Diplomatic missions in Kathmandu urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint

The embassies of seven different countries based in Kathmandu have expressed their concerns to the violence seen in Kathmandu and other parts of the country on Monday. 

Issuing a joint statement on Monday evening, they stated that they are deeply saddened by the violence seen in Kathmandu and elsewhere in Nepal, including the tragic loss of life and injury during demonstrations. “We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the victims, all those affected, and wish those injured a swift and full recovery,” according to the Joint Statement by the Embassies of Australia, Finland, France, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America in Nepal.

“Our governments reaffirm our strong support for the universal rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint, avoid further escalation, and ensure that these fundamental rights are protected,” read the  statement. 

 

 

Government to form probe committee to look into the Gen Z protests incident

The government has decided to form a probe committee to look into the incident that occurred during Gen Z protest today. 

A meeting held at the Prime Minister's residence in Baluwatar decided to form an investigation committee.

The investigation committee must submit its report within 15 days.

The coordinator and members of the committee will be decided in tomorrow's meeting, according to sources.

At least 19 Gen Z protesters died in clashes with security personnel across the country today.

The Health Ministry informed that 347 persons were injured in the incident.

 

 

 

 

 

NC President in Baluwatar to meet PM Oli

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has reached Baluwatar to meet Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

Deuba has reached the Prime Minister's residence in Baluwatar to discuss the incidents and protests of Gen Z.

It is learnt that they will also discuss the issue about the deactivation of social media platforms.

 

 

Curfew imposed in Birgunj

The District Administration Office (DAO) has imposed a curfew in Birgunj Metropolitan. 

The curfew order will be effective from 9 pm today. Following the 'Gen-Z' group's vandalism and arson at public properties in Birgunj's Ghantaghar and Maisthan areas this evening, the Chief District Officer of Parsa, Toy Narayan Suvedi, announced that the curfew order will be in effect from Monday 9 pm  to Tuesday 9 am.

He stated that a curfew was issued according to the Local Administration Act, 2028, prohibiting any kind of procession, demonstration, gathering, or blockade in areas to the east of the metropolitan area at the bypass road, west at Sirsiya bridge, north at Gandakchok, and south at Shankaracharya gate.

He mentioned that based on the situation on Tuesday, the curfew could be extended. 

The Gen-Z group has protested in Birgunj by burning tires in the evening.

Health Ministry urges hospitals to dial up 1115 to prevent blood shortage

The Ministry of Health and Population is operating ‘Hotline 1115’ throughout the night to provide hospitals with information about blood availability to prevent a shortage of blood for the injured during today’s Gen Z protests. 

According to the Ministry, any hospital facing a shortage of blood can directly call 1115 to obtain immediate information on availability of blood at blood banks or hospitals. 

Earlier, the hotline service, operated under the 'Hello Health Program’,, was only available daily from 8 am to 8 pm. However, the Ministry has decided to operate this service overnight to ensure there is no shortage of blood for the treatment of those injured during today's demonstrations and for easy availability. 

The Health Ministry has also issued a circular to all federal hospitals to arrange for free treatment for the injured. 

 

 

 

Excessive force was used against Gen Z protesters: NHRC

The National Human Rights Commission has said that excessive force was used against Gen Z protesters on Monday.

Issuing a statement today, human rights watchdog spokesperson Tikaram Pokharel directed the authorities to stop using excessive force against the protesters.

“According to the Constitution of Nepal and international human rights law, any individual or group has the right to express their dissatisfaction in a decent manner. A democratic government must identify the legitimate voices of citizens and address their demands timely. It is unfortunate that such demonstrations have turned into vandalism and arson and that the security forces have used excessive force against the protesters,” the Commission said.

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Angelina Jolie reflects on family cancer history before 'Couture' premiere

Award winner Angelina Jolie had a strong message about hope and living her best life as she reflected on her family's history of cancer before the world premiere of "Couture" on Sunday, Reuters reported.

The "Salt" and "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" actor was at the Toronto International Film Festival promoting her film "Couture," the story of an American film director navigating the Parisian fashion industry while she is given a serious medical diagnosis and is in the midst of a divorce.

"I'm 50 now. My mother and grandmother by this age were in chemo," Jolie said, walking down the red carpet with her co-stars, according to Reuters.

Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga shine at the MTV VMAs with wins and performances

Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga set the tone at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night with career-defining moments of their own, Associated Press reported.

Grande scored two honors — video of the year and best pop video — and had the audience buzzing when she thanked her “therapists and gay people” during her acceptance speech. 

Gaga, the night’s top nominee, kicked things off by winning artist of the year before later delivering on her promise to perform. She hit the stage at Madison Square Garden after her acceptance speech, which sent the audience into a frenzy at the UBS Arena where the VMAs were being held. 

In her earlier remarks, Gaga stressed the deeper meaning of artistry, according to Associated Press.