Author: space4knews

March 26, Kathmandu – Amid ongoing disputes within the UML party triggered by Acting Chairman Ram Bahadur Thapa’s statements in parliament, Deputy General Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai has penned a satirical poem. His poem cleverly incorporates words such as ‘Badal,’ ‘Jabaj,’ and ‘Madan,’ concluding with the phrase “we just watched.” He writes: “The clouds swirled, heavy rain poured, Jabaj drenched completely, Madan was dumbfounded, we merely watched! (Suddenly awakened, sunlight has entered the room).”

The controversy began after Badal, appointed acting chairman and parliamentary party leader following the arrest of party leader KP Sharma Oli, delivered a contentious speech at the House of Representatives meeting on March 19. In his address, he blamed the military, civil servants, and international community for the election results, while congratulating the Rashwpal party on their historic victory. Subsequently, Vice Chair Vishnu Paudel publicly criticized Badal’s remarks on Facebook, stating they contradicted the party’s established policies and principles. The Secretariat meeting held the following day also condemned Badal’s comments.

March 10, Dhangadhi – Following a clash among inmates at Kanchanpur Prison, 15 prisoners have been transferred. On Wednesday, a confrontation between two groups over mutual disagreements resulted in five injuries. The administration of Kanchanpur Prison reported that all 15 inmates involved in the incident, including three who were injured, were transferred to Naubasta Prison in Banke the same day. Jailor Hemanti Saud confirmed that the transfer process was completed and the inmates were relocated to Naubasta. Among those injured in the clash were Bhuvan Nath, Bhuvan Air, and Prakash Gharedi, who were sent along with others. The other two injured, Daju Damai and Ayush Bam, remain at Kanchanpur but have been discharged following treatment at Mahakali Provincial Hospital.

Kanchanpur Prison had previously experienced a clash among inmates in mid-January. That incident reportedly stemmed from disputes between the prison watchman and a senior inmate regarding the smuggling and expensive sale of alcohol and drugs inside the facility. However, Jailor Saud described this week’s clash as merely the result of ‘internal disputes’ without confirmed involvement of other factors. “We have heard rumors of illicit activities, but during our monitoring and inspection, we found no evidence,” she stated. “Yesterday’s clash seems limited to mutual disagreements.” Following the earlier January clash, nine inmates were also relocated. Records indicate that eight were transferred to Naubasta and one to Kathmandu.

One contributing factor to the unrest has been the absence of a prison watchman. After assigning Prakash Bahadur Malla, who faces a culpable homicide case, to Dang earlier in the fiscal year, no replacement has been appointed since. Jailor Saud acknowledged problems arising from the lack of a watchman, adding that protocols delaying new appointments until the start of the fiscal year have contributed to the issue. The absence of an inmate leadership figure in the form of a watchman has reportedly intensified power struggles among prisoner groups, leading to increased conflicts.

Madan Koirala, Chief District Officer of Kanchanpur, distinguished between the causes of Wednesday’s and the January incidents. He noted that Wednesday’s fight broke out during the transfer process, whereas the earlier conflict related to financial transparency issues. “These two incidents are not connected. Yesterday’s conflict occurred during prisoner transfers, while the previous one concerned financial transparency,” CDO Koirala explained. “With the transfer and ongoing administrative reforms, we do not anticipate further problems.”

Following the Supreme Court’s directive, the process to release former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on bail is progressing. Oli was arrested on March 28 in connection with the suppression of the JNU movement. Due to his complicated health condition, he has been receiving treatment at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.

In Kathmandu, former Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli is set to be released today. Police are preparing to release him on bail. In line with the Supreme Court’s order, the Office of the Government Attorney has submitted the bail documents, and the release procedure is advancing accordingly. Ramesh Thapa, SSP of the Kathmandu Police Division, has confirmed that the release process is underway.

Oli was arrested from his residence in Gundhu on March 28 on allegations related to the crackdown on the JNU movement. Due to his worsening health, he was admitted to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. On the same day, former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak was also detained. The Nepal Police have held Lekhak at the No. 2 Battalion in Maharajgunj. A statement has also been released regarding his impending release process.

In this context, Oli’s wife Radhika and Lekhak’s wife Yashoda had filed a writ of habeas corpus at the Supreme Court, alleging that their husbands were being held illegally. The Supreme Court ordered that investigations against former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and then Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak be completed by Thursday, March 29. The Court further directed that if the investigation was not concluded by that date, they should be released on bail under certain conditions. However, the Court declined to issue any writ for habeas corpus, upholding the legality of their detention.

The news summary has been reviewed editorially. The presence of United Nations peacekeeping forces in Haiti has provided some relief amidst the collapse of internal peace and security. In 1994, the US military disbanded Haiti’s national army and installed Aristide as a puppet leader to take power. After the army was dissolved, security weakened significantly, leading to widespread gang rule and the local production sector nearly collapsing. While serving in the Nepal Police, I had the opportunity to serve twice as a security personnel deployed by the United Nations for peacekeeping missions in the Caribbean nation Haiti during 2007-08 and 2010-11.

Haiti, an island nation surrounded by enchanting and beautiful sea shores, is geographically a unique natural gift. With its tropical climate, low mountain ranges, flat valleys, and abundant water resources, Haiti can cultivate various crops all year round. Its proximity to prosperous countries like the United States and Canada also offers high potential for tourism. All these factors suggest that Haiti has a pathway toward prosperity. However, hunger, disease, illiteracy, and unemployment have created a fragile condition. Internal peace and security remain shattered, and United Nations military and police personnel are striving to maintain peace.

These circumstances prompt me to draw comparisons with the Nepali context. Without systematic study, there may be some shortcomings, and suggestions for improvements are expected. Here, I will discuss the establishment of Haiti, its army’s dissolution, and the consequent effects. Historically, Haiti was under Spanish rule initially, but after 1697 the western half was ceded to France, becoming a separate nation. Sugarcane and coffee farming were the main industries. In the 18th century, known as the “Pearl of the Caribbean,” Haiti was a major exporter of sugar and coffee to Europe. Millions of African slaves brought for this production suffered oppression and exploitation.

Inspired by the French Revolution of 1789-1799, Haitian slaves revolted in 1791. After a prolonged struggle led by Toussaint Louverture, Haiti declared independence in 1804. It is the world’s first example of a nation born from a successful slave revolt. However, following independence, Haiti was forced to pay a heavy indemnity to France, which took 122 years to settle and obstructed the country’s infrastructure development.

American influence lasted from 1915 to 1934, during which the US militarily intervened and exerted influence. The US attempted to strengthen Haiti’s army but was compelled to withdraw in 1934 due to lack of cooperation. Thereafter, the US supported the Baby Doc regime. In the 1990 presidential election, the well-known priest Jean-Bertrand Aristide was elected but was overthrown by the military within seven months. In 1994, with American military support, Aristide was restored, and the army was disbanded.

Following the disbandment of the army, Haiti became insecure, gang rule intensified, and local production nearly halted without protection. Although United Nations security forces are present, a state of full security has yet to be established. Similarly, foreign strategies have created internal political instability in Haiti. Comparing with Nepal, a balance between the role of the military, the need for security, and foreign influence is essential. There is also a risk of increased division and instability in Nepal’s security arrangements.

Peace and security are crucial for a country’s prosperity and stability, and diplomatic skill is needed to defy foreign powers’ policies. – Khapung, former Inspector General of Nepal Police.

March 9, Biratnagar – The Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Hikmat Kumar Karki, is mourning the loss of his mother. 91-year-old Januka Devi Karki passed away on Wednesday evening at her residence in Gauradaha, Jhapa. According to Vikram Luintel, the Chief Minister’s press advisor, Januka Devi underwent surgery at Birat Teaching Hospital in Biratnagar about a month ago after suffering a fractured leg. The late Mrs. Karki is survived by two sons and five daughters.

March 10, Butwal – Central member of the Communist Party of Nepal (UML), Khimalal Bhattarai, has voiced dissatisfaction and opposition regarding statements made by Acting Chairman and Parliamentary Party Leader Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal. Through social media, Bhattarai remarked that the language, style, and approach used by Badal are inconsistent with UML’s policies and traditions. He particularly criticized Badal’s use of terms such as “seizure,” “attack,” and “enemy” during a district committee meeting held in Pokhara on March 9.

Badal had earlier targeted UML Vice Chairman Vishnu Prasad Paudel with sharp remarks and accused elements within the party of undermining its policies and attempting to weaken UML from within. In response, Bhattarai stated, “The language, style, and perspective presented by Comrade Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’ at the district committee meeting in Pokhara on March 9 stand opposed to party policy and UML’s foundational teachings.” Emphasizing adherence to the path of the people’s multi-party democracy, Bhattarai clarified that rhetoric involving seizure and aggression does not align with UML’s political stance.

Bhattarai added, “Words like seizure, attack, and enemy are not part of UML’s discourse. The guiding principle of people’s multi-party democracy absolutely rejects such terminology. We do not intend to seize power forcibly; rather, we strive to win the hearts of the people and advance through healthy competition. Our policy is not about seizing power by force or attacking others; instead, we secure victory through peaceful struggle. We compete, not create enmity. This is UML’s mode of struggle.” While Bhattarai stressed respect for the acting chairman, he emphasized that the wartime style of language is incompatible with UML’s policy.

He further explained, “I am not trying to teach the acting chairman, but merely pointing out that his old combative rhetoric cannot serve as UML’s policy.” Bhattarai also commented that Badal appears disconnected from the current situation of the party and lacks understanding of how to mobilize party workers and supporters effectively. “He failed to assess the current state of UML and was unable to devise strategies to organize activists and well-wishers. What we observed was a mindset, language, and approach akin to a time of war,” he said.

Bhattarai recalled that he had previously regarded Badal as a theoretically conscious, soft-spoken, and courteous leader, but recent remarks have caused him disappointment. He also expressed concerns over the weakened leadership role during the party’s current complex situation and urged senior leaders to pay careful attention. Bhattarai, considered close to UML Chairperson KP Oli, has ignited discussions within UML regarding leadership style and the party’s future direction. Internal disputes have intensified over Badal’s appointment as party leader despite his prior roles as UML’s Kaba chairman and proportional representation lawmaker. Earlier, Vice Chairman Vishnu Paudel had also criticized Badal’s remarks in Parliament. The party secretariat held a meeting reviewing Badal’s expressions and concluded that such views were contrary to party principles and policies.

The Supreme Court has dismissed the petition filed against the recommendation of outgoing Home Minister Omprakash Aryal as a member of the National Assembly. The constitutional bench rejected the writ petition submitted by advocates Manish Kumar Shrestha and Basu Khadka. The President’s office had been delaying Aryal’s appointment by citing this petition and faced allegations that President Ram Chandra Paudel was favoring appointing his daughter as a member.

Kathmandu, 26 Chaitra – The Supreme Court dismissed the writ petition challenging the recommendation of outgoing Home Minister and advocate Omprakash Aryal for membership in the National Assembly. The constitutional bench, led by Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla with Justices Kumar Regmi, Hari Phuyal, Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma, and Dr. Nahakul Subedi, decided to reject the petition following the initial hearing on Wednesday.

On 1 Chaitra, the Cabinet meeting decided to recommend then Home Minister Aryal’s appointment to the National Assembly before the President. This decision had been challenged by the writ petition at the Supreme Court. However, the President’s office had halted Aryal’s appointment citing the petition filed in court. Allegations against President Ram Chandra Paudel suggest he showed preference toward appointing his daughter as a National Assembly member, which prompted objections and delayed Aryal’s appointment.

Despite a two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, Israel has continued its military operations in Lebanon. Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah have resulted in 182 fatalities so far. On Wednesday, Israel launched a large-scale artillery bombardment lasting ten minutes in Lebanon. In response, the Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah reported firing retaliatory rockets towards Israel. A statement released on social media by Hezbollah cited this response as retaliation for violations of the ceasefire.

Iranian forces have issued warnings against continuing Israeli attacks in Lebanon, threatening to mobilize public protests if incursions do not stop. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran warned of “targeted retaliatory strikes” should Israeli aggression persist. Meanwhile, the United States and Israel have clarified that Lebanon was not included in the recent ceasefire agreement. Analysts suggest that these developments add increased risk to an already fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran.

To pursue a long-term resolution, a US delegation led by Vice President Justin Vance is scheduled to travel to Pakistan for upcoming talks. The delegation also includes Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, who mediates the ceasefire, announced that discussions are set to take place in Islamabad on Friday between the involved parties.

Meanwhile, Kuwait reported that Israeli drones continued to conduct attacks within its territory as recently as Wednesday morning. The ceasefire announcement between the US and Iran also involves opening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz for shipping traffic. However, Iran insists that vessels must obtain permission to transit through this narrow maritime passage. Iran has warned that any vessels navigating without authorization will be “targeted and destroyed.”

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Liverpool in the first leg of the European Champions League quarterfinals. The home side took the lead early with a goal from Xavi Simons in the 11th minute. Liverpool struggled to maintain stability throughout the match and created very few clear goal-scoring opportunities. In the 65th minute, Vitinha showcased exceptional individual skill to double PSG’s advantage. With this result, Liverpool faces the pressure of winning by at least two goals in the second leg to stay in contention.

In Nepal, the 26th of Chaitra is observed as People’s Movement Day, commemorating the restoration of democracy. On Chaitra 26, 2046 BS (April 9, 1990), the 30-year Panchayat system was abolished and a multiparty democratic system was reinstated. Following a joint people’s movement led by the Nepali Congress along with the United Left Front, King Birendra announced the restoration of the multiparty system on this day.

Various programs are being held today to celebrate People’s Movement Day. The Panchayat system, initiated by King Mahendra on Poush 1, 2017 BS (December 16, 1960), was ended on Chaitra 26, 2046 BS. The joint people’s movement, spearheaded by the Nepali Congress and supported by the United Left Front, brought an end to the three-decade-long Panchayat system. Since then, Nepal has been governed under a multiparty democratic system.

The movement, led by Congress leader Ganeshman Singh, lasted for 50 days. It began on Falgun 7, 2046 BS, coinciding with the anniversary of democracy’s initial establishment in Nepal on Falgun 7, 2007 BS (February 19, 1951). On Chaitra 26, King Birendra addressed the nation and declared the restoration of multiparty democracy.