King Birendra’s statue in Pokhara was installed with locals’ consent
A week ago, some local residents in Pokhara placed a statue of late king Birendra Saha at Rambazaar Birendra Chowk, a central junction for Pokhara wards 10, 14, and 15. The statue was installed at midnight to avoid potential repercussions from authorities.
While the act comes in defiance of previous removals of kings' statues across Pokhara following the monarchy's abolition in Nepal, the group that mounted the statue say that they did it with the consent of the local residents.
The news about the statue installation spread rapidly, drawing the attention of the District Administration Office, Kaski, and local government offices. However, the officials who reached the scene to see the statue did not give a clear answer whether they will remove it or let it be.
"We have not decided yet on what to do," said Moti Raj Timilsina, the spokesperson for Pokhara Metropolitan Office. The office will consider taking action if it is deemed contrary to the values of local governance.
The decision to place the king's statue traces back several years, with formal approval from the previous local government. It must be one of the reasons as to why the current local government is silent about the matter.
Man Bir Gurung, a 90-year-old local resident who led the group that placed the statue of king Birendra, said they had obtained a formal approval from the ward offices and the consent of local residents and political parties to commemorate the late king.
“We wanted to keep the memories of the former king in our hearts and minds,” he said.
Earlier, the same spot used to have a bust of king Birendra, but it was destroyed by the Maoist supporters during the people’s movement of 2006, which culminated with the abolition of centuries old monarchy in Nepal.
Ganesh Poudel Chhetri, chairman of group, said despite facing challenges due to political changes, they were determined to keep the memory of late king alive by erecting his statue.
“We had the consent of local residents and a letter of approval from the ward offices as well,” he added.
The group consists of almost 100 locals from diverse political affiliations and civil society. Two years ago, Pokhara ward 10 office had recommended placing the statue, considering the overwhelming local interest and consensus.
Sammar Bahadur Shrestha, a former ward representative from Nepali Congress, affirmed the decision.
“Considering the locals’ support, we had decided to allow the group to install the statue,” he said.
Tamu Lhosar being observed today
The Gurung community is marking Tamu Lhosar today by bidding adieu to the year gone by.
In the Gurung language, ‘Lho’ means year or age and ‘Sar’ denotes change. Members of the Gurung community mark the festival by organizing feasts and cultural programs.
Tamu Lhosar is also associated with the rays of the sun, it is said.
The festival is marked on the 15th of the Nepali month of Poush as sun rays reach early in the geography of Gurung settlements including Lamjung, Gorkha, Tanahun, Syangja, Manang, Kaski and Parbat.
The festival is marked by the Tamang and Sherpa community in the Nepali month of Magh and Falgun, respectively.
The government has announced a public holiday on the occasion of Tamu Lhosar.
Members of the Gurung community will organize a special program at Tundikhel, Kathmandu, today. RSS
Sandeep Lamichhane found guilty of raping minor
Former national cricket team captain Sandeep Lamichhane has been found guilty of raping a minor.
A single bench of Kathmandu District Court judge Shishir Raj Dhakal issued the verdict on Friday following the hearings that started on Sunday.
A 17-year-old girl registered a rape complaint against Lamichhane at the Metropolitan Police Circle, Gaushala.
The girl in her complaint said that the Nepal’s leg spinner had raped her in various places of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur.
The next hearing will determine the jail sentence for Lamichhane.
Two killed as police open fire on protesters in Balkumari
Two persons died when police opened fire on protesters at Balkumari in Lalitpur on Friday.
Nepal Police spokesperson Kuber Kadayat said that the deceased have been identified as Sujan Raut of Dailekh and Birendra Shah of Doti.
Raut died while undergoing treatment at the Kist Hospital while Shah breathed his last in the course of treatment at the Patan Hospital.
Kadayat said that half-a-dozen protesters were injured in the incident.
Police said that they lobbed teargas shells and also fired warning shots into the air to disperse the mob after they set the vehicle of Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Prakash Jwala on fire.
The vehicle (Ba 2 Jha 5861) was completely destroyed in the fire.
A group of youths took to the street over the issue of the Korean language test.
Police said that they have around two dozen protesters under control.
