Author: space4knews

Following government orders to remove squatters from public land along the Bagmati River, the Sukumvasi settlement in Thapathali, Kathmandu, has been cleared. After dismantling unauthorized structures in Thapathali, preparations are underway to clear the Sukumvasi settlement in Gairigaun, Ward No. 9, Kathmandu Metropolitan City, according to District Police spokesperson Pawan Kumar Bhattarai. Two days ago, the government issued a notice stating plans to clear major squatters’ settlements in Kathmandu today and tomorrow. April 25, Kathmandu.

The Sukumvasi settlement in Thapathali has been completely vacated. Since early this morning, squatters residing there have relocated following government instructions to remove them from public land along the Bagmati River. A large number of security personnel were deployed in the area. After removing unauthorized huts in Thapathali, preparations are ongoing to clear the Sukumvasi settlement in Gairigaun, Ward No. 9 of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, police spokesperson Pawan Kumar Bhattarai confirmed. The government’s notice issued two days ago outlined plans to clear major squatters’ settlements in Kathmandu today and tomorrow.

April 24, Kathmandu – The saying that the farther we go, the deeper our love for our country grows perfectly describes the life of Khem Sharma, who has lived for many years in Australia. Although residing abroad, he has been deeply committed to transforming the face of his homeland. After returning to Nepal some years ago, he felt drawn back to his birthplace and set a goal of bringing positive change to the nation.
While some may consider cleanliness a simple task, for Khem Sharma, cleanliness is the foundational skill for the prosperity of not just individuals but the entire nation. He has led cleanliness campaigns both in Australia and more recently in Nepal, compelling Nepali society to embrace these values. Nearly a decade ago, he set cleanliness standards by spearheading a campaign to clean Tribhuvan International Airport.
Emphasizing that national prosperity requires the awakening of every citizen, Sharma has this time pledged to contribute to the country through the publication of books. He has established a world record by digitally releasing 24 books under various titles. Narayan Prasad Dahal, Chairman of the National Assembly, presented him with a certification.
The books cover a wide array of topics including ‘Defense,’ ‘Home Affairs,’ ‘Foreign Affairs,’ ‘Economy,’ ‘Land Management,’ ‘Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation,’ ‘Drinking Water, Cleanliness and Waste Management,’ ‘Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Development,’ ‘Labour and Employment,’ ‘Transport and Civil Aviation,’ ‘Education,’ ‘Science and Technology,’ ‘Culture and Tourism,’ ‘Communication and Information Technology,’ ‘Health and Population,’ ‘Social Development,’ ‘Federal Affairs and General Administration,’ ‘Youth and Sports,’ ‘Urban Development,’ ‘Forestry and Environment,’ ‘Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs,’ ‘Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation,’ and ‘Industry, Commerce, Supply, and Physical Infrastructure.’ All these books have been made publicly available in digital format.
Khem Sharma’s digital publications have successfully earned him a place in the world record books. Sharing his experience of authoring the books, he revealed that many sleepless nights were spent in the process. He stressed that a visionary approach is essential for nation-building, which is currently extremely needed in Nepal. After demonstrating cleanliness at the airport, he led successful cleanliness campaigns in various parts of Nepal, including the Pashupatinath area, earning him recognition as a cleanliness activist.
Recalling the campaign, Sharma said, ‘Even conscientious people like us used to litter at the airport. If we had not cleaned it, who else would have? Transformation must come from within. Therefore, we worked hard and set a benchmark. Once we say ‘Do not litter,’ there is no need to clean later.’
He revealed plans to contribute 50 percent of the royalties from the sales of his recently published books towards building the ‘Gyan Manch’ (Knowledge Platform). ‘My goal is not just to sell books, but to convert ideas into structures, structures into dialogue, and dialogue into nation-building,’ Sharma explained.
Currently, Sharma is preparing to publish two more books focused on identifying pathways for the country’s development and prosperity. According to him, the Nepali diaspora is not only a source of remittances but also rich in knowledge, experience, vision, and patriotism. Drawing on this background, he plans to write the first book this year on the potentials, transformations, and roadmap of Nepal’s 77 districts, and a second on what Nepal can learn from the global Non-Resident Nepalis (NRN) community.
During a review of Sharma’s books at the event, Dr. Suresh Tiwari stated that these books will become the foundation for the country’s prosperity. He asserted that if these books are implemented in practice, numerous doors for development will open in Nepal.

Structures in the Sukumbasi settlement along the Bagmati River in Thapathali have been dismantling since Saturday morning. In accordance with government directives and assurances, residents are relocating from the settlement and preparing to find new rooms. Kanchhimaya Praja, a resident with a family of five, has made plans to move to Kupandol by renting a room but says she faces difficulties with paying rent.

On 12 Baishakh, Kathmandu – The structures of the Sukumbasi settlement situated on the banks of the Bagmati River in Thapathali began to be demolished from Saturday morning. Residents who have lived in the area for years are relocating following instructions and assurances provided by the government. Some families are in contact with government authorities, while others are seeking shelter with relatives.

Amid the demolition work, a 55-year-old resident, Kanchhimaya Praja, was encountered at the site. She and her family of five have been living in the settlement but now are preparing to move to a new rented room after the government’s bulldozers demolished their homes. She had already moved all her belongings onto the road. According to her, she has found a room in Kupandol and plans to reside there with her family.

“The government has not clearly explained what will be done and how. Because of this uncertainty, we had to find rooms on our own,” she explained. “If the government had informed us properly about our situation, we wouldn’t have had to look for new rooms.”

Kanchhimaya had arrived in the Thapathali Sukumbasi settlement 20 years ago after her ancestral property in Dhading was destroyed by flooding. She earns income by working as a daily laborer to support her family. “Now I don’t know how I will pay the rent or manage my family. I feel even more pressure to work harder,” she shared, describing the difficulties faced by other women in the settlement.

Like Kanchhimaya, several other residents have already brought their belongings to the roadside and remain uncertain about their next steps.

April 25, Kathmandu – The police have arrested three individuals, including Aryan Kunwar, the General Secretary of the National Sukumbasi Front. Alongside Kunwar, the Front’s advisor Dan Bahadur Kami and Dinesh Sunar were also taken into custody. Santosh Khadka, SSP of the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office, confirmed that the arrests were made on Friday. The detainees have been handed over to the District Police Office in Kathmandu.

Additionally, Narayan Pariyar, known as Narayan Parishrami, the chairman of the Front’s Kawa unit, was also arrested on Friday. The police stated that he is involved in a case related to banking offenses.

The government has deployed nearly four to five thousand security personnel and staff to clear squatter settlements and unplanned structures along the riverbanks in Kathmandu. Authorities have stated that details of the displaced families will be collected and they will be relocated to temporary shelters. The Chief District Officer of Kathmandu reported that following public appeals by security agencies and the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, approximately 50 to 60 percent of the population from two riverbank settlements has already moved out. He emphasized that the government is proceeding with this operation with the aim of providing humanitarian assistance and ensuring long-term management.

The government announced preparations to remove illegal settlements in Thapathali, Gairigaun, and Manhara areas on Saturday and Sunday. Although the exact number of families living in these settlements is not yet confirmed, the government intends to reclaim public land and identify the true status of the squatters. Some advocacy groups have expressed opposition to the government’s decision. The National Human Rights Commission has directed the government to identify the squatters accurately and manage them properly, advising restraint and caution against the use of excessive force.

According to officials, security personnel, staff, and health workers have been mobilized from early morning to clear settlements at two out of three locations. Dozers, trucks for moving belongings, and vehicles to transport displaced families to temporary holding centers and the Dashrath Rangashala stadium are also in operation. Chief District Officer Ishwar Raj Paudel mentioned that security forces have been assisting some families with moving their belongings.

He stated, “We began operations from Thapathali at 8:15 a.m. Today. We are conducting the work with the highest respect for human rights. Security personnel are using loudspeakers to check each household to ensure there are no elderly individuals, persons with disabilities, or children left behind.”

The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has informed that, “On humanitarian grounds,” resettlement plans have been arranged at five locations, including 42 organized housing units in Nagarjun, the Satsang building in Kirtipur, the Agricultural Development Bank training center in Bode, as well as government buildings and vacant lands in Kharipati and Chandbag. The government has also announced that food will be provided to those displaced on Saturday and Sunday.

April 25, Kathmandu – Controversy has erupted following the remarks made by Bishwaraj Pokharel, a Member of Parliament from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RASWPA), who expressed anger over the absence of a school’s principal during a welcoming ceremony. Pokharel, elected from Okhaldhunga and a former AIG, allegedly berated the principal of a school in his home district for not attending the welcome.

Expressing his displeasure, Pokharel reportedly told the principal, “If I am coming, you should step aside. You are an employee; I am a retired distinguished employee.” Referring to himself as “Honourable,” he rebuked the principal, saying, “When an honourable member of the district comes, the headmaster shouldn’t remain silent?”

This behavior by MP Pokharel has drawn criticism from both within and outside his party. Former Education Minister Mahavir Pun demanded Pokharel’s dismissal for intimidating the principal over a failure to welcome him. Without naming Pokharel, Pun reminded that parliamentary members are servants of the people and stated, “I don’t know which party he belongs to, but if I were his leader, I would have immediately dismissed him and sent him home. An MP should serve the people who elected him and dedicate five years of time and intelligence to public service. There is no justification for causing humiliation or asserting hierarchy simply because someone didn’t receive a welcome on the road. He must apologize immediately or the public must call him back. The dignity of the MP’s position has been tarnished.”

Leaders and activists from RASWPA have also voiced their disapproval of Pokharel’s conduct. Central committee member and Morang-3 MP Ganesh Karki advised Pokharel to “stay grounded,” writing on social media, “The MP’s term also lasts at most five years. What kind of attitude are you developing? And haven’t you forgotten the thousands of greetings and requests for your votes you received barely two months ago? Let’s stay grounded.” Rajendra Dahal, editor of Teachers’ Monthly, condemned the public humiliation of the principal, questioning on social media, “Is it a story or a shame to call someone ‘Honourable’ who insults the principal and the position over the reason that people weren’t lined up at the school gate to welcome him?”

The dissatisfaction extends to RASWPA’s grassroots supporters. Social media has seen strong criticism aimed at Pokharel. Active since the party’s founding, leader Swastika Lamichhane expressed frustration at Pokharel’s attitude towards voters, urging him to learn how to speak properly. She wrote, “Honourable, you need to learn to speak. Why not start a class? We can teach you how to talk to the people. We have four years of experience.” Lamichhane emphasized, “A soldier may intimidate those ranked below him, but an MP should not intimidate his own voters. You probably do not realize how much effort went into making you ‘Honourable.’ Please respect the pain we have endured for four years. Now that you have the title, please stop making excuses. Who made you Honourable? The public, isn’t it? Those who elevate you can also bring you down; keep that in mind.”

April 25, Kathmandu – Another individual has been arrested in connection with the e-bidding system hacking case. The latest person apprehended is 32-year-old Amrit Bohara from Chapur Construction Service Pvt. Ltd. He resides in Baniyatar, Ward 4, Tokha Municipality, Kathmandu. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) detained him, bringing the total number of arrests in this case to ten. Previously, CIB had also arrested Rastriya Prajatantra Party leader Bikram Pandey in relation to the same case.

The group is accused of gaining unauthorized access to the e-Government procurement system and manipulating contract details. They are under investigation for offenses under the Electronic Transaction Act, 2063. It is alleged that by accessing the Public Procurement Monitoring Office’s e-Government procurement system, they altered contract information and tampered with financial proposal documents even before the official opening of these proposals.

They are not only burdened by the suffering in their own homes but also deeply affected by the pain of their children. They remain uncertain about where to go or what to do next.

April 25, Kathmandu – Six Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) from the Armed Police Force have been recommended for promotion to the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG). The promotion recommendation committee finalized this list on Friday.

According to the recommendation list, Digvijay Suvedi secured the first position, followed by Kiran Basnet at second, Madhav Prasad Paudel at third, Praveen Kandel at fourth, Rajesh Upreti at fifth, and Netra Bahadur Karki at sixth.

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