Various organizations decry violent demo, vandalism by ex-king's supporters

Various organizations have condemned the vandalism and violence during the Friday's demonstrations by the supporters of ex-king Gyanendra Shah. 

They decried the losses of property and human lives in the course of the demonstrations followed by vandalism, attacks and arson in Tinkune of Kathmandu on March 28. 

They have demanded bringing those responsible for such inhumane incidents to justice with due compensations for the losses. 

Issuing a press statement today, the Democratic Thought Society said, "Such violent demonstrations are against the democratic standards and thus condemnable, and punishable by law." 

Similarly, the  Nepal Chamber of Commerce termed that such activities are also capable of negatively affecting the nation's economy. 

The Human Rights and Peace Society condemned the incident, stating: "The restoration of monarchy is impossible in the country as civic supremacy and freedom is the lifeline of democracy." 

The call to restore monarchy is against human civilization and freedom, the Society concluded. 

It may be noted that video journalist Suresh Rajak was killed in an incident of arson at a private house during the demonstration in Tinkune. In addition to the killing of Rajak, demonstrators also vandalized the Annapurna Media Group building at Tinkune, set it on fire, attempted a forced entry into the Kantipur Television building, and threw stones, causing terror in the newsroom. A vehicle owned by Himalayan Television was also damaged.

Similarly, as stated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, person indentified as Sabin Maharjan of Kirtipur was killed and 35 others injured in clashes with police during the violent demonstration organized by the supporters of the ex-king in the federal capital.

 

Nepal, India to strengthen border infra

The 13th meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Working Group (JWG) on Border Management (BM) was held in Pokhara, Nepal on March 27-28.

In the meeting, the two sides reviewed the decisions taken in the last JWG on BM that took place in New Delhi on 15-16 June 2022, particularly with respect to repair and maintenance of border pillars.

They also deliberated on issues related to trans-border criminal activities; strengthening of border infrastructure particularly ICPs, roads and railway-network; empowerment and capacity building of various security-related institutions; and ways to strengthen cooperation in disaster risk reduction and management.

The JWG on BM also reviewed progress on concluding the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) and the working of Border District Coordination Committee (BDCC) between the two sides.

The two sides agreed to ensure that the meetings of the JWG on BM are held regularly.

The Indian delegation extended an invitation to the Nepali delegation for the next JWG on BM to be held in India next year. Mihir Kumar, joint-secretary (Border Management), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, led the Indian delegation while Ramchandra Tiwari, joint-secretary (Security and Coordination), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Nepal, led the Nepali side. 

UK prepared to retaliate against US tariffs, Sources say

The UK would not hesitate to retaliate against US tariffs if needed, according to Downing Street sources, BBC reported.

The government is in last-minute negotiations with the White House ahead of a 25% tax on car imports and threats of wider tariffs on other goods on 2 April. 

It is trying to get an exemption, arguing that - unlike other countries - the UK has a relatively equal trading relationship with the US. The prime minister has said he does not want to jump into a trade war.

US President Donald Trump has introduced a series of tariffs targeting goods from other countries, arguing the measures will help American manufacturers and protect jobs despite warnings prices could go up for consumers, according to BBC.

Second hunting season begins in Dhorpatan

The second hunting season of this year has begun in Dhorpatan, the only hunting reserve in Nepal. In the second season, 35 wild animals including 13 Naur (himlayan blue sheep), 10 Jharal (himalayan thar) and 12 wild boars are going to be hunted.

 The Department of Wildlife and National Parks had called for bids for hunting in early February.

Six companies, including Himalayan Wildlife Outfits Pvt. Ltd., Tracks and Trails Pvt. Ltd., Himalayan Safaris Pvt. Ltd., Global Safaris Nepal, Nepal Travel Expeditions and Open Nepal Wildlife Safaris, have received permission to hunt in the second season. 

Meanwhile, hunters who have received permission from the Department have started arriving to hunt in various blocks of the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve.

Ranger Sagar Subedi of the Reserve Office shared that for the second season hunters will be allowed to hunt until the end of April. He said that only two Naurs have been hunted so far. One of the Naur was hunted by 70-year-old Marcos Olaizola Alcorta from Spain in the Sundaha block.

Hunters from the US, Argentina, Spain and France have come for this hunting season. The price for the permit to hunt the wild animals in the reserve range between Rs. 800,000 to Rs. 625,500 per animal.

Chief Conservation Officer of Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Chandrashekhar Chaudhary. said that Rs. 12.6 million in revenue has been collected in the second season.

 Hunting is open in Dhorpatan in two seasons every year. The first season falls in Asoj-Mangsir and the second in Falgun-Baishakh in the lunar calendar.

 

Weather to remain clear in most parts of the country today

The weather at present is partly cloudy in the hilly parts of Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces and clear in the rest of the country.

According to the Meteorological Forecasting Department, this afternoon, the hilly parts of the country will remain partly cloudy while the weather will be clear in the rest of the country. 

There is a possibility of light rain with thunder and lightning in one or two places in the hilly parts of Koshi and Gandaki provinces. Furthermore, there is a possibility of light snowfall in one or two places in the high hilly and mountainous region of the two provinces.

Tonight, the weather will continue to remain partly cloudy in the hilly parts of Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali provinces and remain clear in the rest of the country, adds the Department.

 

 

Sichuan-Nepal Trade Exchange Month begins

The Sichuan Series of Celebrations on China-Nepal 70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations and the Sichuan-Nepal Culture, Tourism, Economy and Trade Exchange Month commenced with an inaugural event held at Chengdu, China. 

The event held on Friday was jointly organized by Foreign Affairs Office of the Sichuan Provincial Government and the Consulate General of Nepal in Chengdu.

Speaking at the event, Director General of Foreign Affairs Office of Sichuan Province, Zhang Tao, reiterated the recent progress in connectivity between Nepal and Sichuan, highlighting the momentum of socio-cultural exchanges in the past year.

In his remarks, Ambassador of Nepal to China, Krishna Prasad Oli, reminisced about the historical ties shared by the two countries and more importantly, the bonds shared by the people of these countries. 

Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board, Deepak Raj Joshi, stated that Nepal is ready to welcome Chinese tourists and offer them an unforgettable experience in every corner of Nepal. 

The Consul General confirmed the Consulate’s readiness to facilitate and encourage all forms of trade, tourism and cultural exchange initiatives between Sichuan and Nepal.

The event included performances from Chinese performers and Himali Cultural Group, who arrived in Chengdu for Sichuan-Nepal Culture, Tourism, Economy and Trade Exchange Month.

Various Nepali products were showcased by Nepali exhibitors during the event. During the month-long Sichuan series, Nepali local products’ exhibition and cultural exchange events will be held in different cities of Sichuan Province.

The Sichuan series is also expected to enhance integrated and robust cultural, trade, economic and people-to-people exchange between Nepal and Sichuan, according to the Consulate General of Nepal in Chengdu, China.

 

‘Hashtag Arrest Gyanendra’ campaign launched demanding arrest of the then King Gyanendra Shah

A 'Hashtag Arrest Gyanendra' campaign has been launched on social media demanding the arrest and action against the then King Gyanendra Shah.

There have been demands on social media that Gyanendra Shah be held accountable and bring him to justice for the violent activities that took place in the name of protests in Kathmandu on Friday, demanding the restoration of the monarchy.

A photo journalist and a protester were killed and many others were injured during the demonstration of pro-monarchy in Tinkune yesterday.

Dozens of commercial buildings, media outlets and political party offices were vandalized and set on fire.

Claiming that the then King Gyanendra Shah was the mastermind behind the violent protest, a campaign has been launched on social media demanding his arrest.

Social media users have launched a hashtag campaign on Saturday demanding Shah's arrest.

Police have already arrested Rastriya Prajatantra Party leaders Dhawal Shumsher Rana and Rabindra Mishra among others for their alleged involvement in inciting the crowd and arson and vandalism.

 

 

 

 

 

Home Minister Lekhak assures action against perpetrators

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak today inspected different areas including Tinkune and Koteshwor where supporters of the former king vandalized and torched various physical structures.

A team comprising Home Minister Lekhak, Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi, high-ranking officials of the Home Ministry and police officers carried out the inspection of the torched private house at Tinkune, Kantipur Television, Annapurna Post Daily, Judibuti-based Herbs Production and Processing Company Limited, party office of CPN (Unified Socialist) and CPN (Maoist Center) and Koteshwor-based sales store. 

In the course of the monitoring, Home Minister Lekhak said the attack on the media house was condemnable and those involved in such inhumane activities would be brought to book. Condemning the attempt of destroying the media, he committed to taking action against the perpetrators. 

He mentioned, "In democratic republic, there will be mutual competition. There are government and opposition sides as per the people's mandate. But it should be countered by being united when anyone orchestrates anarchic activities against the system."