The police have removed the ticket counters in the Machhapokhari area for buses heading to Dhading and Nuwakot. From now on, these buses will operate exclusively from the new bus park. The metropolitan city has mandated that all public buses departing the valley must do so from within the bus park, prohibiting operations from any other locations. Kathmandu, 11 Baisakh.
According to the Metropolitan Traffic Police, buses and microbuses traveling from Machhapokhari to Dhading and Nuwakot have been removed starting today. These vehicles will only operate from the new bus park. Similarly, ticket counters around the busy Mall area have also been removed by police. The metropolitan city has enforced a rule requiring all public transport buses leaving the valley to depart solely from the new bus park, and the traffic police are making the necessary arrangements accordingly.
Prem Tamang, 33, from Likhu Rural Municipality-5 in Ramechhap, has been arrested by a team from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office. On October 7, 2020, Tamang fatally stabbed 65-year-old Chandrabahadur Yonzon in Changunarayan Municipality-8, Bhaktapur. The police reported that after the murder, he also stole some belongings. Prem Tamang was sentenced to life imprisonment on September 6, 2021. During the Janajati Movement, he escaped from Sundhara Prison. He was recently apprehended from Miter Park. According to SP Rameshwar Karki of the Crime Investigation Office, Tamang has been sent back to Sundhara Prison.
Kathmandu – Starting Friday, the Nepali film ‘Paralko Ago’ and the Hollywood movie ‘Michael’ have been released nationwide in theaters. Both films have been highly anticipated by audiences. The 133-minute Nepali film ‘Paralko Ago’ is based on the renowned story of the same name by Gurup Prasad Mainali. Directed by Laxman Sunar, it stars Suhana Thapa, Saugat Malla, Prakash Saput, and Sirjana Adhikari in leading roles. The film explores themes of family and married life, making it particularly appealing to family audiences. If you have previously read the story ‘Paralko Ago’, you may enjoy its cinematic adaptation.
Meanwhile, the Hollywood film ‘Michael,’ which also premiered Friday, is based on the life of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The movie chronicles his journey from childhood to superstardom. The narrative begins in the 1960s with the Jackson Five group, where a young Michael is compelled to practice music under the strict discipline of his father. Amid challenges, his extraordinary talent emerges, and gradually he establishes himself as a solo artist. He gained worldwide popularity with albums such as ‘Off the Wall,’ ‘Thriller,’ and ‘Bad,’ earning the title ‘King of Pop.’ The film focuses on his rise to fame, complex family relationships, and relentless pursuit of excellence as an artist. The storyline primarily concludes during the peak of the 1980s, particularly around the ‘Bad Tour.’ This biographical musical drama is directed by Antonio Fucó and stars Michael’s nephew, Jafar Jackson, in the lead role.
Former acting president of Nepali Congress, Purna Bahadur Khadka, has called for a group meeting on 15th Baisakh.
The meeting is set to be held at Hotel Smart in Dhumbarahi, inviting office bearers elected at the 14th general convention, central members, district presidents, and regional presidents.
After the Supreme Court dismissed a writ petition regarding the party’s official status, Khadka held a meeting with former central members on 6th Baisakh.
11th Baisakh, Kathmandu – Former acting president of Nepali Congress, Purna Bahadur Khadka, has convened a group meeting scheduled for 15th Baisakh.
According to a central member close to Khadka, the gathering includes office bearers elected at the 14th general convention, central members, district chairs, and regional chairs. The meeting will be held at Hotel Smart in Dhumbarahi.
Khadka’s secretariat has confirmed the call for the group meeting. According to the secretariat, Khadka called the meeting after the 6th Baisakh gathering.
Following the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the writ petition concerning the party’s official status, Khadka held a meeting in Dhumbarahi with former central members on 6th Baisakh. Prior to this, he had consulted with senior leaders at his residence in Golfutar the previous day.
On the same day, party president Gagan Thapa visited Khadka at his Golfutar residence. As of now, no public details have been disclosed regarding their discussions.
According to Congress General Secretary Gururaj Ghimire, the meeting between President Thapa and former acting president Khadka was a courtesy visit. “It was limited to a courtesy meeting only,” he said.
April 24, Kathmandu – The Nepal Medical Council has removed the names of 17 Nepali doctors who obtained foreign citizenship from its official registration records. The council stated that this decision was taken in accordance with the Nepal Medical Council Act, its regulations, and the Nepal Citizenship Act. Since these doctors have renounced their Nepali citizenship and acquired foreign passports, their names were consequently deleted from the registration list. The doctors involved hold citizenship from countries including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, Portugal, and India.
Pradeep Paudel, General Secretary of the Nepali Congress, has expressed serious concerns regarding the suspension of the parliamentary session. Following President Ramchandra Paudel’s call, the parliament was suspended within 24 hours on the government’s recommendation, raising doubts about the possibility of issuing ordinances during this period. General Secretary Paudel has urged the government to uphold the dignity of the democratically elected institution and proceed with transparency.
Kathmandu, 11 Baisakh – Commenting on the suspension of the parliamentary session, General Secretary Paudel said, “This incident has raised suspicions that the government, despite having a strong majority, is attempting to bypass the parliament’s trust and transparency in policy-making by resorting to the ordinance route.” He questioned why the government’s political confidence appears diminished despite having an easy parliamentary arithmetic and favorable political circumstances.
Emphasizing the importance of transparency in democratic processes and procedures, General Secretary Paudel noted that seeking outcomes by violating procedures undermines both practice and dignity. He stated, “Therefore, I request the government to elevate the dignity of the democratically elected institution and to move forward transparently with full trust in the honorable parliament.”
The Gandaki Province government has decided to purchase a car worth 40 million Nepalese Rupees for the Parliamentary Secretariat. This decision was approved during the cabinet meeting held on April 24. On September 9, during the Janajati agitation, four vehicles including those used by the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and the Parliamentary Secretariat were burned. To replace the burned vehicles, cars returned by Panchram Tamang, leader of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) parliamentary group, and Chief Secretary Bindu Paudel are currently in use. According to Finance Minister Jeet Bahadur Sherchan, a principled agreement of 40 million NPR has been reached for purchasing the vehicle, with ongoing discussions to ensure that the new car will be electric.
The cabinet also decided to auction off 114 vehicles that were burned during the Janajati agitation. Additionally, the Gandaki Province government has approved the establishment of a 50 million NPR Emergency Health Service Fund. Minister Sherchan explained that the fund will be created to manage infectious and communicable diseases. It will cover the management of 53 rapid-spreading diseases including new infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Recently, there was an increase in Dadura disease infection in Baglung district, and the lack of funds caused difficulties in controlling the outbreak.
Furthermore, the Gandaki Province government has approved the concept of a contributory pension bill. This bill aims to ensure pension benefits for provincial and local government employees by establishing a contributory welfare fund. Minister Sherchan stated that the cabinet has already passed this concept.
The primary responsibility for guiding society on the right path lies with politics and leadership. The measure of civilization is not determined by the roads we build, but by the people we nurture and their ideas. The new generation, which equates being ‘viral’ with the meaning of life, seems to be forgetting intellectual depth, patience, and creativity. Change is an eternal and unchanging law of creation. Everything—ideas, objects, and systems—transforms over time. However, if this change does not follow its natural pace and direction, society falls into a whirlpool of uncertainty and confusion. Today’s human society stands at that complex crossroads where the bright light of technology points towards the future, yet fundamental old values and beliefs are gradually fading away.
These contradictions in contemporary society confront us with a serious question: Are we truly on the path of transformation, or are we being pushed into a deep chasm of discord? This article deeply examines the erosion of human sensitivity, social distortions, and the way forward. The greatest paradox of the 21st century is that while technology connects us with people around the world, emotionally we are unable to establish genuine relationships with anyone. Smartphones in our hands and affordable internet have transformed the world into a global village, yet silent distances within families have widened.
Currently, we have begun measuring our happiness and success by ‘likes’ and ‘reactions’ on Facebook. Human empathy has become so cheap that, instead of physical presence during someone’s death, writing ‘RIP’ on social media has become the prevalent formal gesture. As we navigate the ocean of information, we are losing the solid island of wisdom and discernment. The new generation, which regards being ‘viral’ as life’s sole purpose, appears to be neglecting intellectual depth, patience, and creativity.
April 24, Kathmandu – U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has been extended for an additional three weeks. According to his post on Truth Social, the decision to prolong the ceasefire period was made following a meeting between Israeli and Lebanese officials held in the Oval Office. Trump also described the meeting as highly positive. U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were also present at the meeting.
“America will work closely with Lebanon,” President Trump stated, “which will strengthen our defense against Hezbollah alongside Lebanon.” He also revealed plans to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House next week. During a conversation with reporters in the Oval Office, Trump shared this information about the leaders’ upcoming visit, as reported by the BBC.
US President Donald Trump has announced that the ceasefire in Lebanon will be extended for an additional three weeks. The first phase of the ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israel has been conducting military operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, was set to expire on Sunday. During the second round of talks held in Washington with Israeli and Lebanese officials, President Trump declared the extension of the ceasefire period.
While the Israeli military claimed to maintain control over areas in southern Lebanon, Hezbollah expressed disagreement with the meeting. Shortly before the talks began, Hezbollah reported a rocket attack in northern Israel. President Trump, speaking to the press from the Oval Office, said that Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were also present at the meeting and described the discussions as “progressing well.”
President Trump stated, “The United States will work with Lebanon to protect it from Hezbollah.” Labeling Hezbollah as a “shared problem” for both Israel and Lebanon, Trump emphasized his commitment to coordinating with these countries to find a solution.
Meanwhile, the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations noted that the extended ceasefire may not be sufficient to completely halt the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which is based in Lebanon and supported by Iran.
Speaking with CNN, Danny Danon said, “The Lebanese government has no control over Hezbollah.” During the ongoing talks, the Israeli military reported that rockets had been fired into its territory from Lebanon. Sirens reportedly sounded in the area of the alleged attack. Subsequently, the Israeli military confirmed it had struck the location from which the rockets were fired.
April 24, Kathmandu – Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki has expressed gratitude towards the government for the decision to retain ownership of the land of the National Police Training Academy under the academy’s possession. On September 6, 2018, the Cabinet had decided to transfer the academy’s 114 ropani 3 anna land to the President’s Office. However, the Cabinet meeting on Thursday reversed this decision, opting not to hand over the Police Academy land near Sheetal Niwas in Maharajgunj to the President’s Office.
Through a post on social media on Friday, Inspector General Karki described this decision as a highly significant and historic achievement for the Nepal Police organization. On April 23, the government agreed to restore ownership of the 114 ropani 3 anna land back to the police academy. “This decision by the Government of Nepal is an extremely important and historic achievement for the Nepal Police organization,” IGP Karki wrote on Facebook, “It is believed that this decision will have a far-reaching positive impact on the institutional strengthening of Nepal Police, the development of long-term physical infrastructure, and enhancement of professional capacity.” He further expressed hope that the Nepal Police will continue to receive ongoing support and guidance from the government for institutional consolidation, professional development, morale boosting, and delivering effective services in the future.
Despite budget allocations for the past three years, the Peace Park construction plan in Beni, Myagdi, has not progressed due to an unresolved site selection.
Beni Municipality had proposed establishing the park on 10 ropani of land behind the Red Cross office at Birendra Chowk, the Forest Division nursery, and residential areas.
The municipality chief, Surat KC, stated that consultations will be held with the general assemblies of wards 7 and 8 to decide the park site.
April 24, Myagdi – There remains uncertainty and confusion over the implementation of the Peace Park construction plan in Beni, the district headquarters of Myagdi.
Although the location of the park has not been finalized, Beni Municipality has allocated budgets annually for the past three years toward the Peace Park project, which has yet to make any progress.
A Detailed Project Report (DPR) estimates the cost at NPR 100 million, aiming to attract tourists traveling from Myagdi to Mustang. However, despite the availability of funds, implementation problems have left local market vendors disappointed.
During the fiscal year 2078/79 (2021/22), Beni Municipality and Gandaki Province government allocated NPR 2 million each for project implementation, and this year the municipality allocated NPR 2.5 million. Nevertheless, work could not begin due to the absence of an agreed site, said Ramesh Shrestha, chair of Ward No. 7.
“The municipality had proposed constructing the park on 10 ropani of land behind the Red Cross office at Birendra Chowk, the Forest Division’s nursery, and residential areas,” he explained. “However, since this area falls under the Barahapakho Community Forest, there are challenges related to forest regulations causing difficulties in progressing the work.”
According to Ward Chair Shrestha, if the proposed site proves unsuitable, an alternative is to develop the park infrastructure on public land at Maharani Than.
At Maharani Than, the pond, resting platforms, and land arrangements for the park have already been completed.
The plan to create a Peace Park related to the Beni clash, which would house related materials and offer leisure spaces for children, senior citizens, and visitors, was initiated on Chaitra 7, 2060 BS (March 20, 2004). Over the past three years, this plan has remained a priority and a point of pride for the municipality.
Vishnu Gautam, chair of the Barahapakho Community Forest User Group, said that if coordination between the municipality and Forest Division is strengthened, site selection problems could be resolved. Although there are no obstacles to project implementation from his side, he emphasized the need for strong municipal will and active participation.
Surat KC, the mayor of Beni Municipality, confirmed efforts are underway to finalize the park construction site and that general assembly meetings of wards 7 and 8 will be convened soon to gather suggestions and advice.
The National Human Rights Commission is set to recommend government action next week regarding the implementation of the report by the commission formed to investigate the Gen Z movement. According to Lili Thapa, chairperson and member of the investigative committee, the commission will recommend action to the government on Wednesday, April 29 (Baisakh 16). “On the same day, the commission will hold a press conference to release a summary of the report,” Thapa said. The recommendations target individuals involved in the police crackdown on September 9 (Bhadra 23) and subsequent destructive incidents on September 10 (Bhadra 24).
Recommendations also include accountability for political and administrative leadership. Responding to questions, Commission member Thapa stated, “The report addresses who is responsible for the events of both days, and the recommendations are based on these findings.” Previously, the commission led by former Special Court Chief Gauribahadur Karki was criticized for inadequate investigation into those involved in the incidents on September 10.
The commission has also studied the role of the current Prime Minister and former Kathmandu Metropolitan City Chief, Balendra Shah, popularly known as ‘Balen.’ An official pointed out, “His name appears in connection with the events on the 10th as well as prior incidents, and discussions from Discord chats have been included in the investigation summary.” According to commission officials, leaders including Balen and Ravi Lamichhane have been recommended for action from a human rights perspective. However, an official also indicated that the commission might not fully endorse the report.
The prospect of recommending action against the current Prime Minister Balen has sparked debate on what could follow if such a measure is implemented. Constitutional expert Surya Dhungel noted that if serious allegations arise, further investigation might be warranted. “When serious questions are raised regarding individuals holding various responsibilities, their responses and information will be crucial,” he said.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is preparing to recommend government action next week amid questions arising over the implementation of the Generation Z movement investigation report.
According to committee coordinator and commission member Lily Thapa, the NHRC will recommend action by the government based on the report on Wednesday, April 16.
“The Commission will also hold a press conference the same day to release a summary of the report,” said Thapa.
The recommended actions include measures against individuals involved in police suppression on September 8 and those engaged in the destructive events of September 9, she added.
When asked whether political and administrative leaders might also face action recommendations, Thapa responded, “Recommendations have been made for both days’ events, and the report identifies who is responsible.”
Earlier, the report prepared under former Special Court Chairperson Gauribahadur Karki faced criticism for insufficient investigation into those involved in the September 9 events.
A team led by Thapa was formed by the NHRC to investigate human rights violations related to the September 9 incident.
This investigative committee submitted its report to NHRC Chair Tap Bahadur Magar on March 20. After reviewing the document, the commission decided to recommend government action, according to member Thapa.
Image Source, NHRC
Questions Surrounding Roles of Oli, Balen, and the Army Chief
Image Source, AFP via Getty Images
Caption, K.P. Sharma Oli was arrested the day after the new government was formed
The Karki Commission had publicly recommended criminal proceedings against former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and senior officials of security agencies.
However, officials from the NHRC have declined to formally disclose the exact nature of the recommended actions and the individuals involved from the committee led by Thapa.
One official revealed that the National Security Council also holds the former prime minister and the Nepal Army Chief responsible.
“When the District Security Committee loses control of the situation, the Valley’s Central Security Committee and the National Security Council become active,” explained the official. “If the situation escalates beyond control in the area, further measures are taken, making the National Security Council accountable as well.”
Officials confirmed that the commission has also examined the roles of current Prime Minister and then Kathmandu Metropolitan Mayor Balendra Shah ‘Balen’.
When asked if recommended actions have also been suggested for Balen, one official partially affirmed this, stating, “His name appears in connection with the events on September 9 as well as earlier incidents, including discussions related to Discord, which are also included in the investigation’s conclusions.”
Investigation into Ravi Lamichhane and Rasuwap Leaders
The report also raised questions about the role of National Independent Party (Rasuwap) President Ravi Lamichhane and other party leaders, who were in jail at the time.
Lamichhane was incarcerated on the first day of the movement, and the commission also investigated activities of leaders who came to welcome his release on September 9.
An official from the commission stated, “His release sparked enthusiasm across prisons nationwide, with the sentiment ‘Ravi is out, so why aren’t we?’ spreading everywhere.”
Similarly, the commission considered a statement issued on September 8 by Rasuwap General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti urging all youth participants to promote unity by refraining from using party slogans and symbols.
From jail, Lamichhane addressed Generation Z youth showing cooperation, and through his private secretariat, he conveyed, “Tomorrow marks the start of a new history; stay vigilant. There could possibly be attempts at infiltration—use discretion.”
According to officials, disciplinary recommendations have been proposed against leaders ranging from Balendra Shah to Ravi Lamichhane based on human rights violations. However, one official hinted that the commission may not fully endorse the report.
“It is uncertain how the commission will adopt the report,” said the official. “They may accept it in whole or in part, recommend action, or suggest further investigation to the government on certain matters.”
Potential Crisis for Prime Minister Balen
Image Source, EPA/Shutterstock
Experts familiar with both the Karki and Thapa commission reports suggest the government could relatively easily implement the recommendations.
Since Thapa’s committee has identified responsibility for the September 9 incidents, concerns have arisen that a new phase of debate may unfold.
Former NHRC member and constitutional expert Surya Dhungel states, “The Karki Commission report had weaknesses regarding the September 9 events that the Human Rights Commission’s report will address. The government must carefully review both recommendations and take ownership. This could be a good opportunity for the administration.”
Yet, there is also concern about the consequences if disciplinary action is recommended against Prime Minister Balendra Shah.
According to Dhungel, recommendations related to Balen in the report will call for an official response from the Prime Minister.
Image Source, NHRC
“If the report addresses his past role, Balen will need to seriously respond,” said Dhungel. “I believe he will welcome the report.”
There is also ongoing analysis regarding the potential ethical crisis that could arise if action is recommended against the Prime Minister.
Dhungel adds, “If serious allegations are raised, further investigation may be necessary. Responses and information from various responsible individuals will emerge, and how these are presented in the report will be very important.”
April 24, Kathmandu – The Nepali Congress is organizing an election today to select its parliamentary party leader. Since a consensus could not be reached, the party has moved forward with the electoral process to choose its leader. According to the pre-established plan, candidate registration will take place between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. today. After completing processes such as objection submissions, reviews, publication of a second candidate list, and candidate withdrawals, the final list of candidates will be announced at 3:30 p.m. The election committee coordinator, Prakash Rasailee Snehi, has informed that voting will be held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Nepali Congress parliamentary party office in Singh Durbar.
Former deputy general secretaries Arjun Narasingh K.C., Bhishma Raj Angdembe, and Mohan Acharya have submitted their candidacies for the parliamentary party leader position. In the House of Representatives election held on February 21, the Congress won a total of 38 seats – 18 through direct elections and 20 through proportional representation. Despite the election concluding nearly two months ago, the Nepali Congress has yet to select its parliamentary party leader, with aspirations of Gagan Thapa and Bishwaprakash Sharma remaining unfulfilled. According to a senior party leader, delays in choosing the leader have arisen due to differing preferences between party Chairperson Gagan Thapa and Vice Chairperson Bishwaprakash Sharma. Chairperson Thapa is supporting direct-elected MP Mohan Acharya, while Vice Chairperson Sharma favors proportional representation MP Bhishma Raj Angdembe for the leadership role. Acharya was directly elected from the Rasuwa constituency, and Angdembe is a proportional representation MP from the Panchthar district. Angdembe was also elected as deputy general secretary at the 14th general convention.
