Author: space4knews

Shankar Pokharel, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), expressed hope for overcoming the challenges faced by the party and regaining public trust. He emphasized that building a stronger party requires open self-assessment, acceptance of weaknesses, unity, and discipline. According to him, these measures can only succeed through institutional and legal processes. Kathmandu, 22 Jestha.

General Secretary Pokharel noted that although the party currently appears distant from the public, he remains optimistic about restoring its strength. He highlighted the critical need for open self-examination, unity, and discipline within the party. He shared these views via Facebook amid ongoing discussions about leadership changes in the UML.

In his Facebook post, he wrote, “The party faces challenges, but they can be overcome. Problems exist, but their solutions are attainable. Election results have shown weakened connections with the public, but these can be strengthened again.” He added, “For this, open self-review, acceptance of weaknesses, unity, and discipline are essential. All these processes can only succeed through institutional and lawful methods.”

22 Jestha, Kathmandu – Hark Sampang, chairman of the Labour Culture Party, was involved in a motorcycle accident. He was on his way from Katari to attend an event held in Belaka, Udayapur, when the accident occurred en route. Senior leader Sudhan Kiranti of the Labour Culture Party reported that Chairman Sampang sustained an injury to his hand but is in stable condition. Despite the accident, he was able to reach the event location.

May 5, Kathmandu – US President Donald Trump expressed that he would be proud to meet Iran’s Supreme Leader. Speaking to journalists, Trump said, “I don’t want to meet Mojtaba Khamenei, but if I did, I would feel proud.” He added that if an agreement is reached between the US and Iran, he might have the opportunity to meet the Supreme Leader, and if that happens, he would present himself with respect.

Trump also revealed that his administration had considered sending troops to obtain enriched uranium from Iran but eventually scrapped the plan. According to him, the operation was too risky, with the potential for American soldiers to lose their lives, so it was not pursued. Trump further explained that obtaining enriched uranium from Iran is not a quick or simple task like capturing Venezuela’s leader Nicolas Maduro. He said that such an operation would not take just minutes but weeks, requiring heavy equipment. (With agency inputs)

Ravi Lamichhane, chairman of the National Independent Party, held a meeting with Sergio Gore, the U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, in Delhi. Lamichhane is currently on a five-day visit to Delhi, during which he has met several senior leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

May 4, Kathmandu – On Thursday evening in Delhi, National Independent Party chairman Lamichhane and Sergio Gore, the U.S. Special Envoy appointed by President Donald Trump for South and Central Asia, engaged in discussions. Lamichhane had arrived in New Delhi on May 1 and has since participated in multiple political meetings at the invitation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

During his visit, he has met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, as well as other BJP leaders. After attending a day-long event organized by the party’s expatriate committee, Lamichhane met with Gore in the evening. Sergio Gore also serves as the U.S. Ambassador to India and had previously visited Nepal last month, where he met with Lamichhane and other National Independent Party leaders.

Upon his first official visit to India, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal arrived in Delhi, where former Nepali ambassadors recommended fostering an atmosphere of mutual trust between the two sides. Earlier this week, during a meeting with Ravi Lamichhane, the chairman of the ruling Rashtriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed that work on bilateral issues would proceed with clear lists and timelines.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released the schedule for Khanal’s three-day visit to India, from Friday to Sunday. During the trip, Khanal is set to hold formal talks with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. According to a statement from the ministry, discussions will focus on further strengthening trade, investment, connectivity, energy, and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Former Ambassador Deepak Kumar Upadhyay emphasized the need for clarity in water resources and energy-related matters, stating, “For water management, a DPR (Detailed Project Report) should be developed with third-party mediation and expertise acceptable to both India and Nepal to facilitate water utilization.” Another ex-ambassador, Neelambar Acharya, stressed that questions raised by India should not be viewed with suspicion.

Upadhyay highlighted the significance of political dialogue regarding border disputes, saying, “If talks take place, I would consider that a success. No side has achieved anything by avoiding dialogue.” He recommended that Nepal prepare an environment conducive to making the relationship with India more trustworthy.

A detailed project report is being prepared for the development of the Buddha Himal Himachuli Great Lakes Circuit Trail, including the Nagapokhari area within Ajirkot Rural Municipality. The Division Forest Office in Gorkha has proposed plans for the conservation and infrastructure development of Nagapokhari under the wetland area and tourism promotion program. Due to the lack of accommodation facilities at this religious and tourist site in Ajirkot, tourists currently have to return the same day. May 4 (Jestha 21), Gorkha.

Nagapokhari, located within Ajirkot Rural Municipality, is a key tourist destination situated at approximately 3,200 meters above sea level. This site is increasingly becoming a major attraction for visitors. According to the municipality, internal tourists form the majority of visitors. Nagapokhari can be reached by about a five-hour trek from Siran Danda in Bhacchek. From here, visitors can enjoy scenic natural views along with close observations of Buddha Himal and Ganesh Himal. The area is home to four varieties of rhododendron flowers: red, white, pink, and blue.

“Most visitors come here for trekking and hiking,” said Dipak Devkota, Chairperson of the Rural Municipality. “A considerable number also come for various religious rituals.” He added that the pond holds unique religious significance and beliefs. Local faith says that the pond was formed from the nectar-like poison rain borne from rare Nagadev (serpent deities) residing secretly in the Kailash Mountain peaks.

“Rare nagas inhabiting the secret caves of Kailash Mountain carry a nectarous poison which affects the surrounding flora, making the region richly stocked with unique medicinal herbs,” he explained. “Local belief holds that the pond was created by rainwater imbued with this nectar from those nagadev.” There are currently no hotels or lodges for accommodation. Visitors wishing to stay must bring their own food and shelter materials.

The Chairperson further noted that the municipality is implementing various programs to promote tourism. Plans are underway to develop this route as the Buddha Himal Himachuli Great Lakes Circuit Trail. “The trail starts from Ruvinal and continues through Dudhpokhari and Dordi, ending at Marsyangdi. Coordination with the Tourism Board is ongoing to complete the detailed project report, and work is moving forward,” he said. The Division Forest Office has also initiated programs for the preservation of this pond, known for its historical and religious importance.

Madan Mohan Shandilya, head of the Division Forest Office, stated they are carrying out plans for pond conservation by laying stone slabs and conducting cleaning activities. Under the wetland area and tourism promotion program, new foot trails and infrastructure development around settlements are also planned.