primary causes to modern lifestyles and unhealthy dietary patterns. Seventy-one percent of mortality in Nepal results from these conditions.
Professor Dr. Madhusudan Subedi of Patan Academy of Health Sciences explained that the number of patients has surged rapidly in the last three decades. Previously, heavy physical labor was common, but dependence on motorcycles and scooters has increased now.
Treatment costs for non-communicable diseases are pushing many families into economic hardship, with over five hundred thousand people annually falling below the poverty line due to medical expenses.
According to Dr. Subedi, consumption of oily, processed, and fast foods has led to increased cases of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
“We think we are eating healthily, but pesticide-laden food harms our well-being,” he said.
Senior cardiologist Dr. Rajendra Koju observed that many foods available in markets contain excessive fats. Fried, salted, and frozen foods increase trans fats, posing long-term health risks.
Trans fats raise cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity risks, and increase vulnerability to heart, kidney, and brain diseases.
Research on fatty foods shows increased use of trans fats in biscuits, cookies, samosas, chips, cakes, pizzas, momos, and other commonly consumed items.
The Non-Communicable Disease Costs for the Vulnerable Have Doubled in Five Years
Government data shows that the number of impoverished citizens receiving assistance through expensive medicine programs has doubled over five years. Patients with cancer, heart disease, dialysis, and kidney transplants have increased.
Expenses have also doubled within this period—from 214 million rupees in fiscal year 2020/21 to 442 million in 2023/24.
This service is also being provided through the Health Insurance Board, with over 46,000 poor patients receiving care via insurance.
Analysis by the Department of Health shows that hypertension, diabetes, and cancer patients rely heavily on insurance-provided services. Non-communicable diseases account for half of these claims.
Experts like Malla emphasize the rising patient numbers and financial burdens on the health system due to these chronic illnesses.
Citizens bear approximately 40% of their own treatment expenses. Kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, and heart diseases impose long-term economic strain.
Health economist Ghanshyam Gautam emphasizes that prevention is more cost-effective than treatment and urges government investment in prevention programs.
Smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, obesity, and stress exacerbate these issues.
Government data reveals that the average health service use costs roughly 27,000 rupees, potentially causing chronic financial hardship.
Nepalis tend to focus on treatment only after falling ill. Cardiologist Dr. Bhagwan Koirala advocates for mandatory prevention and regular screening to avoid disease onset.
Dr. Koirala highlights the need for greater government investment in prevention over treatment.
The Disease Web Spread by Pollution and Junk Food
Experts state that smoking, poor diets, physical inactivity, obesity, and stress are increasing non-communicable diseases.
Dr. Rajendra Koju, senior cardiologist at Dhulikhel Hospital, reports heart attacks occurring at younger ages, primarily due to smoking.
Cardiovascular diseases also elevate stroke risk. Neurosurgeon Dr. Rajiv Jhakri predicts stroke may become a leading cause of death over the next 8-10 years.
Chest disease specialist Dr. Raju Pangeni notes that chronic respiratory diseases affect over 90% of patients, including COPD, asthma, and bronchitis.
According to Dr. Pangeni, asthma is prevalent among those over 40, with air pollution and smoking as main causes.
“Environmental pollution and unhealthy diets weaken immunity,” she said.
Cancer specialist Dr. Vivek Acharya links poor diet, unbalanced routines, and unhealthy lifestyles to increased cancer risks.
Packaging, junk, and processed foods are major contributors to cancer incidence.
Excessive meat, junk, and salty food intake raise digestive tract cancer risks, Dr. Acharya added.
“Sedentary lifestyles and low physical activity increase obesity and cancer risk,” he explained.
Previously, Nepalis primarily ate home-cooked meals, but there has been a surge in fast and processed food consumption now.
Gastroenterologist Dr. Bhupendra Kumar Basnet explained that heavy oil use in many foods increases digestive problems and cancer risks.
Chemical additives also negatively affect health.
Late diagnosis of digestive diseases complicates treatment and increases mortality.
Kidney disease poses another significant public health challenge, with diabetes, hypertension, and obesity driving its rise.
Kidney specialist Dr. Rishikumar Kafle stated that kidney failure requires transplantation or dialysis. However, transplantation is not accessible to all, leaving many dependent on lifelong dialysis—a major challenge.
Kidney disease patients increase by approximately three thousand annually. Thousands await transplantation, but only about 200 surgeries occur yearly.
Citizens seeking treatment at Bir Hospital / File Photo
The Ministry of Health and Population reports that non-communicable diseases are spreading like an epidemic. A multisectoral prevention program covering 2021-2025 has been implemented, with a new 2026-2030 action plan underway.
This plan aims to reduce premature deaths from heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic illnesses by 33%.
However, active involvement from all levels and bodies is necessary for success.
Major factors contributing to non-communicable diseases lie outside the health sector as well, including pollution, waste management, pesticides, and chemical exposure.
The previous plan incorporated a multisectoral approach but lacked effective implementation. The government now plans to coordinate policies, resources, and programs more clearly.
Dr. Bikash Devkota emphasizes that not only the health sector but other sectors must reduce factors adversely affecting health.
Public health expert Dr. Kedar Baral noted that since non-communicable diseases are linked to lifestyle, lifestyle improvements are essential. “The government focuses more on treatment, but prevention needs greater efforts,” he stated.
Dr. Sharad Bant added that the health sector alone cannot control non-communicable diseases; intersectoral collaboration is mandatory. He cited weak policy formulation and implementation.
Dr. Rita Thapa described non-communicable diseases as a spreading epidemic, attributing it largely to lifestyle and habits.
Citizens seek treatment at Bir Hospital / File Photo
“Children consume tobacco products, parents feed them junk food, physical activity declines, and stress increases,” said Dr. Thapa.
She stated that the government spends more on treatment than prevention, with too little attention on prevention.
According to Thapa, healthy lifestyle education should begin at school, as adolescent smoking and junk food consumption start early.
While developed countries have gained control over these diseases, Nepal—as a developing country—is witnessing a growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases.
Medical sociologist Madhusudan Subedi suggests the government increase investments in disease prevention, screening, and awareness programs.
Dr. Das indicated smoking, unhealthy diets, and sedentary lifestyles as major causes, recommending increased taxation on these behaviors.
Health economist Gautam argues that prevention investment is more cost-effective and beneficial long-term compared to treatment.
The new government led by Balendra Shah recently unveiled a list of 100 governance reform agendas. Among these, the agenda includes an official apology from the state for decades of discrimination against Dalits. Although this issue has been raised repeatedly over many years, this time the new government has prioritized it at the very beginning of its action plan. In this context, Prakashchandra Pariyar, a central committee member of Rastriya Swatantra Party and a Member of Parliament, remarked in an interview, “I am also an advocate for social justice.”
Speaking about his political journey and experience, Pariyar stated, “We believe in continuous, constructive, and positive intervention and must always strive for better efforts.” He attributed the significant voter support in this election to the growing political awareness of alternative ideologies. He also emphasized the need to expand alternative politics beyond Kathmandu.
He elaborated on the meaning and necessity of the state issuing an apology, saying, “What does it mean for the state to apologize? And why was this necessary?” Highlighting the importance of the apology for enhancing Nepal’s reputation internationally, he explained, “Even if a country advances in development, prosperity, and good governance, if discrimination, caste-based prejudice, and other inequalities persist, the state must seek forgiveness for these issues.”
Continuing, he remarked, “Our Constitution of 2072 (2015 AD) itself is a great achievement.” However, he noted that various laws necessary for its proper implementation are yet to be enacted. Pariyar emphasized, “The approach we desire is to link the law with service delivery and social security so that those facing discrimination clearly feel that the state is on their side.”
Rastriya Swatantra Party MP KP Khanal has urged Prime Minister Balendra Shah to focus on the conservation of the rare ‘Nau Muthte’ cattle native to Achham district. Khanal emphasized that studying this unique breed, establishing proper cattle sheds, and marketing the products from these cattle could significantly contribute to the economic development of Sudurpashchim Province. The MP also highlighted the urgent need to complete the Seti Highway, initiate academic programs at Shaheed Dashrath Chand Health Science University, and reopen the long-closed Wasuling Sugar Mill. March 30, Kathmandu.
MP Khanal drew the Prime Minister’s attention to the conservation of the endangered ‘Nau Muthte’ cattle breed found solely in Achham during a discussion on Tuesday involving Sudurpashchim Province lawmakers addressing regional issues and solutions. During the dialogue, the Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of marketing products derived from the ‘Nau Muthte’ cattle. Khanal stressed that the government must take immediate steps for the research and preservation of this rare breed, which is on the verge of extinction.
“It is necessary to study this rare breed unique to Achham and construct organized cattle sheds,” Khanal said. “Properly marketing cow urine, dung, milk, and ghee produced from these cattle will substantially boost the economic prosperity of Sudurpashchim.” The ‘Nau Muthte’ cattle, considered an indigenous breed of Achham, is recognized as the smallest cattle breed worldwide. During discussions about development projects and budget inclusion for Sudurpashchim, MP Khanal also put forward several other agendas.
He underscored the need to immediately start academic sessions at Shaheed Dashrath Chand Health Science University based in Geta, expedite the construction of the Seti Highway connecting Tikapur, Bajhang, and Taklakot, and revive the Wasuling Sugar Mill, which has been shut down for over 20 years. Additionally, Khanal raised concerns regarding the Mahakali Corridor, Chisapani–Mangalsen road section, quarantine management at Khakraul border, and the proper handling of stray livestock during the discussions.
Kathmandu, Chaitra 17 – In Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, 10 extremists attempting to take over a school were killed in retaliatory action by security forces. According to BBC Urdu, the incident occurred in the Alakhel area of Bara Tehsil in Khyber district when members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) tried to hoist their flag at the school. Security forces responded with force, resulting in the deaths of 10 individuals at the scene.
In the Himalayan JavNational Basketball League 2026, Tribhuvan Army Club defeated Kirtipur 96-79, while KVC Hounds triumphed over ROEL with a commanding 100-69 victory. Following the league stage, the top four teams will advance to the playoffs, with the winner receiving a cash prize of NPR 400,000. (March 31, Kathmandu)
On Tuesday at the Dashrath Rangashala Covered Hall in Tripureshwor, the Tribhuvan Army Club clinched a 96-79 win against Kirtipur. Army surged ahead by winning the first quarter 31-16 and the second quarter 27-13, securing a 58-29 lead by halftime. The third quarter ended in a 23-23 tie, and though Kirtipur outscored Army 27-15 in the fourth quarter, they could not prevent Army from taking the victory.
Kirtipur’s Lucky Maharjan scored an impressive 43 points and was named Player of the Match. For the victorious Army team, Simon Gurung contributed 20 points. Army, now second in the standings with 21 points from 11 games, overtook Kirtipur, which stands fifth with 13 points from 11 matches.
Earlier on Tuesday, KVC Hounds defeated ROEL by a wide margin of 100-69. After trailing 23-28 in the first quarter, the Hounds took control by winning the remaining three quarters. This victory marked the Hounds’ eighth consecutive win. Tomar Harshvardhan of the Hounds was named Man of the Match. The HJNBL, organized by the Nepal Basketball Association (NEBA), features competition among eight teams.
March 30, Kathmandu – The price of aviation fuel has nearly doubled in a recent adjustment. According to the new price revision announced by Nepal Oil Corporation on Tuesday, fuel costs for both domestic and international flights have significantly increased. In the press release issued by the corporation on Tuesday, the price of aviation fuel for domestic flights was raised from NPR 127 per liter to NPR 251 per liter.
Similarly, the price for international flights has been adjusted substantially. In Kathmandu, the price of fuel per kiloliter has risen from USD 966 to USD 1,785. In Pokhara, the price increased from USD 801 per kiloliter to USD 1,732, while in Bhairahawa, it was raised from USD 789 to USD 1,716 per kiloliter.
In the third round of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, Nepal suffered a 1-0 defeat against Laos. Laos captain Bounphachan Bounkong scored in the 47th minute, giving the home team the lead. Nepal managed only 3 points from 6 matches in Group F. Kathmandu, 17 Chaitra.
In the final match of the third round of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, Nepal once again lost to Laos. The Group F match held on Laos’s home ground ended with Nepal losing 1-0. The first half concluded goalless, but Laos took the lead early in the second half. Laos captain Bounphachan Bounkong scored in the 47th minute to put the hosts ahead. Receiving a pass from Choni Vinpasert, Bounkong deftly bypassed Nepal’s captain and goalkeeper Kiran Chemjong before scoring.
Nepal pushed to equalize but could not capitalize on their chances. Both teams missed scoring opportunities in the first half. Nepal wasted a chance to score in the 35th minute when the ball went wide just past the post. Earlier, in the 24th minute, a Laos player’s shot hit the crossbar, and the rebound was safely cleared by Nepal’s goalkeeper, Kiran Chemjong. Previously, in the initial qualifier match held in Laos, Nepal had also lost 2-1. This marks the first time in Nepalese football history that Nepal has suffered consecutive defeats against Laos.
In the preceding five matches of this round, Nepal had won four and drawn one. Already eliminated from the Asian Cup contention, Nepal finished their Group F campaign with only 3 points from 6 matches. These 3 points were awarded not from a win on the field but after the AFC Disciplinary Committee overturned Malaysia’s win due to their use of an ineligible player.
March 30, Kathmandu – The Karki Commission, led by Gaur Bahadur Karki and assigned to investigate the events of September 9 and 10 during the JeNeRGY movement, has submitted an incomplete report.
While the commission completed its investigation of the September 9 incidents by identifying the culprits and recommending specific actions against them, it failed to provide a substantive conclusion regarding the massive destruction that occurred on September 10.
Citing limitations in capacity and time, the Karki Commission distanced itself from conducting a comprehensive probe into the events of the 10th, sparking widespread public criticism of the report.
Following allegations that the government sought to evade accountability for the extensive damage on September 10, a high-level investigation committee was included in the 100-point agenda released by the government last Saturday to specifically examine these events.
The government has committed to establishing this committee within a week, mandating it to collect and analyze all relevant information, identify responsible parties, and submit a report within a fixed timeframe. Further actions will be taken based on the committee’s recommendations.
Despite the government’s efforts to prioritize a separate inquiry into the September 10 events after the Karki Commission report raised questions, the nature and effectiveness of this new committee remain uncertain.
Considering the Karki Commission’s incomplete work, experts express concerns about what kind of investigative committee will handle such a significant incident. There are fears that if the new committee remains loyal to the executive branch, victims of September 10 may once again be denied justice.
“The impartiality of such an investigative committee is crucial,” said senior advocate Hari Upreti. “If it is constituted as a judicial commission, it could gain much greater credibility.”
Currently, there is suspicion that a weaker investigative committee than the previous commission might be formed.
“This massive incident demands a judicial inquiry. If the committee reports directly to the executive, it raises concerns,” said senior advocate Dinesh Tripathi.
He noted that the National Human Rights Commission has already prepared a separate report on the incident, which has not yet been made public. Should that report comprehensively and factually investigate the September 10 events, it could be considered for implementation.
“If a weaker commission or committee is established compared to the current one, it will dilute the issue,” Tripathi added.
The Karki-led commission was formed under the Investigation Act. It cited challenges such as lack of resources, insufficient time, and difficulty obtaining information from some government agencies. Experts say if a powerful commission struggled with these issues, forming a less capable investigative committee would be largely symbolic.
Rajup Prasad Chapagain, chairman of the Accountability Monitoring Group and senior advocate, stated, “If an investigation is to be conducted, it must be free from partisan influence and include independent experts.”
What Did the Karki Commission Report Say About the September 10 Incident?
The commission learned through local inspections and stakeholder interviews that various individuals were involved in the nationwide events of September 10.
The protest on September 9 in Kathmandu was initially peaceful, demanding action against corruption and for good governance. However, by the time it reached Baneshwar Chowk, the crowd had grown large and turned violent. Police gunfire caused casualties and injuries.
The September 10 protest began as a government opposition movement in support of youths killed the day before but soon included people with criminal intentions.
On that day, crimes included looting, vandalism, arson, seizing police weapons, attacking law enforcement, and assaults on political party members, driven by criminal profiles.
CCTV footage and interrogations revealed involvement by employees from various sectors, garage workers, drivers and assistants, construction workers, workshop laborers, and squatters.
Some individuals had escaped from prison or police custody and participated. There were also cases of arson driven by political revenge or personal grudges.
Some radical JeNeRGY youth participated in protests but were not involved in vandalism or looting, though they became part of the crowd where criminal acts occurred.
There were even scenes where some youths urged others to avoid destruction and fire.
Explosive materials were used at critical locations such as Singha Durbar, the Federal Parliament Building, Supreme Court, and the President’s House.
Certain fires targeted places containing special documents, and most attack methods appeared similar across sites.
Actions included disabling government office CCTV cameras, draining water tanks before destruction, attacks on data centers, document burning, looting, and detonating gas cylinders.
Within Singha Durbar, chemicals from fire extinguishers were intentionally spread after being released. The method of setting fire to vehicles in parking areas was consistent nationwide.
However, chemical substances, petrol bombs (Molotov cocktails), and other explosives were used at locations including Singha Durbar, Supreme Court, President’s House, commercial warehouses, and various hotels.
Some residential homes and Bhaktabatti stores suffered looting and arson, resulting in some looters being burned to death.
Although CCTV footage from government offices might be useful for the investigation, many attacked offices had their records damaged or destroyed. A thorough investigation of all September 10 events remains necessary.
So far, the commission has not gathered sufficient evidence to arrest suspects involved in these incidents.
No intelligence reports were provided by any government or non-governmental agencies to assist the commission. Due to limited time, the commission could not conduct an extensive investigation nationwide.
Nevertheless, the commission examined raw BTS data from telephone towers at various key government and private locations during the events of September 10. Telephone numbers of individuals present were requested from Nepal Telecom and NCell and analyzed, as detailed in the report.
