Author: space4knews

March 26, Kathmandu – A man was arrested on charges of extorting Rs 100,000 per person by claiming that a ‘setting’ was necessary at the Immigration Department of Tribhuvan International Airport for those wanting to travel abroad.

Jagat Gurung, a resident of Lamjung, was apprehended on Wednesday in collaboration between the Immigration Department and the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the police. Director General of Immigration Ramchandra Tiwari provided information that Gurung was caught at K & C International Pvt. Ltd, a manpower agency located in Lazimpat.

The operation was launched after receiving reports that Gurung was demanding money from those eager to leave the country, saying a ‘setting’ at immigration was necessary. He was caught in possession of Rs 100,000 and is being prepared for transfer to the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office at Teku for further investigation.

Mingmar Dorje Sherpa (43) and his wife, residing in Solukhumbu’s Dudhkunda Rural Municipality–2, were involved in this case. His sister has been doing business in South Korea and had initiated the D-8 (Investor) visa process for Mingmar and his wife, Dawa Jangmu Lama (41), to go to Korea.

On February 26 (14 Falgun), Mingmar and his wife visited the South Korean Embassy at Rabi Bhawan to apply for their D-8 visas. While preparing the necessary documents, Mingmar came into contact with a person named Nabin, who was outside the embassy.

Recently, Nabin told Mingmar that the Immigration Department might block their visa process and introduced him to the now-arrested Jagat. According to Mingmar, he was then asked for money to arrange the ‘setting’ at immigration.

“After completing the documentation, I was put in touch with Jagat through Nabin. Then I was told that a ‘setting’ at immigration is required, and I was asked for money,” Mingmar said.

Fourteen days after this incident, on March 10, the couple received their Korea visa. However, Jagat repeatedly contacted them, warning that without the proper ‘setting’ at immigration, they would not be allowed to depart for Korea.

Upon receiving the visa, Mingmar returned to Solukhumbu but was soon called back, being urged to meet quickly. According to Mingmar, even after returning to Kathmandu, Jagat allegedly instilled fears by saying the visa would not include a work permit, immigration might stop or return them, ticket costs could be lost, or the visa could be canceled.

They had already booked Thai Air tickets for March 26 at a rate of Rs 110,000 per person, totaling Rs 220,000 for the two. Jagat threatened them that if they did not pay for the ‘setting’ at immigration, they would be sent back.

“The flight was scheduled for the next day, and I was warned that without payment, I would be returned from immigration. This caused me immense stress. After informing a known employee, I was advised to go to immigration personally. Upon visiting this morning, it became clear that I was being defrauded using the name of the Immigration Department,” Mingmar explained.

Mingmar filed a complaint today at the Immigration Department about the extortion attempt. Following this, Director General Tiwari coordinated with the CIB to arrest Jagat, who was demanding the money.

Jagat was arrested after receiving Rs 100,000 immediately, with the remaining amount to be paid the next day. The arrest was made from Lazimpat in cooperation with the CIB, and he was brought to the Immigration office.

Director General Tiwari urged everyone to be vigilant against those openly demanding money by using the name of the Immigration Department.

“Immigration should not stop anyone who has completed the necessary documents from leaving the country. If anyone demands money claiming it is necessary for immigration or to avoid blockage, I urge all to report it,” Tiwari stated.

March 25, Kathmandu – Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal said that success was attained through efforts driven by collective leadership. Speaking at a program held on Wednesday before taking leave from the ministry, he stated that due to collective leadership, the ministry was able to successfully complete its assigned responsibilities.

Minister Aryal remarked, “Without collective leadership, it would have been difficult to smoothly overcome such a major crisis. Working with professionalism at the center, I have experienced that any challenge can be resolved with ease.”

He thanked the ministry’s secretary, employees from various branches and divisions, partners from the secretariat, and heads of security agencies, noting that everyone demonstrated their capacities and creativity in their roles.

At times, while the truth remains the same, differing perceptions can lower morale; therefore, overcoming incorrect perceptions to get work done is a notable challenge, he added.

He outlined that during his tenure, the ministry’s key responsibilities were the normalization of peace and security, ensuring good governance, and successfully holding elections – all of which were possible due to collective cooperation.

He also extended his thanks to all parties for the peaceful conduct of the elections, stating that it reflects the fact that the morale of security personnel remained strong.

March 26, Kathmandu – Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has rejected the punishment recommendations made against him by the investigation commission led by Gauribahadur Karki, labeling them baseless. Speaking at an event held Thursday at the UML headquarters in Chyasal, Oli asserted that there is no judicial basis for the criminal charges recommended against him.

“Currently, the recommendations propose investigation and prosecution under Sections 181 and 182 of the 2074 Criminal Code against the Chairman of the CPN-UML and former Prime Minister,” Oli said. “Under Sections 181 and 182, the accused person must be physically present at the scene of the incident and the incident must have directly involved them. Whether intentional or negligent, evidence of their direct presence is essential.”

He explained that since he was not present at the location, any claim that negligence on his part caused the incident is legally untenable. “I have already stated that the Prime Minister neither fires shots nor gives orders to do so. Now, in between, people have died—who will take responsibility for that?” Oli questioned.

Furthermore, he criticized recommendations made by judges and senior police officials as entirely baseless and legally inappropriate.

According to Oli, the 10th Central Committee of the CPN-UML has already raised questions regarding the officials in this commission.

“We had previously expressed concerns, especially given that these individuals have demonstrated a hostile and biased stance against our party, effectively pre-judging their decisions. Entrusting responsibility to such persons was erroneous, and consequently, a report reflecting the truth based on facts cannot emerge,” Oli added.

March 25, Kathmandu – CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has reflected on the party’s failure to respond to falsehoods and vulgar propaganda directed at UML. Speaking at the party headquarters in Chyasal on Thursday while addressing newly elected parliamentarians, Oli asserted that UML’s inability to counter such naked propaganda contributed to the party’s electoral defeat.

“We were targeted with false, rude, and obscene propaganda. Our civilized approach was unable to effectively counter it,” Oli stated. “Instead, a tendency grew within us to remain silent, unsure of what to say or how to respond. We failed to stand firm against this.”

He shared that he had previously conveyed this message to party lawmakers. “Years ago, I said something: When you see a naked ox, there is no need to feel embarrassed because that is how that species is. An ox never wears clothes,” Oli explained.

“Some people expose themselves according to their intent; we must also learn to confront that,” Oli added.

Oli claimed that the party cadre did not sufficiently pay attention to defending against attacks launched through social media. “We developed a mindset of expecting others to handle it for us,” he said.

He noted that the reluctance to speak out prevented the truth from reaching the public. “Only a few within the party spoke up, while most remained passive,” he remarked.

Oli emphasized that UML has not fallen due to wrongdoing. “We have been outpaced due to our good deeds; thus, there is no need to despair. We are on the path of truth,” he concluded.

March 25, Kathmandu – The newly elected members of the House of Representatives have taken their oath of office.

They were sworn in during a ceremony held at the temporary building of the Parliament at Singha Durbar.

The senior member of the House of Representatives, Arjun Narasingh KC, administered the oath of office and secrecy to the members.

Immediately after the oath-taking, each member was provided with a bag by the Federal Parliament Secretariat. The bag contains the Constitution, the Rules of Procedure of the House of Representatives, and the Rules of Procedure for conducting joint sessions.

12 Chaitra, Kathmandu. Five days after the social media ban imposed by the KP Sharma Oli government, on 23 Bhadra, the Navayuva Group staged protests opposing the ban.

During the protests, on 24 Bhadra, demonstrators launched a violent attack on then Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba and former Foreign Minister Dr. Arju Rana Deuba at their residence in Budhanilkantha.

The protesters also caused damage and set fire to Deuba’s residence. On the 36th day after the attack, 28 Asoj, former Prime Minister Deuba appeared publicly for the first time at a Central Working Committee meeting.

Addressing the meeting, he announced that Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka would be assigned the responsibilities of acting president. Deuba also expressed his readiness to transfer party leadership.

He committed to formally handing over leadership through the 15th general convention. Deuba expressed confidence that the Central Working Committee would seriously deliberate and make necessary decisions to conduct the convention within the stipulated timeframe.

Under acting president Khadka’s chairmanship, the Congress held a Central Working Committee meeting for a historic 49 days. However, consensus over the 15th general convention remained unattained within the party.

After the election of the House of Representatives, the then establishment faction and the Gagan Thapa group, the former General Secretary, conflicted over whether a regular general convention should be held before the polls. Meanwhile, Deuba had returned from treatment in Singapore.

During the committee meeting, the Thapa faction accused Deuba of increasing activities within the party as chairman. When the possibility of a regular convention seemed unlikely, the faction organized a special general convention in the last week of Poush.

Held at Bhrikuti Mandap in Exhibition Road, the special general convention dissolved the Central Working Committee elected at the 14th general convention and selected a new committee under Thapa’s leadership.

Earlier, at a Central Working Committee meeting in Sanepa, the then committee had sanctioned General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwaprakash Sharma along with Co-General Secretary Farmullah Mansur by stripping them of all positions, including regular membership.

The Congress dispute escalated to the Election Commission. The Commission recognized the committee elected through the special convention. The dissatisfied Deuba faction took the matter to the Supreme Court.

While the official status issue remains under judicial consideration, Congress contended in the House of Representatives elections on 21 Falgun. The party failed to achieve the expected results.

Following the electoral defeat, Thapa, taking moral responsibility as president, resigned on 3 Chaitra. However, Congress convened a Central Working Committee meeting on 6 Chaitra and decided on 7 Chaitra to reject the resignation.

After the resignation was rejected, President Thapa convened another meeting on 10 Chaitra, which resolved to hold the 15th general convention from Magh 16–19 the next year.

Due to the faction that does not recognize the special general convention, questions have emerged regarding participation in the scheduled convention in Kathmandu. The outgoing president Deuba’s faction has rejected the legitimacy of the special convention.

Deuba Faction: A Unilateral Convention is Not Possible

While the establishment faction has released a timetable for the 15th general convention, other groups have responded that a unilateral convention is untenable. Leaders from other groups stress the necessity of party unity.

Leader Dr. Prakashsharan Mahat said, “Announcing separate conventions will not resolve the issue, so we must wait for the decision on the 22nd. That is essential to unite.”

He emphasized the need for collaborative preparation and shared participation in a regular convention, fostering trust among all members to unify the party.

Leader Min Bishwakarma similarly stated that a unilateral convention is implausible. “Without consensus, this cannot happen,” he asserted.

Indra Baniya, chairperson of Bagmati Province’s Central Working Committee elected in the 14th convention, stressed the importance of progressing with a convention that unites all factions. He suggested seeking a win-win resolution for the ongoing court case before advancing.

According to Baniya, a dialogue between the Central Working Committee elected by the special convention, recognized by the Election Commission, and the outgoing committee is crucial to resolving the dispute.

Krisna Yadav, chairperson of Madhesh Province’s committee from Deuba’s faction, also highlighted the necessity of consensus between both sides.

He stated, “Forming a convention organizing committee would foster ownership among leaders and cadres alike. The dissatisfied leadership must also consider this.”

Yadav expressed confidence that all leaders will unite and move forward. Both Baniya and Yadav currently serve as chief ministers in their provinces.

Outgoing Co-General Secretary Mahendra Yadav called for reconciliation between the leadership elected by the special convention and the existing leadership before moving to the 15th general convention.

He stated, “The party must proceed united. The two factions have to come together. It cannot happen separately. Both need to sit together and decide the way forward. That is my view.”

How Will the Establishment and Deuba Factions Reconcile?

Leaders from both factions have confirmed ongoing efforts to reach an agreement between the leadership recognized by the Election Commission and those who have sought recognition from the courts.

Outgoing Co-General Secretary Yadav said, “We are making initiatives. If Congress does not unite, the country might face the same disasters as in the past.”

Leader Mahat underscored the need to form an organizing committee to find common ground and successfully complete a regular general convention.

He explained, “If the main party factions — those associated and those not associated with the special convention — find common ground, form an organizing committee, and ensure common ownership, the leadership emerging from the regular convention will be universally accepted, paving the way forward.”

Leader Bishwakarma urged top leaders to convene and form a convention preparation committee, emphasizing that the current Central Working Committee need not be dissolved but can be designated as the convention organizing committee, enabling unity.

Outgoing spokesperson Mahat highlighted the necessity of roles at all levels to maintain party unity. “Party officials must contribute to uniting during these challenging times. Every level has a role to play,” he appealed. “Let us each perform our duties at our respective levels.”

He stressed that the party cannot be strong without mental and material unification. “Until we achieve both, the party cannot be strong, especially in today’s challenging environment,” he added.

General Secretary Pradeep Paudel said they are ready to proceed through discussions. “We do not intend to insult or harm senior leaders,” he stated.

Paudel said their sole concern is how to uplift the party, maintain unity, and improve the post-election scenario.

Who Will Take the Initiative for Agreement?

Leader Bishwakarma, in charge of the publicity department under the 14th general convention’s committee, emphasized the need to work for party unity regardless of which faction gains official recognition in court.

He said, “Who will take the initiative? Gagan sir and other senior leaders are in the party office. It would be most appropriate to carry it out there. Responsibility will be apparent if Gagan sir or Bishwaj sir undertake it.”

Leader Mahat said he is ready to contribute toward creating an environment of consensus and rallying around shared principles, but all parties must share the same sentiment.

General Secretary Paudel expressed openness to correcting any procedural reservations concerning progressing toward the convention.

He explained, “The operation of the party is governed by laws and regulations pertaining to political parties. We are advancing within the rules and procedures. If there are any issues with our approach, we are willing to rectify them.”

Leaders from the Deuba faction have suggested returning to the status quo of Poush 30 (mid-January) before the special convention elected new leadership to reach consensus. However, the establishment faction has made it clear that there is no going back.

General Secretary Paudel remarked, “This matter has progressed too far. There is no stopping it now. Let us accompany one another from where the process has reached and move forward jointly. Those leaders contributed to bringing the party this far, and we want to respect that. We seek broad unity within the party and want to conduct the 15th general convention including everyone.”

In a recent discussion, Leader Bishwakarma stated that if both factions return to the point of dispute on Poush 30, the party will unite. “If we revert to the disputed point, the party will be unified.”

March 26, Kathmandu – Senior leader Balendra Shah (Balen) of the Rastriya Swatantra Party participated in the oath-taking ceremony today.

He attended the event wearing Silam Sakma.

In Kirati tradition, this attire is regarded as a symbol of good luck and a sacred sign that prevents death and negative omens.

March 25, Kathmandu – The newly elected members of the House of Representatives have taken their oath of office. The ceremony was held at the temporary parliamentary building located in Singha Durbar.

The oath was administered by the senior member of the House, Arjun Narasingh KC, who oversaw the taking of the oath of office and secrecy.

According to the Parliamentary Secretariat, 63 members took the oath in their native languages other than Nepali.

The parliamentarians arrived at Singha Durbar in their traditional attire to take their oath.