Cable operators not to air Indian news channels in Nepal

The cable service providers decided to stop airing Indian news channels in Nepal with immediate effect from today.
“Viewers will not have access to any Indian news channels, except for the Indian state owned Doordarshan news,” according to the Multi-System Operators (MSO). The vice chairman of Mega Max TV Dhruba Sharma confirmed that the domestic cable operators today took the decision not to air Indian news channels with immediate effect.
Earlier today, the spokesperson of the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) Narayan Kaji Shrestha had slammed the Indian media for their ‘nonsense’ reports on matters related to Nepal and the Nepali government. He also said that the Indian media must stop the baseless propaganda against Nepal government and Prime Minister Oli.
Expressing his disbelief on the extent to which some media channels have gone to defame the current government, he said that the baseless propaganda by the Indian media against the Nepal government and Prime Minister Oli has crossed all limits. “Nepal is always united as far as issues related to the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity are concerned.”
Likewise, Information Technology and Communication Minister, and spokesperson of the government Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada also – dueing today’s press briefing – condemned a section of the Indian media which ‘engaged in the character assassination of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Chinese ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi, recently.’
Khatiwada said that the government may seek political and legal remedies through diplomatic channels against baseless Indian media coverage which has undermined Nepal's sovereignty and dignity. “We urge the entire media including from our neighboring countries not to undermine Nepal's sovereignty and dignity," he added.
A section of Indian media has been broadcasting an imaginative and defamatory reports on the Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli along with the Chinese envoy.
Indian news channels have been broadcasting misleading news contents – without following even a minimum level of ethics of journalism – related to Nepal in recent days amid the tense relations between the two neighbours after Nepal issued its new political map including the disputed regions of Kalapani, Lipu Lekh and Limpiyadhura.
Back home, people from various walks of life including political parties, media fraternity, civil society and intellectual community have vented their ire on social media – particularly against a recent imaginary and defamatory 16-minute show with an offensive headline run by Zee News linking PM Oli with Chinese ambassador to Nepal Yanqi – for their baseless propaganda against Nepal government and PM Oli.
The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Press Council Nepal and other media organisations have also vented ire against the Indian media reports.
Likewise, Former Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa also slammed such deliberate and sustained campaign of mudslinging against PM Oli reports by a section of Indian media. “We have serious differences with PM Oli on many issues, including his conduct of international relations but the reports by a section of Indian media cannot be acceptable,” he said.
Earlier this week, The Times of India published a disrespectful picture of PM Oli in its editorial. Indo Asian News Service (IANS), India Today, WION, Times Now, Republic TV and Zee Hindustan are other Indian media outlets which ran baseless reports linking PM Oli with the Chinese ambassador to Nepal.

Chand-led NCP demands Nepali youths be barred from joining Gorkha Regiment

The outlawed Nepal Communist Party (NCP) today demanded that the Nepali youths be barred from joining the Gorkha Regiment of Indian Army.
Issuing a press note, the Netra Bikram Chand aka Biplov-led political outfit said that the recruitment of Nepali nationals in Gurkha Regiment should no longer be continued, something that the incumbent government used to say around three decades ago as communists in Nepal has interpreted nationalism as protest against the India.
The press note has been issued by the underground outfit at a time of recent border dispute between India and China in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh. “Amid India-China border tension followed by the killing of Indian troops in the Galwan Valley, India has recently asked Nepali nationals in the Gorkha Regiment, who are currently on home leave, to rejoin their duties,” the press note reads, explaining that it means the Indian side is preparing to deploy Nepali nationals in the Indian Army in their battle against China.
Pointing out that the chances of the Gorkha Regiment's deployment in the battle against China on behalf of India, the underground outfit said that Nepal is an independent nation and its youths working for the military of one country should not be used against the other. “This will also be against Nepal's Non-aligned foreign policy,” the Chand-led outfit said, adding that it will not be acceptable to its party. “Both neighboring countries China and India are equally important for Nepal.”
“It’s a matter of shame that our youths are being used as mercenaries in foreign armies,” the press note reads, adding that it is just the continuation of agreements reached between the feudal Ranas and the imperial powers in the past. “We urge the government to bar the Nepali youths from joining the Gorkha Regiment and create employment opportunities at home itself.”
Appealing Nepali youths not to join the Indian Army in the days to come, the outfit also urged the Indian government not to deploy the Gorkha Regiment in its battle against China.

India builds secondary school in Nuwakot

Government of India built Aiselubhume Secondary School in Kispang of Nuwakot, District as part of its post-earthquake reconstruction in Nepal.
The school was ceremonially inaugurated today by former Prime Minister and chairman of Nepal Communist Party (NCP) Puspa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda), according to a press note issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.
“Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Barsaman Pun (Ananta) also graced the inaugural ceremony, where first secretary (earthquake reconstruction) Shuchita Kishore represented the Embassy of India,” the press note read, adding that the project was implemented by Central Level Project Implementation Unit of the Education Ministry.
Aiselubhume Secondary School was established in 1990 (2046 BS). The school is affiliated to National Examination Board and is providing quality education to nearly 637 students.
The newly built infrastructures constructed with the Government of India’s grant assistance of Rs 39.57 million, consist of three blocks – a three storied academic block containing six classrooms, a two storied academic block containing four classrooms along with furniture and separate sanitation facilities for boys and girls – reads the press note, expecting that the newly built infrastructure is expected to boost learning environment of students. “Government of India remains committed to continue collaborating with government and people of Nepal for completion of post-earthquake reconstruction projects in Nepal.”

Nepal can join MCC: Chinese envoy

Though a section in the country is opposing implementation of Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant suspecting that it could be tantamount to joining a US-led military alliance, China claimed that it has no problem with Nepal joining MCC Compact Programme.
“Nepal as a least-developed country needs international support and assistance, not only from China, but also from other countries,” Chinese ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi said speaking at a press briefing organised at the Embassy this morning.
China welcomes any kind of assistance to Nepal, if it is in the area of economic cooperation,” she said, adding that Nepal can decide on its own without any external intervention. “Economic cooperation should be forged equally and should benefit the Nepali people and promote Nepal’s national interests.”
“Nepal can take its decision on its national interest,” she added.
She however, said that the China-India Plus – or ‘Two plus one’ – concept of cooperation mooted by Beijing essentially meant trilateral cooperation. “The concept did not deem Nepal as a very small country but China and India will play leading roles,” she said, explaining that the trilateral cooperation will be a win-win cooperation. “We have successfully started this cooperation model from Afghanistan," she said.
Though, Nepal is still not comfortable with China-India Plus one – Two plus one – she said that the trilateral cooperation could be forged in the areas of infrastructure, telecommunications and training courses.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian PM Narendra Modi – during Wuhan Summit on April 27-28, 2018 – have proposed the China-India Plus concept. But the leaders of ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) – including Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli – are against the China-India Plus concept. Chinese President Xi – during his visit to Nepal last October – also floated the idea to Nepal as China seems interested in further enhancing India-China Plus concept to develop a common strategy for Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Africa.
Nepal however is suspecting that China and India will have bigger roles and Nepal will have little role under ‘Two plus one’ cooperation model.
Likewise, speaking on recent arrests of more than 120 Chinese nationals in Nepal, the ambassador said that the Chinese authorities had communicated with their Nepali counterparts after they found the individuals’ involvement in cyber crime. Saying that investigations against them are underway in Nepal, the envoy also said it is up to the Nepali side whether to deport them or not. 

MCC deal will be endorsed in winter session: Foreign Affairs Minister

The current winter session of the parliament is going to endorse the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant assistance agreement.
According to foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, the agreement with the US government will endorse the largest grant agreement related to the economic development of Nepal in the current session. “The then government led by the Nepali Congress had reached the agreement and as the government is an institution with unbroken inheritance rights there is no alternative to passing it even to enhance the credibility of the country's image in the international sector,” he said, clarifying about the MCC agreement in the National Concerns and Coordination Committee meeting – under the National Assembly – here today.
“As all the national parties have no differences regarding the MCC, it will be passed by the parliament,” Gyawali added.
After some of the standing committee members of the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) raised serious concern over the MCC agreement’s link to the Asia Pacific Strategy (IPS), a debate has been started either to endorse it or not.
“MCC and IPS are different things,” he said, adding that it is not necessary to relate them together.
Claiming that the incumbent government is alert and serious regarding issues of national interest and concern, he said that doubt regarding the MCC is because of historic mistakes. “This is an agreement related to assistance by the American government in projects for the infrastructure development,” he said, adding that the conditions in the agreement, which have to be considered at the time of its signing, cannot be changed now. “The US assistance, following the successful peace process and achievement of political stability in Nepal, will give the country benefit of positive message worth billions.”
According to him, an independent and professional body has been set up in Nepal for the implementation of the MCC assistance and Nepal's authorised entity can audit its account too. A project worth $64 billion, including around $55 billion US assistance, has been pursued with the objective of developing physical infrastructure and expanding connectivity for eliminating poverty and backwardness in the Asia Pacific Region.
Nepal is – under the project – constructing a 400 kV electricity transmission line from Nanglebhare of Kathmandu to Butwal via Ratmate of Nuwakot and Tanahu, apart from, some road networks of strategic importance.

MCA-Nepal appeals for timely ratification of MCC Compact

The Millennium Challenge Account -Nepal (MCA-Nepal) has appealed for timely ratification of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact by the Federal Parliament, as opposition has been growing from the ruling party members against the MCC.
Organising a press conference to brief media today, MCA-Nepal has also clarified that a condition of ratification of the agreement for the grant of $500 million from the MCC Compact by the Nepali Parliament is a 'standard norm' used by the MCC to ensure that projects implemented under their support do not face any problems later due to other laws. In addition to the US grant, the government will chip in $130 million for implementation of the Compact.
“The Compact has outlined six Conditions Precedent (CPs) to be achieved as necessary prerequisites before the ‘Entry Into Force’ (EiF), set for June 30,” executive director of MCA-Nepal Khadga Bahadur Bisht said, adding that out of the six, four – Designating Electricity Transmission Project as a national pride project, signing of the project implementation agreement, drafting of Electricity Regulatory Commission Act and forming the commission, agreement between Nepal and India for cross-border transmission line (Butwal-Gorakhpur) – have already been met.
The EiF by June 30 is considered to be very important for Nepal because if the programme enters into force, all projects must be completed within five years. MCA-Nepal – an agency formed by the government to implement and manage programmes financed by the MCC – says that all compact-related works that are incomplete at the end of the five-year timeline will not be funded by MCC or unutilised funds will return to the US.
“The MCC needs to be ratified by the Parliament before the access to site – the two major remaining conditions – that will be required to ensure Nepal can access the funds allocated to implement the programme on time,” Bisht said, adding that the MCC- Nepal programme has identified projects under two headings – high-voltage transmission lines and road maintenance – which need to be completed by June 29, 2025.
The project will construct 312-km-long 400 kVA high-voltage transmission lines and three high capacity substations, including building 856 transmission line towers across the alignment, according to the MCA-Nepal. The transmission line will pass through 30 municipalities of 10 districts. The locations for three substations are in Ratmate, Damauli and New Butwal.
Likewise, the programme will build different road projects with a total length of 100 kilometres.
The projects will be implemented through the use of cutting-edge technology from United States.
The Road Maintenance Project aims to enhance current practices in the maintenance of Nepal’s strategic roads network and will provide technical assistance to the Department of Roads (DoR) and Roads Board Nepal. Maintenance interventions will include pavement improvement techniques and safety enhancement features. New pavement improvement technology adopted is Full Depth Recycling (FDR) and Superpave asphalt concrete which follows the principle of recycling existing pavement material.
Organising a press conference to brief media today, Bisht said that MCA-Nepal is in the final stage of preparatory works required for the implementation of its projects that aim to increase the availability and reliability of electricity, maintain road quality and facilitate power trade between Nepal and the region to help encourage investments. But, Bisht further said, the Parliamentarians or anyone has the right to raise questions regarding the project without trying to obstruct the project on any condition as it is not good for its timely implementation. “We will like to assure that MCA-Nepal is ready to hold necessary discussions regarding the project implementation with all the concerned stakeholders,” he said, adding that the condition is in line with the standard format of the MCC compacts. “Seventeen other countries, where compact is implemented also ratify the agreement.”
As the government is preparing to table the agreement for ratification in the ongoing session of Parliament, some ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) leaders have started criticising the MCC Compact, particularly the condition of the ratification, and also the provision that Nepal cannot audit the project. Bisht, however, said that there is not any clause in the agreement that bars auditing of the projects under this compact by the Office of Auditor General (OAG).
Speaking on the occasion, alternative board member of MCA-Nepal Gyanendra Lal Pradhan said that the Federal Parliament should ratify the project and pave the way to take forward the project as soon as possible. “According to the understanding of Vienna Convention, any development partner has the right to ‘change in law’ protection for any future uncertainty,” her said, adding, “If any political party’s leader obstructs the project implementation, we should stand against them.”

Nepal to seek clarification of relations between MCC and IPS

The ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) is backing off from its commitment and agreement to start implementation of the mega US grant project, and seeking clarification from the US on relations between Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS).
Replying the members at the standing committee meeting co-chair of Nepal Communist Party (NCP) Pushpa Kamal Dahal today said that Nepal could accept US assistance under MCC compact programme after clearance from its relation with IPS, which some of the ruling party members think a military alliance to counter China – the northern neighbour – and Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Dahal said that Nepal could accept the MCC only after considering the strings attached to the programme, according to the NCP (NCP) standing committee member Beduram Bhusal. “We have to see how far the conditions of the MCC programme suit Nepal’s national interests,” Bhusal quoted Dahal as telling the committee. “Dahal said while Nepal should continue to enjoy its old and cordial relations with the US, it could not be part of any military alliance in the guise of any programme.”
Some of the standing committee members told the meeting that MCC is part of the IPS and hence Nepal should not accept it. They put pressure on the leadership and the government seeking clarity from the US on MCC, and its relations to IPS. “The IPS has been a subject of speculation among the political and diplomatic circles ever since foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali visited Washington last December,” they claimed.
Nepal became eligible for the MCC – announced in 2002 by US President George W Bush – in 2011 and signed the agreement in 2017. Though, the MCC compact was signed by Nepali Congress (NC) government of which the former Maoist party was a coalition partner, the ruling party – unified between former Maoist party and fomer CPN(UML) party – has been sharply divided about endorsing the US grant from the Parliament.
The implementation of MCC will start once the Nepal’s Parliament ratifies it. The MCC, however, did not pass during the previous House session because of the reluctance of then House Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara, though foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali assurance that MCC was not part of IPS. The government spokesperson and minister for Communication and Information Technology Gokul Baskota has – during his regular weekly press briefing – also claimed that the MCC will be ratified by the Parliament’s winter session that started yesterday. The opposing ruling party leaders did not believe even the Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who has also claimed that the MCC will be endorsed during the winter session of Parliament.
The US has announced that it will provide assistance of $500 million in grants to Nepal under the MCC programme over the next five years. Nepal has to invest more than Rs 13 billion – as a matching fund – for the programme. The grant will be used to construct the toad and transmission lines, for better connectivity. Nepal plans to use the grant to develop the 400-KV Nepal-India Butwal-Gorakhpur electricity transmission line and to upgrade some roads.
The US officials have repeatedly termed MCC an important initiative under the Washington-led IPS. The US officials including US envoy to Nepal Randy Berry have also time and again clarified that IPS is just a US ‘policy’ and it does not require or demand membership from anyone. But opposing leaders have been claiming that the MCC is part of the US military strategy IPS to counter China and Beijing’s influence.
The leaders, who are opposing the MCC, are also claiming that the provision – in the agreement – allowing only the US to terminate the agreement is faulty. “Nepal should include a provision allowing it also to terminate the agreement as the provision is against the spirit of equality between sovereign countries,” a standing committee member Bhim Rawal said, adding that Nepal should also be allowed to audit the accounts, which according to the agreement, is not allowed. Rawal – in the standing committee meeting – asked foreign minister Gyawali to seek clarification from the US, if the grant is provided as a part of the IPS.
The ongoing debate over the MCC, according to the experts, is nothing but ‘the best example of ruling party’s myopic diplomacy.’ But foreign minister Gyawali ruled out any diplomatic friction between Nepal and the US due to the ongoing debate on the US programme and the growing demand from the party members to seek clarity from Washington.

Bureaucracy posing challenge to federalism: NCP chair Dahal

The senior leader has accused the bureaucracy for not supporting the government and posing challenge to federalism.
Addressing Sudurpaschim Financial Summit in Dhangadi today, Nepal Communist Party (NCP) chair Puspa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ said that the bureaucracy has been holding the development of Nepal back.
The civil servants, from the old political system, are not used to expediting the development process and holding the economic growth of the country back, he said, adding that the new government following the political change in the country should have sacked them. “We should have bid farewell to the employees – who had worked in the old political system – and hired fresh manpower.”
The government failed to usher in change due to the civil servants with old mind sets,” Dahal added.
Accusing the civil servants of not cooperating with the political leadership for the implementation of federalism, he said that bureaucrats are corrupting leaders’ mindset on various pretexts. “The domination of bureaucracy in the issues of nation building, after the second people’s movement had led to the loss of accomplishments achieved from political struggle,” Dahal said, charging the civil servants for failing to get rid of centralised and unitary mindset, though he did not mention the centralised mindset of the politicians themselves.
Sudurpaschim Financial Summit – the first of such kind of summit in province – the participants discussed on role of financial and non financial institutions in the economic development of the Sudurpaschim province. The first session – moderated by former vice chair of National Planning Commission (NPC) member Min Bahadur Shrestha – witnessed the participation of commercial banks, development banks, finance companies and central bank representatives, whereas the second session – moderated by former vice chair of NPC Dr Swarnim Wagle – witnessed cooperatives, life and non-life insurance companies, Insurance Board and media representatives. They discussed various opportunities and challenges of the Sudurpaschim province, and its way forward. Karobar Editor Kuber Chalise, on the occasion, suggested the province to include financial literacy in the course books of all the local levels in the province.
Concluding the Sudurpaschim Financial Summit, finance minister of the province Jhapat Bohora brought out the Dhangadi Declaration. The declaration reads that the provincial government will encourage and support the local levels in the province to include financial literacy in the school course.

NRNA to elect new team for next term

The three-day Global Conference of Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) that started from Tuesday has seen more than 2,500 individuals from the Nepali diaspora in various countries. The Nepali diaspora has gathered in Kathmandu also for the election of the new NRNA team for the next two-year term.
The incumbent vice presidents Kumar Pant – claimed to be near the ruling party NCP (NCP) – and Kul Acharya – claimed to be near the Nepali Congress (NC) – are eyeing the post of president to become the sixth president of the NRNA after incumbent president Bhaban Bhatta, who is the fifth president of global Nepalis.
As the NRNA has been blamed for being a hostage of political parties, the incumbent NRNA president Bhaban Bhatta does not agree. “Since the NRNA has become bigger by the day, more people are joining it,” he said, adding that the institution has people from not only all the politcal parties but also caste, creed and race. “But we have unity in diversity as we are for Nepalis around the globe.”
Bhatta justifies the interest of political parties and government as the NRNA has become a global institution with presence in over 50 countires across the world.
The decision of NRNA’s founding president and patron Dr Upendra Mahato to boycott the convention has flamed the rumour that there is political interference, though Bhatta rejects both the charges. “Neither NRNA’s founding president and patron Dr Upendra Mahato boycotted the convention nor there is political interference in NRNA election,” he said, reiterating to the NRNA’s original vision of working for the development and betterment of the country. “The prime objective of NRNA is to bring in knowledge, expertise and capital of Nepali diaspora and utilise them for Nepal’s economic and social development.”
However, some of the candidates for different top posts at NRNA executive committee are blamed to be guided by politics – with some aligned with the ruling party Nepal Communist Party (NCP) and others inclined towards the opposition Nepali Congress (NC).
Though, the voting for the new executive committee of NRNA is underway, the results are expected to be out by Friday morning as the ruling party NCP iis blamed for trying to rig the election in their favour.
NRNA has been established in a bid to support Nepal’s development and growth some two decades ago.

Nepal waits to seal Kerung-Kathmandu railway deal during Chinese President’s visit

Nepal is waiting to sign an ambitious Kerung-Kathmandu cross-border railway agreement during the visit of the Chinese President Xi Jinping this weekend.
The Foreign Ministry today confirmed the Chinese President’s two-day state visit to Kathmandu accepting the friendly invitation of President Mrs Bidya Devi Bhandari. Xi will be coming to Nepal on October 12.
“The historic visit of the Chinese President will also see signing of Kerung-Kathmandu Railway agreement," said prime minister KP Sharma Oli’s foreign affairs advisor Dr Rajan Bhattarai.
“The President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping is paying a state visit to Nepal on October 12 and 13,” he said, adding that during the visit, Xi will meet with President Bhandari, who will host a banquet in honour of the Chinese president and his delegation. “President Xi will hold delegation level official talks with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, following the talks, both the leaders will witness the signing of bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding.”
One of the key agreements the Prime Ministers of both the countries will witness is much-talked about Kerung-Kathmandu Railway agreement, Bhattarai said.
However, the main opposition Nepali Congress (NC) leader and former foreign minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat, welcoming the high level visit from China – after 23 years since Jiang Zemin visited in 1996 – said that the Kerung-Kathmandu Railway should be constructed in Chinese grant not loan. “Kerung-Kathmandu Railway is important but more important is the road connectivity to bridge the widening trade deficit of Nepal with China,” he said, adding that the all-weather road connectivity between the two neighbours is the need of the hour, and investment (through loan) in cross border railway will not be economically feasible at present.
There are two schools of thought among Nepali intelligentsia at present, either to construct the Kerung-Kathmandu Railway in Chinese Loan or grant. The one, who thinks China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a debt-trap, opines that the Kerung-Kathmandu Railway is not economically feasible and Nepal will fall in Chinese debt trap. But the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) government – also blamed for leaning towards north – has been using the Kerung-Kathmandu Railway agreement as its key to political achievement since it has failed to perform since it came to power 2 years ago.
Different Chinese officials have also repeatedly said that the detailed project report (DPR) of Kerung-Kathmandu railway will take a lot more time to materialise due to technical, engineering and geological reasons. China is yet to connect its railway to Sigatse, from where railway can be connected to Nepal-China broder Kerung to further connect to Kathmandu.
However, a joint communiqué issued after the conclusion of the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing in April had incorporated the Nepal-China Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network and Nepal-China cross-border railway.
Xi will be flying to Kathmandu from Mamallapuram near Chennai in India where the Chinese President and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be meeting on October 11 and 12 for the second ‘informal summit’ after the Wuhan Summit last April.
The press note from the Foreign Ministry also stated that the Chennai informal summit will provide an opportunity for the two leaders to continue their discussions on overarching issues of bilateral, regional and global importance.

Nepal bans North Korean investment

Nepal has banned North Korean investment in the Himalayan country.
Department of Industry (DoI) has asked the North Korean nationals to close their businesses by October end in view of the UN Security Council Resolution against Pyongyang.
"The Department of Industry has asked nine companies with North Korean investment in Nepal to close their operations and take back their investment after the liquidation of their companies by October end," confirmed Department of Industry director Prem Luintel.
Earlier, on August 9, The Department of Industry has written a letter to one of the restaurants – Hiamalayan Soju Restaurnet Pvt Ltd – run by North Korean, to close the business as according to the discussion with the business in the presence of North Korean Embassy DCM Kim Jong. “The department had held discussion with the all the investors from North Korea in presence of North Korean Embassy DCM Kim Jong and made them agree to close their businesses by August 15," the letter reads, adding that the agreement has not been implemented even after repeated telephone calls. "After repeated discussions with the embassy official and North Korean businesses, the department has given them the final deadline of October-end to shut down their enterprises and repatriate their existing investment.”
"The government was forced to issue an ultimatum as they did not walk their talk," Luitel added. “The government had extended visas of foreign workers employed in the North Korean companies up to October 31 only."
Currently, there are nine business enterprises being run by North Korean nationals in Nepal, of which two are software companies, one is a hospital and the remaining are restaurants. North Korean nationals are running Ne-Koryo Hospital in Tanahun district and Himal Chilbo Technical Solutions in Lalitpur district, Hotel Re Min and Restaurant, Pyongyang Akugyan Nepal, Pyongyang Arirang Restaurant, Yong Bong Chand IT Company, Botonggang Restaurant and Bar, Himalayan Soje Restaurant and Minas Restaurant and Bar in Kathmandu district.
Some North Korean nationals have recently registered some more businesses and were preparing to start operation soon. “The North Korean investors have made a total investment of Rs 186.5 million in Nepal till date," according to the DoI data.
The United States had also expressed its serious concern with the government – on June 15 – over the growing business activities of North Koreans in Nepal. Special US envoy for North Korea Mark Lambert, who was on a three-day visit to Nepal, had appealed the lawmakers, senior government officials and ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) co-chair and former prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal not to entertain the them in Nepal as Nepal is also a member of the UN, which has imposed sanction on North Korea. "Nepal should respect the decision taken by the UN to impose sanctions on the country," Lambert was reported saying.
Immediately after Lambert’s visit – on July 1 – the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had forwarded the report of UN resolution 2397 related to North Korean sanctions to the Department of Industry (DoI) asking it to take appropriate decisions on the matter.
Nepal became a member country of the UN in 1955. The UN has imposed a number of sanctions on North Korea after the country started developing nuclear weapons, in violation of the UN charter. The UN Resolution 2397 was passed – on December 2017 – after the launch of intercontinental ballistic missile.

Nepal, China to implement past pacts

Kathmandu and Beijing have agreed to implement agreements and understandings reached between the two neighbours in the past, and underscored the importance of exchange of high-level visits on a regular basis to develop mutual trust and confidence.
During the meeting between the foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali and state councilor and minister of Foreign Affairs of China Wang Yi, they also reviewed all important aspects of bilateral relations, according to a press note issued by the Foreign Ministry today. “They expressed satisfaction over the expanding and deepening relations between Nepal and China in recent years and agreed to further promote co-operation in various areas of mutual interest,” it reads, adding that they also agreed to continue cooperation in regional and multilateral forums on matters of mutual interests. “Gyawali appreciated China’s continued support for Nepal’s socio-economic development and underlined the need of strengthening cooperation in the fields of connectivity, infrastructure, energy and education.”
In his reply, Wang assured Gyawali of Chinese support to Nepal’s development endeavours.
During delegation-level bilateral talks between them, the two sides also exchanged substantive views on promoting bilateral economic cooperation with special focus on trade, investment and tourism.
Following bilateral talks, the two ministers witnessed signing of two letters of exchange and a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The letters of exchange are related to Hospital Recovery Project in Manang for which the Chinese side has pledged around Rs 350 million and 5,000 units of emergency shelter tents.
Likewise, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Volunteer Chinese Teachers’ Programme in Nepal has also been inked between the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Kathmandu.
According to the agreement China will provide volunteers to teach Chinese language in Nepali schools.
Wang also paid courtesy calls today on President Bidhya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. During the meeting between Oli and Wang, the visiting minister expressed his commitment to elevating Nepal-China relations to new heights by implementing agreements reached between the two sides during Oli’s last visit to Beijing.
In the evening, Gyawali hosted a welcome dinner in honour of visiting counterpart and his delegation.
Wang, who arrived in Kathmandu yesterday evening, will meet Nepal Communist Party (NCP) co-chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba.
The visit of Chinese foreign minister has also ensured the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping in the near future, according to a high level official at the Foreign Ministry.

China to help establish industrial park in Chitwan

Nepal and China are planning to set up an industrial park in Chitwan – the former prime minister and co-chair of the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) Pushpa Kamal Dahal – to develop the area as a hub of comprehensive industrial manufacturing and processing center supporting facilities, according to Chinese media.
“It will be the second industrial park being developed with Chinese cooperation – after the first one is being developed in Jhapa district, the hometown of the incumbent prime minister KP Sharma Oli – if everything goes planned,” the China's state-owned Xinhua news agency report reads.
China has emerged as the largest contributor of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Nepal in recent years as the Chinese investors have pledged the highest FDI to Nepal four years in a row. Nepal received more than half of its total FDI pledges from its northern neighbour in the last fiscal year 2018-19, the news reads, adding that Nepal received FDI commitment of $114 million from China in the last fiscal, while total FDI pledges stood at $216 million, according to the data of Department of Industry (DoI).
Dahal – while addressing the Nepal-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum 2019 in Kathmandu yesterday – said that Nepal wants industrial development in all the seven provinces. 

Nepal expects more Chinese investment : NCP chair Dahal

Chairperson of the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) Pushpa Kamal Dahal has urged China to invest in Nepal.
Addressing second Nepal-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum 2019 – organised jointly by Embassy of Nepal in China and the Economic Joint Committee of China Commercial Stock Enterprises (EJCCCSE) – chairperson Dahal explained that Nepal boasts an investment-friendly atmosphere following political stability. “Nepal and Nepalis are expecting Chinese government, traders and investors to invest in Nepal as the country is in a campaign of socio-economic transformation,” he said, reiterating Nepal’s stand on One-China policy. “We are committed not to allow Nepali land against China.”
Speaking at the occasion, vice president Nanda Bahadur Pun stressed on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model that could help Nepal and China to develop infrastructure in Nepal. “We have adopted a policy of receiving FDI and have prioritised transportation and connectivity in which investors can invest,” he said, adding that Nepal is ready to carry out such projects in PPP model.
The programme also witnessed the chief ministers from seven provinces, leaders of various political parties and entrepreneurs.
The chief ministers, on the occasion, pitched investment prospects of their respective provinces to Chinese investors. Chief ministers of Province 1, Province 3, Gandaki, Province 5, Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces highlighted possible areas of investments in their respective provinces. They also highlighted projects related to agriculture, tourism, industry and hydropower projects in the provinces.
The chief minister of Province 3 Dor Mani Poudel, on the occasion, said that Nepal has emerged as a developing economy and one of the best countries to invest in. “Nepal encourages FDI both as joint venture operations with Nepali investors or as 100 per cent foreign-owned enterprises and public-private partnership as well,” he said, adding that Investment Board Nepal headed by the Prime Minister himself will facilitate the investors with all the help they need.
Speaking on the occasion, Nepali ambassador to China Leelamani Poudel informed the potential investors that Nepali Embassy has been discussion time and again on issues like policy continuity, simplified and well defined procedures and one-door system, hassle-free investment environment, predictable policy and legal regimes.
Likewise, deputy secretary general at EJCCCSE, Li Xuesong, on the occasion, talked about the possibility of establishing an industrial park in Chitwan. “We will introduce small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to the international business center and open the market of Nepal and South Asia to the world,” he said, adding that establishment of industrial park is a necessity as Nepal’s industrial infrastructure is weak.
On the occasion, industry minister Matrika Prasad Yadav pledged all possible support of the government to projects like establishment of industrial park.
Likewise, tourism minister Yogesh Bhattarai, on the occasion, requested Chinese tourists to make Nepal a preferred destination for their major holidays.
The second edition of the forum has been organised with an aim of increasing Chinese investments in Nepal. Some 50 Chinese investors as well as chief ministers, and ministers participated in the programme. The first edition took place in Beijing in April during President Bidhya Devi Bhandari’s state visit to China.

PM Employment Programme benefits some 175,909 unemployed

Though, the economists and opposition have been blaming the government for wasting the taxpayers hard-earned money on unproductive way, the government today claimed that it has provided employment to some 175,909 people through 6,864 projects across the country – based on the data received from 599 local units – run by various local units under the ambitious Prime Minister Employment Programme (PMEP) in the last fiscal year 2018-19.
According to the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS), the programme beneficiaries carried out some 2,262,269 days of work through 6,864 community works (projects) that amounted to Rs 2.37 billion in the last fiscal year. A total of 31,958 beneficiaries in Province 5 carried out tasks that amounted to 492,630 working days. Similarly, some 34,432 beneficiaries in Sudur Paschim Province carried out tasks of 433,306 days; some 27,448 people in Province 2 carried out tasks of 312,675 days; some 31,022 persons in Province 1 completed works of 311,093 days; some 25,871 in Karnali Province carried out works of 283,755 days; some 17,619 persons in Province 3 carried out works of 226,036 days; and some 17,559 people in Gandaki Province carried out work of 202,774 days.
According to the ministry, these projects provided employment for 13 days per person and received Rs 13,460 in an average. Organising a press meet at the ministry today, minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security, Gokarna Bista, said that the government has been able to create short-term employment opportunities through these programmes in the first year of the implementation of the programme. “We have been able to create employment for such a high number of people in the first year of the implementation of the programme after completing over 86 legal processes,” Bista said, claiming that the issue of employment was never a priority earlier. “But, we have been able to create employment opportunities in a massive scale.”
Though the short term employment means those who were employed have already been unemployed by now, the government has claimed that its vow to create half a million employment in the current fiscal year could also be met with the federal government allocating Rs 2.36 billion in conditional grants to the local units to run such programmes to create such short term unemployment. “Each local unit had received up to Rs 10 million to run such projects for employment programmes,” the minister claimed.
The ministry, however, claimed that the actual employment figures could be higher as they are still collecting data from all local units across the country.
The incumbent Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had launched the Prime Minister Employment Programme with a much fanfare on February 13 last year, but the programme became a controversial from the very beginning due to its non-transperent way of allocationg the budget. The government had allocated Rs 3.10 billion for the programme in the last fiscal year 2018-19. “The budget has been wasted in the haphazard manner, and the party cadres have been paid for no-output show-up programmes,” the economists blamed, adding that the government hass borrowed the budget from the development partner especially from the World Bank (WB) to diostribute to its party cadres but the Nepali citizens have to pay for the interest of the money spent by Nepal Communist Party (NCP) party cadres. Despite criticism of misuse of the development partner’s fund, the government has allocated Rs 5.1 billion for the PMEP for this fiscal year 2019-20.
However, minister Bista – in the press meet – defended the programme in the press meet claiming the programme to be successful. “These employment programmes include road construction and maintenance, irrigation canals, preservation of ponds and heritage sites, and construction of walking trails,” he claimed, adding that the government mobilised unemployed citizens, who are registered with the Employment Service Center (ESC) set up in each local unit under local development programmes. Bista also informed that the government has now appointed employment coordinators in most of the local bodies to make the programme move ahead in a full-fledged manner from the current fiscal year.
Over 1.71 million people have registered in these centers across the country so far, according to data compiled by the ministry, which is still in the process of verifying the eligibility of the applicants.
Under the programme – introduced also to implement the Act to Guarantee the Right to Employment 2075 – all citizens registered with the ESCs should get employment opportunity for at least 100 days in a year, if none of their family members are employed for a year. If the government fails to provide employment opportunities to those registered with the ESCs, it must pay them 50 per cent of the minimum wage as unemployed allowance, the Act reads. “Since the government had set a monthly minimum wage of Rs 13,450 for workers on July 9, last year, such families will receive Rs 22,417 annually.”
The Constitution of Nepal has also guaranteed the right to employment to the citizens. 

Architect of social security programme, Adhikari no more

Architect of the elderly allowance and local level empowerment programme former deputy prime minister and finance minister Bharat Mohan Adhikari breathed his last at Dhumbarahi-based Hospital for Advanced Medicine and Surgery (HAMS) today at 9.35pm.
Adhikari (82) – who was undergoing treatment for heart and respiratory problems at HAMS – is survived by his wife and three daughters.
HAMS Hospital – issuing a press note – confirmed the news late in the evening. "We are very sad to announce that Bharat Mohan Adhikari, who was undergoing treatment at this hospital for the last 23 days, has passed away at 9:35 pm today,” the press note reads.
"Adhikari breathed his last at 9:35 pm," HAMS in its press note further reads, adding that Adhikari died due to multiple organ failure. "Though, his condition had improved a few days ago, his condition began to deteriorate three days ago."
Earlier today afternoon, the hospital - in a statement -- has also said that Adhikari had developed symptoms of multiple organs failure.
The senior NCP leader Adhikari – who also served as deputy prime minister twice – was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for the past few days following lung and heart-related complications.
Adhikari – a four-time finance minister – was a permanent resident of Morang district and the brother of former prime minister Man Mohan Adhikari. Born in Bhramarpur of Mahottari on May 4, 1936, he was a four-time member of parliament from Morang district. During his political career, Adhikari also worked as the then CPN-UML’s deputy parliamentary party leader and transportation minister.
However, he was popular – during his tenure as the finance minister in the cabinet of prime minister Man Mohan Adhikari in 1994 – for introducing the 'Aafno Gaun Aafai Banau' programme, a development programme aimed at developing villages across the country, giving them the authority to select local projects on their own. Under the programme, Adhikari allocated Rs 500,000 to each Village Development Committee (VDC), though the local bodies used to get money through the district bodies earlier.
Though the first elected communist government lasted only nine months, Adhikari's popular programme including the senior citizens social security programme was a policy departure as it started the realisation of the government's responsibility towards its senior citizen. Adhikari decided to provide Rs 100 as a monthly allowance to each citizen aged above 75 in his budget in 1995. Though opposition Nepali Congress (NC) party initially opposed Adhikari’s policy, saying that a distributive budget policy won’t help the country’s development in the long run as it would only be a huge burden on state coffers and suck huge resources, all the successive governments including the ones led by NC couldn’t stop the programme. The elderly allowance programme – over the time – ha widened the areas of the social security schemes introduced by Adhikari, and increased the allowance. The elderly allowance has become Rs 2,000 as of the current fiscal year.
Likewise, the 'Aafno Gaun Aafai Banau' programme was also a signature programme of the then CPN (UML) – currently Nepal Communist Party (NCP) – that has been cashed by the party even in the last election after almost two decade-and-a-half to gain the overhealming majority to form the incumbent KP Sharma Oli led government. Though the programme was a counter to Nepali Congress that had allocated 80 per cent budget to the village, it gave power to the local authorities to exercise their right to develop their place by themselves.
Adhikari also played an important role as a member of the constitution drafting committee in 1990 and was actively involved in drafting the Interim Constitution of 2007.
A liberal and moderate leader, Adhikari became full-time party leader after the 1990-movement, shifting his base from his native town of Biratnagar to Kathmandu. In Biratnagar, Adhikari used to practice law.
A Standing Committee member in then CPN-UML, Adhikari has announced his retirement from active politics in 2014 as the party – during the 9th General Convention – put 70 years of age limit to be involved in the active party politics.

US envoy 'absent' in the government briefing

US ambassador to Nepal Randy Berry today skipped the government’s briefing to foreign diplomats based in Kathmandu. Instead deputy chief of Mission of the US Embassy Michael C Gonzales was presented in the government briefing – the third of its kind after the KP Sharma Oli-led government was formed almost a year ago – where ambassadors and deputy chiefs of missions from all diplomatic missions were present, according to the Foreign Ministry.
US ambassador to Nepal Berry’s 'conspicuous' absence to the government briefing has, however, made some eyebrows raised due to latest tension between US and Nepal on Venezuela.
The ruling party’s co-chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal on January 25 issued a statement against the US 'involvement' on Republic of Venezuela’s current state-of-affairs. The US – through the Embassy in Kathmandu and also in Washington – sought the government's official view following the Dahal's statement as he is the co-chairman of the ruling party. The government, though, issued another formal statement – on January 29 – arguing that Nepal still follows the no aligned policy but the statement was almost in line with the Dahal's statement.
The US State Department had sought an explanation from Nepali ambassador to US Arjun Karki – in the Washington DC – following Dahal's statement that supported Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and denounced ‘intervention in internal affairs’ of Venezuela by the US and its allies. Senior officials from the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs at the State Department asked Nepali envoy Karki in Washington DC to submit clarification as – according to the US official – the US did not expect such statement from the leader of the ruling NCP (NCP) without any background on the internal affairs of Venezuela.
Though, the government tried to make its position clear in the issue of political crisis in Venezuela, the US has not been convinced.
The absence of the US envoy today in the government briefing in Kathmandu is diplomatic answer of the US to Nepal, according to a foreign policy expert. The US Embassy has currently been engaging with political leaders, high-level government officials and media to discuss the US government’s position on Venezuela also due to the government’s weak attempt to clarify its position.

Dhurmus Suntali Foundation to construct international cricket stadium

The Dhurmus Suntali Foundation is going to construct an international cricket stadium in Bharatpur Metropolis in Chitwan District, though big infrastructure project construction should be the key responsibility of the government.
Dhurmus Suntali Foundation and Bharatpur Metropolitan City today signed an agreement – in the presence of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and chairman of Nepal Communist Party (NCP) Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', apart from leaders from various political parties – on the land acquisition for the construction of the Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium at a function held at City Hall in the capital.
The social organisation – founded by comedian couple Sitaram Kattel 'Dhurmus' and Kunjana Ghimire 'Suntali' – has claimed that the international stadium will cost around Rs 3 billion and will be completed within 2 years.
According to the agreement, the international cricket stadium will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 3 billion in Bharatpur-16, Dhurmus said, adding that the stadium is expected to be completed in next two and half years and handed over to Bharatpur Metropolis. "The funds will be collected from Nepalis at home and abroad to construct the stadium."
The cricket stadium will be built in an area of 20 Bighas and six Katthas land – which is now in the name of Tribhuvan University and being occupied by Agriculture and Forestry University – the foundation informed, urging everyone to help provide support to construct the international cricket stadium.
Nepal ranks at the 15th position in the ICC ODI ranking, though Nepal is suspended by the ICC at present and ineligible to hosts ODI matches in home. The maiden ODI series win with UAE – with couple of world records – yesterday is a moral and confidence booster for the team but the government has been not able to provide basic infrastructure for the development of cricket in the country. But the initiative by the Dhurmus Suntali Foundation has encouraged the cricketers.

Nepal tries to correct diplomatic blunder

After the 'diplomatic blunder' by the party co-chairman Puspa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) led government has claimed that it stands for peace, stability and unity of Venezuela. "Nepal calls for resolution of differences through peaceful means," a press note released today by the Foreign Ministry reads.
It also said that the people of Venezuela have the ultimate right to take a decision on the country’s political and constitutional course. "We have been closely following the recent political development in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela,” further reads the press note, adding, "In line with its principled position, Nepal believes that internal political problems of a country need to be resolved within its constitutional parameters in a democratic manner, free from external interference."
However, Nepal’s official position – of the non-aligned – bends away from the statement released by ruling NCP (NCP) co-chairman Dahal on January 25. On Friday, the NCP had issued a statement bearing recognition to democratically elected constitutional President Nicolas Maduro. The NCP (NCP) statement read that the recognition of self-declared acting president Juan Guaido by US and other states is ‘unacceptable intrusion’ in internal affairs and an attempt of ‘imperialist coup’.
The statement – the diplomatic blunder of Nepal siding with Russia-China group against Nepal's position of non-aligned – followed the stand taken by China, Russia and a number of other countries, who have criticised the role of the US and its allies on Venezuela’s political crisis.
The letter signed by NCP (NCP) co-chairman Dahal – in absence of the party’s another co-chairman and also the Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli – had not triggered a debate over whether it is the official position of the government or the NCP (NCP) only but also raised serious concern from the US. The US has also sought Nepal government's official position in the issue.
Foreign experts claimed that the Dahal statement on Friday was a reaction to the statement issued by around a dozen Kathmandu-based missions including the UN, who asked the government to finalise Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Commission for the Investigation of Enforced Disappeared Persons (CIEDP).
On Thursday, issuing a press note Kathmandu-based diplomatic missions of Australia, Germany, European Union, Finland, France, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, and United Nations said, "Noting the looming expiration of the mandates of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission for the Investigation of Enforced Disappeared Persons, as well as the upcoming fourth anniversary of the 2015 Supreme Court ruling that affirmed certain requirements for transitional justice processes, we encourage the government to clarify to the public its plans to take the transitional justice process forward in 2019."
Though, Nepal has extended diplomatic relations with 163 countries around the world, it has not been in any group historically. Nepal and Venezuela had tied the bilateral relations on April 28, 1987.

Ruling party bulldozes medical bill through House

The ruling party today bulldozed the Parliament to pass the controversial National Medical Education Bill trampling on an earlier agreement reached with Dr Govinda KC. Refusing to acknowledge the main opposition Nepali Congress (NC), the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) used its two-thirds majority and hundreds of marshalls in the House to endorse the Bill.
During the forceful move by the government, House Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara is blamed to be sided with the government going beyond his non-partisan role. "It will have far-reaching consequences – in terms of politics as well as the future of the medical education sector – blamed the main opposition.
The government has moved ahead in an authoritarian style to push the bill through the House, NC president Sher Bahadur Deuba said, blaming the Speaker for failing to maintain dignity of his post. He also warned of more protests – both from the streets and Parliament – in coming days.
Demanding that the National Medical Education Bill be endorsed in its original form, Dr KC – who has been staging his 16th hunger strike for the last 17 days – had written an open letter to the parliament yesterday, calling on NCP lawmakers to abide by the agreement Prime Minister KP Oli had reached with him on July 26, during his 15th fast-unto death hunger strike.
The parliamentary committee – with the ruling party's majority – had passed the Bill amending some crucial provisions against the agreement reached with Dr KC. The NCP has claimed that the bill addresses 95 per cent of the fasting surgeon demand of reforms in the medical education sector. But manipulating 5 per cent has raised serious questions on the ruling party's intention either it wants to create socialist education system or acting on behalf of some controversial investors of medical colleges.
The NC had obstructed House proceedings on Monday and Tuesday demanding the government to run two hospitals named after Nepali Congress leaders and late Prime Ministers – Girija Prasad Koirala and Sushil Koirala – by the federal government likme the other 9 hospitals. Earlier, the government had excluded the two hospitals – among the 11 hospitals – from under federal government.
But the Speaker Mahara today increased the number of marshalls as the ruling party was preparing to pass the Bill by force.
With the beginning of the House, the NC parliamentarians started shouting slogans. Amid the chaos, the Speaker gave time to NC lawmaker Pushpa Bhusal to air her views. The fellow Congress lawmakers continued shouting slogans and moved towards the bell – after Bhusal finished her speech – but mobilising more marshalls, Speaker Mahara allowed education minister Giriraj Mani Pokhrel time to table the bill at the parliament.
Amid the obstruction of NC lawmakers, Pokhrel tabled the Bill, and the Speaker called for discussion. Since nobody from ruling party wanted to speak and opposition were busy in protesting, Speaker Mahara presented the Bill to the House for final approval. The ruling NCP lawmakers passed the Bill with 'yes' votes as there was no response for 'no' votes call since the opposition NC lawmakers were continuing their protests.
Mahara then declared that the 'Bill has been endorsed by majority votes.'
The NC lawmaker Gagan Thapa – also a former health minister – after forceful approval of the Bill accused the NCP (NCP) of playing 'politics of negation.'
Thapa also took exception to the role played by Mahara as the House Speaker. "The Speaker failed to keep his word as he had in the morning vowed to seek a solution through dialogue,” he said.
After parliament's fiasco, the fasting surgeon held a brief press meet at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital where (TUTH) – where he is staging his hunger strike – and reminding the government of six demands other than the medical bill. Dr KC also clarified that he would continue his fast-unto death and demanded that Prime Minister Oli's resignation on 'moral grounds', as Oli failed to keep his agreement.