March 31, Kathmandu – US President Donald Trump has revealed serious plans for America to potentially exit the Western military alliance, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). In an exclusive interview with the British magazine The Daily Telegraph, Trump issued a stern warning that such a drastic step could be taken after NATO member countries failed to support US military operations against Iran.
President Trump described NATO as a “paper tiger” and stated that the US has reconsidered its participation in previous defense agreements. He has long questioned NATO’s reliability and noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin is well aware of the alliance’s weaknesses. Analysts suggest that the neutral stance of European nations in disputes with Iran has prompted the White House to consider severing ties with NATO.
Summary: Youth leader of CPN-UML, Suhang Nembang, has urged leaders not to view his parliamentary party candidacy as an act of rebellion. He states that his candidacy is a response to the demand of the times and a duty towards the ongoing movement. Suhang claims to possess a thorough understanding of the party’s values, principles, and traditions. He argues that his candidacy is necessary to break the prevailing despair within the party and to revive the movement. Kathmandu, 18 Chaitra.
CPN-UML youth leader Suhang Nembang requested party leaders not to interpret his nomination to the parliamentary party as an act of defiance. While delivering a congratulatory address following Ram Bahadur Thapa’s election as the parliamentary party leader, Suhang expressed his continued respect for senior leaders. “I have full knowledge of my party’s glorious values, principles, and traditions. I always hold the senior leaders in the highest regard,” Nembang asserted.
“I wish to make it clear that my candidacy is not rebellious. It reflects the demand of the times and my sense of duty toward the movement. It is also my responsibility to the party and the movement,” he said. Suhang emphasized that his candidacy is crucial to breaking the widespread disillusionment among the youth inside the party and to revitalizing the movement. “I always appreciate the contributions of the seniors. However, to end the despair and frustration within the party, I had to demonstrate courage even if it meant taking extreme measures,” quoted a parliamentarian citing Suhang.
He urged that nominating a candidate for the party leader of the parliamentary faction even in the presence of senior leaders should not be taken as forgetting the party’s values, beliefs, and traditions. “I have deeply understood the party’s practices, values, and beliefs and hold profound respect for them,” Suhang stated. “But the paramount concern is the future of the party and the movement. This effort of mine is for that very purpose.”
March 31, Kathmandu – Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, a leader of the Nepali Congress, expressed his support for a special general convention, stating that senior leaders in favor of the move are eager to find a clear path forward. He shared this stance during a discussion organized on Wednesday by outgoing acting Chairperson Purna Bahadur Khadka and Dr. Shekhar Koirala’s supporters.
“Those advocating for a special general convention are all senior leaders who are prepared to move forward and wish for our path to be clear,” he said. “The upcoming regular convention must be held only with unanimous agreement; otherwise, consensus will not be achievable.”
He also highlighted that the current political situation is unfavorable for the Nepali Congress both nationally and internationally. Dr. Mahat pointed out certain weaknesses in the government and party operations. He further commented that during elections, the Congress created a misleading impression of being the primary choice among voters.
U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran’s newly appointed president has called for a ceasefire. Trump made this assertion on the social media platform Truth Social, stating, “Iran’s new president is less hardline and more reasonable than the previous administration. They have just called on America to end the war.”
However, Iran has consistently denied Trump’s claim that it is engaged in negotiations to end the conflict. Trump further stated, “We will only consider this when the Strait of Hormuz is reopened and becomes fully free and secure. Until then, we will totally destroy Iran or send them back to the ‘Stone Age.’” Although Trump mentioned that Iran’s new president requested a ceasefire, it remains unclear which individual he was referring to.
Following airstrikes in Iran initiated by the United States and Israel on February 28, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior Iranian leaders were reportedly killed. On March 8, Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was announced as his successor. Mojtaba Khamenei has issued many written statements but has appeared publicly infrequently. Trump has said he is uncertain whether Mojtaba Khamenei is alive.
Masoud Pezeshkian, elected president of Iran in 2024, is currently serving as president. According to Trump’s claim, there is no new president beyond Pezeshkian. Iranian media report that Pezeshkian made a public appearance just this Tuesday, where he emphasized Iran’s “necessary will” to end the war. Nevertheless, Iran continues to reject Trump’s allegations about engaging in ceasefire talks.
March 31, Dolpa – In the mountainous district of Dolpa, a newborn died after the mother gave birth unexpectedly along the road while being transported to the hospital. Ras Kumari KC, a 17-year-old resident of Tripurasundari Municipality–7, Pahada, delivered the baby prematurely en route to the district hospital in Dunai, the administrative center.
On Wednesday, Ras Kumari experienced labor pains and was being taken to the district hospital when she gave birth on the way. Unfortunately, the newborn passed away shortly after birth. Upon arrival at the hospital, medical Superintendent Bidur Tiwari confirmed that the infant was already deceased.
According to officials, Ras Kumari gave birth at 31 weeks gestation, which classifies as a pre-mature birth. The risk was heightened due to irregular antenatal check-ups throughout the pregnancy. Although the infant did not survive, the mother’s current health condition is reported to be stable. Chief District Officer Junu Hamal stated that efforts were made to summon a rescue helicopter, but it did not arrive in time to save the newborn.
March 31, Kathmandu – A total of 48 ticket counter employees who were harassing passengers at various counters in Kathmandu have been arrested on the same day.
The Kathmandu District Police Office conducted an operation on Wednesday, apprehending these individuals from Balkhu, Kalanki, and New Bus Park areas of Kathmandu, according to official statements.
Police received information that these ticket counter staff were coercing passengers traveling outside the valley to use only the vehicles they specified, subjecting them to harassment and abusive behavior.
Based on this intelligence, the police detained 19 people from Balkhu, 24 from Kalanki, and 5 from New Bus Park, authorities reported.
Further investigation is underway, said SP Pawan Kumar Bhattarai, the Information Officer of the Kathmandu District Police Office.
Illustrative image. March 31, Kathmandu. Manoj Shakya, who regularly feeds community dogs in the Lagankhel area of Lalitpur, has been providing food to over 60 dogs from Mangalbazar to Indrachowk. Sometimes, he also administers medical treatment to these dogs. On Monday, an incident came to light where a man strangled and brutally killed one of the dogs cared for by Manoj. The dog had been under Manoj’s care since birth, and he loved it as if it were his own child. Witnessing such cruelty, Manoj filed a complaint with the police.
However, during the investigation, it was found that the individual’s mental condition is not stable. While sometimes he exhibits normal behavior, at other times he engages in erratic, violent, and uncontrolled actions, indicating possible mental imbalance. Through the efforts of animal rights activists and local residents, the man has been placed in a human service shelter. Manoj stated that animal rights activists Bina Pant and Irfan Khan from SPC have assisted in this process. The accused reportedly said he killed the dog “for fun.” Given his fragile mental state, priority has been given to treatment and supervision over legal action.
Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal, a proportional representation lawmaker, was unanimously elected as the leader of the parliamentary party of the CPN-UML. Former MP Vasudev Ghimire commented that without party reforms, the party could head towards disintegration. Ghimire had previously issued a statement opposing party chairman KP Sharma Oli’s decision to dissolve parliament. (18 Chaitra, Butwal)
CPN-UML leader Vasudev Ghimire has expressed concerns that the party may be on the path to dissolution if reforms are not undertaken. His remarks were made in response to the unanimous selection of proportional representation MP Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal as the parliamentary party leader. Candidate Suhang Nembang had also filed nomination for the post but withdrew after failing to secure proposers and supporters. Consequently, Thapa was elected unopposed.
Historically, directly elected MPs served as the party leader, but this time the appointment of proportional representation MP Thapa has sparked criticism both inside and outside the party. When Ghimire was mayor of Tilottama Municipality, he had issued a statement on official municipal letterhead opposing party chairman KP Sharma Oli’s decision to dissolve parliament. Additionally, during the public demonstrations on 23 and 24 Bhadra (the Janapradarshan or JN movement), he questioned the government’s role and had supported Ishwor Pokharel’s faction during the party congress.
March 31, Kathmandu – India, the world’s most populous country, has commenced its ‘Mega Census’ today, Wednesday. Originally scheduled for 2021, this process was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has now started in 2026. Over the next year, more than 3 million government employees and enumerators will be deployed nationwide to carry out the census. This exercise is expected to reshape the map of India’s welfare programs and political representation.
In the initial phase, spanning one month, data on household details, living conditions, and physical infrastructure will be collected. Embracing modern technology, residents can now submit their information online through a smartphone app, a first in this census. The most debated and controversial aspect this year is the collection of ‘caste data.’ Beginning in September, the second phase will conduct a detailed survey addressing social, economic, and caste-related circumstances.
For the first time since 1931, India is collecting caste data on such an extensive scale. Previous governments refrained from this due to concerns that it might heighten social tensions. However, supporters argue that this data is essential to effectively deliver government benefits to targeted groups and ensure accurate implementation of affirmative action policies. Critics, on the other hand, warn that caste-based divisions could hinder the country’s progress on the global stage.
The census results could potentially alter the number of seats allocated to India’s Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. According to 2023 legislation, one-third of seats are reserved for women, so any increase in seat numbers is likely to significantly enhance female representation. The last census conducted in 2011 recorded India’s population at 1.21 billion. Current estimates exceed 1.4 billion, surpassing China and reinstating India as the world’s most populous nation.
CPN-UML youth leader Suhang Nembang has urged the party’s well-wishers and young members not to be disheartened. Although Nembang had staked a claim for the parliamentary party leader position, he did not receive support at the last moment. Despite this, he has appealed for perseverance and expressed confidence in strengthening the UML and steering the country toward prosperity.
Kathmandu, 18 Chaitra – Nembang stated, “By addressing the minor weaknesses seen within UML and reflecting on the events of yesterday, I have taken one step forward with the belief that CPN-UML will emerge stronger and progress in the future.” He added, “Sometimes advancing that step may not yield the expected results, but this should not lead to discouragement. The well-wishers and youth of UML should also not lose hope.”
Nembang expressed optimism about taking further steps in the days ahead. “UML will lead the country toward prosperity. It will continue to raise voices for the interests of the nation and its people in a restrained and civilized way. I have only taken one step, and from here onward, I will keep moving forward,” he affirmed.
The Election Commission has decided to initiate the voter registration and update process starting from Chaitra 22. Citizens possessing a National Identity Card number will be able to register their names in the voter registry through the online system, Election Commission Deputy Secretary Narayan Prasad Bhattarai informed.
The Commission has also stated that errors can be corrected, duplicate names removed, and details related to death and migration can be updated online. This process had been halted since Mangsir 6 following the announcement of the House of Representatives elections, 2082.
For Nepali citizens without a National Identity Card number in the system, after submitting an online form through the Commission’s system, they must visit the provincial or district election office with their photo and biometric details including fingerprints. The Commission’s statement emphasizes that tasks such as correcting errors in the voter list, removing duplicate names, and updating death and migration information can be completed through the online platform.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kathmandu has confirmed that Nepali citizen Amrit Jha, detained in Iran, is safe and has met with a lawyer.
Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, the Ministry confirmed about two weeks ago that 33-year-old Amrit Jha from Udayapur was detained in Iran.
However, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in discussions with BBC News Nepali, Iranian security forces detained him before the war began.
Jha is a crew member and seaman working with Black Sea Marine LLC, a company based in the United Arab Emirates.
According to his family, Jha was taken into custody near the Strait of Hormuz by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps.
His family shared that Jha had traveled from Dubai to Iran to collect oil before any attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran. BBC reached out via email to the employer company for details about Jha, but has not yet received a response.
Triyuga Municipality Chief Basantkumar Basnet stated, “A few days ago, I contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was informed that efforts are underway at the ministerial level. We are waiting for concrete results.”
“They reached there by ship from Dubai. According to Amrit’s family, 6-7 people have been detained. We were informed by the family after they received a message from one of the detainees. Following that, I immediately sent a request letter to the Ministry for their release.”
According to Basnet, Jha has worked for the shipping company for 12 years and was promoted to captain two years ago, as confirmed by his family.
‘My Son Is Not a Criminal’
Amrit’s parents, Govind and Prabhavati Jha, run a grocery store in Gaighat, Udayapur.
His mother, Prabhavati, shared that Amrit completed his schooling in Udayapur and later studied up to 12th grade in Kathmandu. Afterwards, he went to Thailand to study navigation and began working on cargo ships.
Speaking on the phone from Gaighat, Prabhavati said, “We have no information about his current condition. Our wish is that my son returns home soon. We are taking efforts but have not yet received any updates.”
She added, “I want to appeal to the Iranian government that my son is not a criminal. I do not believe he has committed any crime. Once the situation stabilizes, please kindly release our son. This is our humble request.”
She asserted that her son has been regularly employed by the shipping company for decades, usually receiving leave every 9 to 9 months.
“Everything was running smoothly, everything was fine. This time was no different. But due to this problem or the war, we don’t know exactly what happened. I used to talk to him regularly, and he said everything was fine.”
She continued, “Previously he used to come and go quickly, but this time it’s been almost two years since he was supposed to come home. We don’t know what happened during this time.”
What We Know About Amrit Jha’s Detention
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lok Bahadur Kshetri, told the BBC that the case against Jha is currently under review by an Iranian court and that he has met with a lawyer.
“Amrit Jha’s detention is not related to the war; the incident occurred before the war began. We made efforts to provide consular access, which succeeded last week when a lawyer met with him. During the meeting, he appeared to be in good health.”
Officials also confirmed that other Indian nationals detained along with him are safe.
According to the Ministry, a legal professional coordinated by the Nepali Consul General in Iran visited Jha at the place of detention.
However, due to the ongoing war in Iran and other factors causing delays, the legal process concerning Jha’s case is taking longer than usual. Kshetri said, “Perhaps the issue would have been resolved sooner if there had been no war.”
He noted that delays have also been caused by staff and courts being on holiday due to the New Year.
Additionally, the war has damaged civilian and transportation infrastructure, complicating movement, which has further delayed hearings for all cases involved.
The Nepalese government is closely monitoring this issue and has assured ongoing efforts for Jha’s release.
BBC News Nepali is also available on YouTube. To subscribe to our channel and watch our published videos, click here. You can also find our content on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Additionally, BBC Nepali Service broadcasts its program on the radio Monday through Friday around 8:45 PM.
Summary: In Janakpurdham, approximately 9,846 bighas and 12 katthas of land belonging to 25 Guthis have been encroached upon, and the report addressing this issue has not yet been implemented. A task force formed in 2019 prepared a report to protect the monasteries, temples, and public ponds in Janakpurdham, but the recommendations have yet to be put into action. There are increasing demands for the government to take steps to protect and recover these encroached Guthi lands. 18 Chaitra, Janakpurdham.
The majority of Guthi lands are located within the Janakpurdham marketplace area. Many public lands belonging to Guthis, temples, and Kutties have already been encroached on. The remaining public lands are also under threat of encroachment. The protection and preservation of these remaining public lands in Janakpurdham have not been successful. Thousands of encroached Guthi bighas remain unrecovered.
Two decades ago, the government formed a committee to investigate encroachment of Guthi, monastery, temple, and public pond lands in Janakpurdham, which produced a report that remains unimplemented. Under the direction of the then His Majesty’s Government, the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation established a high-level task force led by Bhojraj Ghimire on 26 Shrawan 2062 (2005). The task force’s report concluded that 9,846 bighas and 12 katthas of land belonging to 25 Guthis in Janakpurdham had been encroached upon. The value of these lands has been estimated in billions. The final report also noted that many of these so-called encroached lands had been privatized.
The failure to implement the report has led to the decline of not only the Guthis but also the Janaki Temple and other monasteries, temples, and historic public ponds. According to the report, out of 49 ponds in the municipal area, 5 have completely disappeared, and of the total 82 ponds, approximately 32.8% no longer exist. Many ponds have been filled and replaced with buildings. The land under Janaki Temple has also been found to have been sold unauthorizedly, with mahants of the temple reportedly selling various plots at low prices, according to the report.
In the introduction to the report, coordinator Ghimire expressed hope that the government would implement the task force’s recommendations promptly after submitting the report on 10 Magh 2062 (January 24, 2006). “The suggestions provided in this report are timely and may evolve over time. If implementation is delayed, the importance of the recommendations may change,” he noted. He further added, “I am confident that His Majesty’s Government will move swiftly toward implementing the report’s recommendations.” The report envisioned that with investment through locally proposed religious tourism development programs, Janakpurdham would become a clean, neat, and exemplary municipality within the next ten years. However, two decades have passed since the end of the monarchy and the advent of democracy and a republic, yet the Bhojraj report remains unimplemented.
In Janakpurdham, efforts to free encroached Guthi lands, public lands, ponds, resting places, and to take legal action against encroachers have not succeeded. The government’s failure to implement the report has left citizens disappointed, while land mafias and temple mahants have continued to exploit the situation for years. Advocate Rahul Jha of Janakpurdham states, “Janakpurdham has become the largest Guthi land scandal in the country, with around 9,000 bighas of land encroached.” Two years ago, then Home Minister Ravi Lamichhane promised to take initiative to address Guthi land issues. Now, there are mounting demands for the government to focus on protecting and managing these encroached lands effectively.
March 31, Kathmandu – To target the increasing trend of driving under the influence of intoxicating substances during the daytime, traffic police have intensified their checking operations. Previously, breathalyzer tests were conducted only after around 8 PM, but now regular checks are being carried out during daytime hours as well. SSP Navaraj Adhikari from the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office at Ramshahpath explained that increased complaints prompted the additional focus on daytime breathalyzer screening.
In the most recent checking conducted on Wednesday, 16 drivers were caught. The traffic police brought these drivers along with their vehicles to Ramshahpath and handed them over to the relevant police units for further legal action, according to SSP Adhikari. Earlier, offenders were primarily issued fines, but now they are being taken into custody and formally handed over to authorities. The apprehended drivers include school bus drivers, according to the traffic police. The crackdown has affected drivers of school buses, public buses, and microbuses as well.
The government’s announcement to deliver essential official documents such as vehicle licenses and passports directly to citizens’ homes via postal services has sparked significant interest.
Officials from the Passport Department and the Department of Transport Management have stated that, from their end, there are no obstacles to implementing this service.
The Director General of the Postal Service Department mentioned their prior experience handling such tasks and said that with some government resources provided, the work can proceed effectively.
The Cabinet meeting held on Chaitra 13 approved 100 action agendas concerning governance reforms, including this initiative.
Agenda item 27 states: “To provide government services at citizens’ doorsteps, modernize the postal service and develop it as the ‘Government Courier Service,’ enabling delivery of passports, citizenship copies, licenses, and other official documents directly to homes within 100 days.”
What Does the Passport Department Say?
Image Source, Getty Images
Currently, passports are distributed from the Passport Department office in Kathmandu and district administration offices across the country.
Passports available at district administration offices are dispatched from Kathmandu.
Director General Teerth Raj Aryal confirmed that if postal services take over delivery, they foresee no major issues.
“Similar services exist in other countries. With the development of our postal services, no significant problems are expected,” Aryal said.
Currently, the postal service delivers passports to 33 districts’ administration offices where the Passport Department has yet to establish a presence.
“It is necessary to clarify issues such as payment and delivery logistics when delivering directly to individuals,” he added.
“Additionally, deciding whether to launch service nationwide simultaneously or start with a pilot project in selected locations is essential.”
He believes that this service will make things easier for citizens who are often busy; even if it involves a small fee, door-to-door service will save both time and effort.
What About Licenses?
The Department of Transport Management currently informs service recipients via SMS when their vehicle licenses are ready.
Upon receiving the SMS, citizens visit the respective office to collect their licenses.
Information Officer Ganeshman Rai stated that license printing is currently done at the Security Printing Press.
He emphasized that before starting license delivery services, clear government directives are necessary.
“We need dedicated personnel once printed licenses are available for home delivery; this requires additional manpower and an agreement with the postal service,” Rai said.
“With clear guidance, sufficient manpower, and budget from the government, this can be implemented,” he added.
Currently, licenses are also printed for provinces, but clarity on how long the central office will continue printing is needed, Rai explained.
Our Experience
The Postal Service Department currently provides letter mail, express mail, and parcel services.
Director General Manamaya Bhattarai Pangeni stated they have been delivering passports in 33 districts through an agreement with the Passport Department.
Following an agreement with the Ministry of Land Management, the postal service also handles land ownership certificate deliveries and the transport of samples from the National Public Health Laboratory in Teku.
Postal officials mention handling private documents via parcels and government documents is not new to them.
“We are ready to work as per government directives. With necessary resources, our infrastructure stands prepared, and if the Passport and Transport Departments set up the required systems swiftly, we can fulfill these tasks,” said Director General Pangeni.
Department Managing Vehicle Logistics
Director General Pangeni explained that the Postal Service Department is operating with limited resources.
The Goshwara Postal Office is based in Kathmandu, supported by six directorates at various locations and district postal offices in 70 districts.
“We have offices in all 753 local units across the country and are present at 676 locations,” she said.
However, a shortage of vehicles significantly hampers postal operations. Before the Jangamul (JNG) movement, there were 17 pickup trucks operating outside Kathmandu, many of which were destroyed during the protests.
Currently, the postal department only has seven trucks, Pangeni disclosed.
“We have requested pickups from the Election Commission. If we receive 50 pickups, our service capacity will double,” she added.
Even if new vehicles are not immediately available, older vehicles could be provided. Due to shortages, the postal service sometimes uses public transportation for deliveries.
“However, transporting sensitive materials such as passports on public vehicles is inappropriate,” Director General Pangeni said.
Image Source, Manamaya Bhattarai Pangeni
International Services as Well
Director General Pangeni said that the Goshwara Postal Office in Kathmandu also manages postal services linked with foreign countries.
“We currently reach 92 destinations in 71 countries. Our express mail service is available to 39 countries,” she noted.
The Postal Service Department has agreements with Nepal Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways to provide international services.
“Due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, services to 18 countries are currently suspended but will resume once the situation normalizes,” she added.
Fees for express mail vary according to the destination country and weight of items.
BBC Nepali Service is also available on YouTube. To subscribe and watch videos, click here. You can also find our content on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Additionally, the BBC Nepali Service airs programs Monday through Friday at 8:45 PM on radio.
