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Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said the religion should not be used to address political interests. 

At a meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) today, the Minister said any incidence of violence should not be covered up and excused in the name of religion.

"I do not mean to say that one religion is best and another is not. I do clearly mean that the Tinkune violent incident and the arson that took place on March 8 should not be judged from linking those incidents with any religion or religious faith," he said, adding that "The Hindu faith believes in non-violence, peace and fraternity which were not reflected during the Tinkune demonstrations."  

The advocacy for monarchy made during the Tinkune demonstration is against Nepal's constitution, the Home Minister said adding that such a move can't be judged as an appropriate one under any pretexts. 

According to him, the necessary investigations and prosecutions against those responsible for the violence in Tinkune are currently underway. He stated, "Anyone found guilty during the investigation will be brought to justice." Regarding the violent demonstrations carried out by pro-monarchist forces in Tinkune, he said he has already informed the respected State Affairs Committee of Parliament.

According to him, photojournalist Suresh Rajak from Avenues Television was killed in a fire set in a private house in Tinkune, while another individual, Sabin Maharjan, succumbed to bullet wounds during the efforts to control the demonstration.

"The government is clear that the organisers of the demonstrations should take responsibility for the arson at a herbal medicine manufacturing company. Investigations are going on to determine the details of the damages caused during the Tinkune demonstrations," he said.

Of the injured during the demonstration, three individuals are currently receiving treatment, while the others have already returned home after recovering. The government has guaranteed free treatment for those injured, he added.

In response to a question regarding the delay in implementing the Supreme Court's verdict on the Giribandhu Tea Estate, the Minister explained that since the Ministry is not a defendant in the case, it is not in a position to receive information or engage in correspondence regarding the implementation of the verdict.

"I would like to request that the relevant ministries and bodies take action regarding the implementation of the verdict issued by the Supreme Court’s constitutional bench on 2080-10-24 BS (February 7, 2024)," he stated.

Minister Lekhak further said the Ministry of Home Affairs is fully prepared to implement the Constitution of Nepal, the laws of Nepal, and the decisions and verdicts of the respected courts, ensuring the protection and promotion of government and public property.

The government has decided to celebrate Republic Day with grandeur for three days this year also.

A meeting held at Singha Durbar on Monday formed the Main Celebrations Committee under the headship of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to celebrate Republic Day 2082.

Deputy Prime Minister, ministers, state ministers, Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor, Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal, Chief of Army Staff, Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor and heads of security agencies among others are the members of the Committee.

European Union delegates paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday.

This is the first time in Nepal that such a number of EU delegates including Veronique Lorenzo, the EU ambassador to Nepal, have been in Kathmandu.

They arrived here to take part in the three-day first edition of Sagarmatha Sambaad held in Kathmandu on May 16-18. 

During the meeting, discussions between the two sides centered on the Nepal-EU diplomatic ties for 51 years, and the significance of EU cooperation for Nepal's stability, economic development and good governance. 

On the occasion, the Prime Minister apprised the delegates that Nepal has now picked up pace in the areas of economic development and good governance following its transitions from the armed conflict, peaceful people's movement, peace talks and the promulgation of the constitution from the Constituent Assembly.

Stating that two major political parties in Nepal - the CPN-UML and the Nepali Congress (NC) - formed the incumbent coalition government with commitments to advancing economic development and good governance, the Prime Minister urged the EU delegation to invest in Nepal for its prosperity and job creations.

Citing that there is no possibility to recede from the federal democratic republic system, an outcome of people's struggle, he said, "Stability and prosperity is the onward destination of Nepal."

The PM said that "Friendship with all, animosity with none" reflects Nepal's foreign policy, emphasising its close relations with both India and China, as well as maintaining friendly ties with all other nations.

He expressed gratitude to the delegation members for attending the Sagarmatha Sambaad with the greater realisation of its theme and objectives.

The event was themed - "Climate Change, Mountains and the Future of Humanity."

The Prime Minister seized the opportunity to announce that there would be no further delay in resolving the issues of transitional justice, as the relevant laws have already been enacted and two commissions have been formed in consultation with the concerned stakeholders.

The EU ambassadors pledged their continued support to Nepal in areas such as education, infrastructure, health, energy, information technology, and climate change, while collaborating with the country on its socio-economic development efforts.

Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister, Bishnu Prasad Rimal, and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present in the program.

US President Donald Trump will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday to discuss a possible ceasefire in Ukraine and trade relations. The call is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET (1400 GMT), according to Reuters.

Trump said the focus will be on stopping the ongoing “bloodbath,” which is reportedly claiming over 5,000 lives weekly. He expressed hope for a productive outcome and an end to the conflict.

The Kremlin confirmed preparations for the call. Trump also plans to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and NATO leaders. His administration has warned of further sanctions if Russia does not engage seriously in peace talks, Reuters reported.