Author: space4knews

March 24, Biratnagar — A driver has been arrested in Sunsari’s Ramdhuni on charges of raping a teenage girl who was traveling via City Safari. On the evening of March 19, the accused, 26-year-old Roshan Bishwakarma, allegedly took the 17-year-old girl to a forest near Dharan, assaulted her, and sexually assaulted her, police reported.

According to DSP Chandra Khadka of the Sunsari District Police Office, the victim was raped while returning to Morang from her home in Dharan. That evening, she was waiting for a vehicle at Bhotepul Chowk.

At that time, the safari driver assured her that other vehicles would not stop there and promised to drop her off at the bus stand she was waiting for. He then got her onto his safari vehicle. However, police stated that he took her to the forest near Sakela Park and committed the assault.

In the formal complaint filed by the victim, it is stated that the accused took her to the forest adjacent to Sakela Park, assaulted her, forcibly committed the rape, and also robbed her mobile phone. The police are preparing to file charges against Bishwakarma for abduction and rape.

March 25, Kathmandu – The National Sports Council (NSC) has officially suspended the leadership of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA).

Following repeated non-compliance with directives, the NSC invoked Section 29 (2) of the Sports Development Regulations 2077 to enact the suspension.

This clause allows the council to suspend any federation for up to three months if it disregards council directives. Consequently, the ANFA leadership led by Pankaj Bikram Nembang has been suspended for this duration.

“Despite multiple written instructions from the regulatory authority to follow national laws in executing required matters as per the existing acts, laws, and the federation’s approved constitution, ANFA prioritized directives from its affiliated international body as mandatory, thereby undermining the supremacy of national law,” the NSC stated.

The council noted that while NSC-approved constitutions must be adhered to literally in terms of rights and responsibilities, ANFA claimed autonomy and failed to provide satisfactory responses as requested by the council.

“Our regulatory authority’s insistence that all federations comply with national laws and approved constitutions is non-negotiable and not subject to interference. The written response submitted by ANFA via email has not been considered adequate and does not meet the requirements under Rule 10(1)(6.1) of the Sports Development Regulations 2079 (Second Amendment). Thus, according to the Executive Committee’s decision based on Section 29(2) of the Sports Development Act, 2077, ANFA has been suspended for three months,” the letter explained.

The dispute arose after the current ANFA leadership attempted to conduct early elections, which are not stipulated in the constitution, three months before their term was due to expire.

When ANFA proceeded with preparations to hold elections on March 26 without NSC approval, the Council repeatedly instructed them not to move forward. However, ANFA ignored these warnings, prompting the NSC to initiate action.

On Tuesday, the NSC sent ANFA a letter with a 24-hour ultimatum demanding an explanation as to why disciplinary action should not be taken. ANFA responded that the elections would not be stopped, which led to the suspension.

With this suspension, Nepali football now faces increased uncertainty. There is a strong possibility that FIFA may also suspend ANFA, which could result in Nepal losing its access to international competitions and FIFA funding.

The NSC has also issued directives for several points of legal and constitutional compliance that ANFA must implement.

Key Directives

1. Federations must ensure uniformity in their constitutions by including a preamble and abbreviation aligned with Rule 7(झ) of the Sports Development Regulations 2079, and submit them for council approval before implementation.

2. The constitution’s definition section must explicitly define “Act” as the National Sports Development Act, 2077.

3. Similarly, “Regulations” must be defined as the National Sports Development Regulations, 2079.

4. The constitution must provide for democratic elections of federation officers and members every four years in accordance with Section 22(ग) of the Act.

5. Elections must be conducted according to subsections 4 and 5 of Section 22 of the Act.

6. Provincial and district associations formed under Section 22(3) must follow Sections 23 and 24 of the Act to establish sport associations and structures at the local level, conducting elections accordingly to ensure representative governance per the constitution.

7. Federations must hold annual general meetings within three months of the fiscal year-end, conduct periodic elections every four years, and obtain council approval for elections as per Rule 7(ग) of the Sports Development Regulations 2079.

8. Necessary amendments and revisions must be made to the constitution in accordance with current laws.

9. ANFA’s election process must align with the provisions of Articles 33 to 37 of its constitution, adhering to the approved constitution and prevailing regulations.

11 Chaitra, Kathmandu – Former AIG (now IGP) Dan Bahadur Karki has stated that during the Janajati movement, when his colleagues abandoned their responsibilities citing illness, he took command of the Kathmandu Valley Police Office through verbal orders.

Karki made these remarks while giving a statement to the Gauribahadur Karki-led commission investigating the Janajati movement incidents on 23 and 24 Bhadra.

Until 23 Bhadra, Karki was serving in the Human Resource Department of the Police Headquarters. At that time, the Kathmandu Valley Police Office at Ranipokhari was without an AIG. On 24 Bhadra, no AIG was willing to assume command; some avoided responsibilities due to illness, and thus Karki took command by verbal instructions.

Karki said he reached the office at 9 am on 24 Bhadra, issued directives, and then proceeded to the Home Ministry. He disclosed that amidst simultaneous violence, vandalism, and assaults, decisions had to be made quickly under severe pressure and time constraints.

He noted that 4,396 police personnel had been deployed across the valley at the time. After the announcement of the social media ban, Karki suggested to the then Communication Minister, Prithvi Subba Gurung, that the ban be lifted.

Additionally, on 23 Bhadra, Karki suggested that resignation and other methods could be suitable measures to prevent potential damage.

Karki’s statement also mentioned the issue regarding National Socialist Party Chairman Ravi Lamichhane’s release from jail. “During that period, among competitors for the post of Police Inspector General, there were some who breached all norms of fair competition; evidence indicates one such competitor deliberately prepared and applied pressure through a complaint,” Karki said.

Regarding the release of detainees, Karki said, “Instructions to release detainees were issued only in limited and special cases when detainees’ lives were at risk, ensuring minimum human rights standards were observed, records were maintained, and detainees agreed to appear when summoned.”

March 24, Kathmandu: The Nepali Congress has decided to assign Vice-Chairman Bishwaprakash Sharma the responsibility to ensure necessary coordination for reviewing, coordinating, and further improving the effectiveness of provincial and local governments.

The Central Working Committee meeting held on Wednesday resolved to give Sharma the responsibility of coordination for reviewing, coordinating, and enhancing the effectiveness of provincial and local governments.

“This meeting decides to provide Vice-Chairman Bishwaprakash Sharma with the responsibility of necessary coordination to review, coordinate, and further improve the roles of party representatives in the provincial parliamentary parties, provincial governments, and local levels,” quoted from General Secretary Pradeep Paudel during the meeting, a central member informed.

According to party leaders, a separate committee will be formed under Sharma’s coordination with the participation of provincial speakers to conduct necessary studies, consultations, and formulate proposals regarding the continuance or discontinuance in provincial governments and the implementation of past alternating agreements.

March 24, Kathmandu – Devraj Ghimire, Speaker of the dissolved House of Representatives, has stated that there is no legal authority for the Speaker to issue direct orders to the Prime Minister, Home Minister, or security agencies to halt gunfire.

Ghimire’s statement is included in the investigation commission’s report. During his testimony to the commission, he suggested that security for the Federal Parliament building should be managed through a single command system with threat analysis and clear protocols, involving deployment of an adequate number of security personnel.

During the protests organized by the Janajati rights group, the International Convention Center in New Baneshwor where the Federal Parliament was in session suffered vandalism and arson.

In his testimony, Ghimire said that on September 8 (Bhadra 23), he was occupied at the Federal Parliament Secretariat in Singha Durbar with oath-taking for the Parliamentary Hearing Committee chairperson and bill certification.

He stated that on September 9 (Bhadra 24), he was at his residence in Baluwatar, emphasizing that security of the Federal Parliament building falls under the jurisdiction of security agencies under the Home Ministry and the Speaker holds no legal authority in this regard.

He further revealed that no one anticipated the risks involved in the protests of September 8 and 9.

In his statement, Ghimire said, “Although there were some preliminary discussions before the session started, no one had anticipated the level of risk posed by the Janajati protests, and I personally had no special information about this.”

He noted that on September 8, some protesters successfully entered the Parliament premises, and the occurrence of protesters in greater numbers and different forms than predicted meant security preparations were insufficient.

He also highlighted ineffective coordination among security forces as a contributing factor.

“The walls, gates, and structural weaknesses of the Parliament building appear to have increased security challenges,” he said. “However, responsibility for such structural improvements and security infrastructure lies with the executive branch and the Home Ministry, so I had not previously made any special initiatives in my capacity as Speaker.”

Ghimire stated that information about gunfire at the Parliament premises on September 8 reached him in the afternoon, after which he directed necessary coordination with security agencies through the Parliament Secretariat’s Secretary General.

He praised the security forces’ attempts to protect state property, the Parliament building, and public assets in risky situations despite questions regarding the principles and order of using force.

He added that evaluating the principles of force, necessity, and justification of firing fall within the remit of relevant experts and agencies based on security policies, laws, and contemporary circumstances.

In conclusion, he said, “This matter does not fall directly under the Speaker’s jurisdiction. There is no legal provision allowing the Speaker to directly order the Prime Minister, Home Minister, or security forces to stop firing. Moving forward, to prevent recurrence of such incidents, I suggest implementing a system where security for the Federal Parliament building is managed by deploying the appropriate number of security personnel under a single command system with clear protocols based on threat analysis.”

March 24, Kathmandu – Prime Minister Sushila Karki has emphasized the necessity of upholding the standards established by the Election Commission during the 2082 House of Representatives election for future polls.

Speaking at a reception ceremony held today at the Election Commission’s office premises in Bahadur Bhawan, Kathmandu, on the occasion of the successful completion of the 2082 House of Representatives election, Prime Minister Karki stated that the peaceful conduct of the election without any re-voting at any polling station sets a standard that should be maintained in future elections.

“This election significantly improved Nepal’s international image, enhanced respect for the country, safeguarded constitutional and democratic values, and furthered the promotion of democracy,” the Prime Minister said.

Recalling the legal and political turmoil as well as security sensitivities when she was appointed Prime Minister at the end of the last week of Bhadra, she noted that successfully conducting the election under such circumstances advanced democratic values and principles.

Although the initial days of the election process were challenging, she added, the determination of the Election Commission and the support of the government enabled its successful completion.

According to an ordinance issued after the election announcement, nearly one million young voters enthusiastically registered and participated to elect their representatives, Prime Minister Karki informed the gathering. She extended her gratitude to the Election Commission for conducting an election that was clean, free, fair, and free from fear.

March 24, Sudurpashchim — Tuberculosis (TB), one of the major public health challenges, is increasingly becoming a problem in the Sudurpashchim Province.

Although the ‘DOTS’ program (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) under medical supervision has proven effective in treating tuberculosis, health workers report that the expected number of patients have yet to be identified within communities, contributing to a rise in the disease burden. Manoj Ojha, TB and Leprosy Inspector at the Health Directorate in Dipayal, stated that failing to identify patients as targeted is aggravating the situation.

“Our country has a good treatment protocol; however, deaths continue due to individuals not receiving treatment,” he noted. “Approximately 40 percent of patients across the province still do not come forward for treatment.”

Ojha highlighted several factors leading to an increased number of cases: symptomatic patients delaying visits to health facilities, limited access to PCR testing methods across all areas, inadequate field-level screening activities, and late treatment initiation despite visible symptoms.

Health professionals emphasize that population density, migration, open borders with India, poverty, and lack of public awareness present significant challenges to controlling tuberculosis in the region.

Among registered patients in the province, only 26 percent are over 65 years old. Kailali district reports the highest number of TB cases, while Kanchanpur has the greatest incidence per 100,000 population.

The annual number of TB patients in the province has been steadily increasing. According to data from the Health Directorate, there were 2,826 patients in the fiscal year 2077/78, 3,424 in 2078/79, 3,214 in 2079/80, 3,618 in 2079/81, and 3,648 in 2081/82.

As of mid-Magha (January) in the current fiscal year, 1,840 tuberculosis patients have been recorded in the province. Among them, Kailali accounts for 812 cases and Kanchanpur for 504. Other districts reported cases as follows: Doti – 78, Achham – 83, Baitadi – 83, Bajhang – 58, Bajura – 81, Dadeldhura – 72, and Darchula – 69.

The Health Directorate reported 65 deaths among TB patients in the province in the current fiscal year. Nationally, over 75 percent of TB cases involve pulmonary tuberculosis, but the disease can also affect the lymph nodes, throat, stomach, liver, kidneys, and brain.

The government provides TB treatment free of charge. It aims to eliminate tuberculosis by the year 2035, targeting a 95 percent reduction in deaths caused by the disease.

Health workers advise anyone experiencing prolonged cough, coughing up blood, difficulty breathing, chest heaviness, sudden weight loss, excessive sweating, or fatigue to visit the nearest health post for evaluation and testing.

March 25, Geneva – A senior official from the United Nations has declared that the world is currently undergoing its most violent phase since World War II. The escalating conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, have had severe consequences on the lives of ordinary civilians and their effects have reverberated worldwide.

According to George Moreira da Silva, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services, the violence and instability have forced large numbers of people to flee their homes, with this number increasing by the hour.

He noted that the conflicts in the Middle East have crossed borders to impact the global economy, with sharp increases in the prices of oil, fuel, and gas being felt worldwide.

Developing countries in Asia and Africa are expected to be among the most affected. Warnings have been issued that global hunger issues will worsen this year, potentially increasing the number of affected individuals by millions.

The United Nations has called on all parties to adhere to Security Council decisions and to pursue diplomatic and peaceful solutions to end the conflicts.

The mentioned office provides project management, procurement, and infrastructure development services in more than 100 countries around the world.

March 24, Kathmandu — Former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has claimed that the videos circulating on social media concerning cash discovered at his home during the Janajati movement could be AI-generated.

Speaking to the commission formed to investigate the crackdown during the Janajati movement, Deuba stated that he was the target of a deliberate conspiracy.

The report submitted by the commission led by Gauribahadur Karki to the government has not been publicly released. The online edition of Jan Aastha weekly has unveiled sections of the report in a series of publications.

Based on a photocopy of the report obtained with the support of Jan Aastha, Deuba stated that he maintained impartiality and did not engage in any political interference.

An edited excerpt from Deuba’s statement to the commission reads as follows: