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Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is on an official visit to Thailand, was accorded a guard of honor in Bangkok on Wednesday.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, ministers and high-ranking officials welcomed Prime Minister Oli where he inspected a guard of honor.

The Prime Minister of Nepal has paid an official visit to Thailand for the first time in the 65-year history of Nepal-Thailand diplomatic relations.

Prime Minister Oli is holding a meeting with his Thai counterpart Shinawatra today itself.

It is expected that this visit would contribute to the expansion of mutual relations and collaboration between the two countries.

According to the Foreign Ministry, an agreement related to collaboration in culture and tourism sectors would be signed after the meeting between the Prime Ministers of the two countries.

Similarly, six different memoranda of understanding would be exchanged between non-governmental and business organizations of the two countries. After the agreement, the two prime ministers are scheduled to hold a joint press conference.

Likewise, the Prime Minister would participate in a luncheon hosted by his counterpart as well as hold a courtesy meeting with the King of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkorn, today itself.

He is scheduled to return home on April 5.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Prime Minister of Thailand, Paetongtran Shinawatra, are holding a meeting today. 

Prime Minister Oli is on an official visit to Thailand at the cordial invitation of his Thai counterpart. 

Before the meeting with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Prime Minister Oli attended the welcome program hosted by his Thai counterpart. 

This is the first official visit of Nepali Prime Minister to Thailand. 

It is expected that this visit would contribute to the expansion of mutual relations and collaboration between the two countries. 

According to the Foreign Ministry, an agreement related to collaboration in culture and tourism sectors would be signed after the meeting between the Prime Ministers of the two countries. 

Similarly, six different memoranda of understanding would be exchanged between non-governmental and business organisations of the two countries. After the agreement, the two prime ministers are scheduled to hold a joint press conference. 

Likewise, the Prime Minister would participate in a luncheon hosted by his counterpart as well as hold a courtesy meeting with the King of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkorn, today itself. 

He is scheduled to return home on April 5.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has left for Thailand on Tuesday.

He departed for Bangkok, capital of Thailand, on Thai Air to attend the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit.

Deputy Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Tourism Minister Badri Pandey and chiefs of security agencies had reached Tribhuvan International Airport to bid farewell to Prime Minister Oli.

An army troupe accorded the Prime Minister a guard of honor.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, Prime Minister Oli’s chief advisor Bishnu Rimal, Economic Advisor Dr Yuvaraj Khatiwada, Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal and Foreign Secretary Amrit Kumar Rai among government officials are in the visiting delegation.

During the visit, PM Oli will hold meetings with the King of Thailand and his Thai counterpart. Two MoUs related to tourism and culture will be signed during the visit.

Similarly, six MoUs will be signed between the non-governmental sectors in the presence of the Prime Ministers of the two countries.

On the occasion, PM Oli said that he would hold discussions with eminent businessmen of Thailand and address a program to be organized at the Asian Institute of Technology.

Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to address the BIMSTEC Summit on April 4. Similarly, according to PM Oli, he will hold sideline talks with the leaders of the member countries coming to participate in the Summit as far as possible.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has pledged to take action against the then king, Gyanendra Shah, for his involvement in “criminal activities”.

He said this while speaking at the meeting of the House of Representatives on Monday. The pro-monarchy protesters committed criminal acts on March 28, PM Oli said in reference to violent incidents at Tinkune, and pledged to not spare the former King. “Those involved in the criminal activities, including the former king, will not be exempted from punishment,” PM Oli reiterated. “Shouldn't those who say they will become the King again and destroy the system make their views public on all these incidents?” he questioned, referring to the former king.

PM Oli said the administration granted separate groups the permission to organize two political programs in Kathmandu in a peaceful manner on May 28.  “The Socialist Front under the leadership of the political parties, which have a significant presence in the Parliament, held a demonstration in a grand manner. They put forth their views, warned the government and expressed their commitment to the system and the Constitution,” he said, adding:  I thank the organizers for a peaceful demonstration. I believe that this is the way to strengthen our federal democratic republic.

He went on to say that the venue at Tinkune was given to another group for their protest. “But there was some suspicion and confusion about the organizers of the protest. There were grounds for suspicion about the objectives of the program as some of the leaders of the parties represented in the Parliament were among the organizers.”

“While protesting, the organizers went against their promise to hold a peaceful demonstration. A mob started shouting slogans against the government and when the administration tried to control it, the mobsters assaulted police personnel, snatched their weapons and even robbed a department store,” PM Oli added.

Two persons—Suresh Rajak, a photojournalist at Avenues Television, and Sabin Maharjan (29) of Kirtipur—died during the demonstration at Tinkune. The protesters vandalized two media houses—the Annapurna Media Network and Kantipur Television—and set afire the office of the daily Annapurna Post. They not only caused damage to the media houses and private properties but also tried to set fire at the airport nearby and attacked police vans and a fire engine that had rushed to the scene to douse the flames, Oli said. “All of these acts are condemnable. Stern action will be taken against those involved in such incidents regardless of who they are,” PM Oli said, adding that the former King was responsible for all the incidents of May 28.

PM Oli accused the then king of violating the agreement reached with him after the Constituent Assembly declared Nepal a republic in 2008. At the time of the declaration of the republic, it was agreed that the former King Shah would be allowed to live a peaceful life as a citizen, conduct business activities by exercising the legal and constitutional rights of the citizen, and provide adequate security, PM Oli said. The Nagarjuna Palace was allotted to him, apart from granting his mother the permission to continue using a building within the Narayanhiti Palace complex as her residence. Furthermore, he said his government has already started an investigation into the Tinkune mayhem with the objective of identifying the guilty and bringing them to justice.

Meanwhile, while addressing the Parliament, he warned lawmakers from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party to desist from destroying the Constitution, pointing out that they were oath-bound to protect the charter.  Stresing that now is the time to protect the Constitution, safeguard the rights of the people achieved through a  huge struggle and sacrifice and its successful implementation, PM Oli said that the entire House should unite for the cause.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has briefed the Parliament about his impending official visit to Thailand and his participation in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit.

On the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit, PM Oli will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other counterparts from the member-states.

Earlier, two leaders met in New York in September last year on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

Addressing a meeting of the House of Representatives today, he said that Nepal’s prime minister is making an official visit to Thailand for the first time after 65 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. PM Oli is paying an official visit to Thailand from Tuesday.

Prime Minister Oli said this visit would be significant in the context of no official visit having taken place to Bangkok, which is the ‘gateway’ for Nepalis to countries other than the immediate neighbouring countries.

During the visit, PM Oli will hold meetings with the King of Thailand and his Thai counterpart. Eight MoUs will be signed—six between the non-governmental sectors of the two countries and two related to tourism and culture—in the presence of the two PMs.

PM Oli said he would hold discussions with eminent businesspeople of Thailand and address a program to be organized at the Asian Institute of Technology.

Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to address the BIMSTEC Summit on April 4. PM Oli informed that he will also hold sideline talks with the leaders of the member-states attending the summit.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said the government would provide necessary support to the family of journalist Suresh Rajak, who was killed in the Tinkune incident on March 28.

During the meeting held at the official residence of the Prime Minister at Baluwatar on Monday, Prime Minister Oli urged the family members to perform last rites of Rajak, adding the government would pay attention to make necessary arrangements for Rajak's widow employment. 

Paying tribute towards journalist Rajak who lost his life in the fire incident that occurred in Tinkune in the course of a demonstration by the royalists, the Prime Minister expressed condolences to the bereaved family members.  

He added that a process to take stern legal action against the guilty ones has already begun by carrying out investigation into the incident. 

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has briefed the Parliament about his impending official visit to Thailand and his participation in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit.

Addressing a meeting of the House of Representatives today, he said that Nepal's prime minister is making an official visit to Thailand for the first time after 65 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

PM Oli is paying an official visit to Thailand from tomorrow, Tuesday.

Prime Minister Oli said that this visit would be significant in the context of no official visit having taken place to Bangkok, which is the 'gateway' for Nepalis to countries other than the immediate neighbouring countries.

During the visit, PM Oli will hold meetings with the King of Thailand and his Thai counterpart. Two MoUs related to tourism and culture will be signed during the visit.

Similarly, six MoUs will be signed between the non-governmental sectors in the presence of the Prime Ministers of the two countries.

On the occasion, PM Oli said that he would hold discussions with eminent businessmen of Thailand and address a programme to be organized at the Asian Institute of Technology.

Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to address the BIMSTEC Summit on April 4. Similarly, according to PM Oli, he will hold sideline talks with the leaders of the member countries coming to participate in the Summit as far as possible.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said that the then King Gyanendra Shah who is involved in criminal activities will not be spared.

He said that while speaking at the meeting of the House of Representatives on Monday.

Saying that pro-monarchy protesters had committed a criminal act on March 28, the Prime Minister said that the former King will not be spared.

“Those involved in the criminal activities will not be exempted from punishment. The former king also will not be spared,” PM Oli said.  “Shouldn't those who say they will become the King again and destroy the system make their views public on all these incidents?” he questioned.

The Prime Minister said that the administration was informed that two political programs will be held in Kathmandu on March 28, highlighting that they would be peaceful.

“The Socialist Front under the leadership of the political parties which have good presence in the Parliament held a demonstration in a grand manner. They made public their views, warned the government and expressed their commitment to the system and Constitution,” he said, adding,” The demonstration was peaceful and I would like to thank the organizers. I believe that this is the way to strengthen our federal democratic republic.”

ALSO READ: Attack on Annapurna Media Network evokes widespread condemnation

He went on to say that the venue at Tinkune was given to another group to hold the protest. “But there was suspicion and confusion about who the organizer was. There were grounds for suspicion about the objectives of the program. The confusion was that among the organizers, there were some leaders of the political parties present in the House,” the executive head of the state said.

“The organizers did not hold protests like they said to the administration. The crowd began to stage the demonstration in a different form and started chanting slogans against the government. The administration tried to control the mob, but they assaulted police personnel, snatched their weapons and even robbed a departmental store,” PM Oli added.

Two persons including a photo journalist at Avenues Television Suresh Rajak died during the violent demonstrations in Tinkune.

The protesters vandalized media houses- the Annapurna Media Network and Kantipur Television. They also set on fire the office of Annapurna Post. Glasses of windows in the buildings were broken in the incident.

They not only caused damages to the media houses and private properties, they also tried to set fire to the airport and attacked police vans and a fire engine which came to put out the fire, he said.

“All of these acts are condemnable. Stern action will be taken against those involved in the such incident no matter who they are,” the Prime Minister added.

He claimed that the former King was responsible for all the incidents.

PM Oli accused the then King Shah of violating the agreement reached after the historic decision of the Constituent Assembly.

At that time, it was agreed that the former King Shah would be allowed to live a peaceful life as a citizen, conduct business activities by exercising the legal and constitutional rights of the citizen, and provide security as the head of the state, the Prime Minister said.

It has also been agreed that he will be allowed to use the Nagarjuna Palace and the building in the Narayanhiti Palace that his mother is using.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Oli said that an investigation has already been started into those involved in the criminal activities and to identify the mastermind behind the violent protests in Tinkune.

Meanwhile, while addressing the Parliament, he warned the lawmakers of Rastriya Prajatantra Party to not engage in destroying the Constitution, reminding them they took the oath of office and secrecy from the same Constitution.

Stresing that now is the time to protect the Constitution, safeguard the rights of the people achieved througha  huge struggle and sacrifice and its successful implementation, the Prime Minister said that the entire House should be united for the same.

“We have heard that various activities are being carried out against the system, democracy and the Constitution. The entire society should be serious at this critical time,” he said.

ALSO READ: A grave attack on press freedom

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to address the House of Representatives (HoR) under the federal Parliament today.

Prime Minister Oli will address the House meeting scheduled to be held at 11 am at the Parliament Building, New Baneshwor on Monday.

CPN-UML Chief Whip Mahesh Bartaula informed that PM Oli is scheduled to address the House at the beginning of the meeting.

It is believed that the parliamentary deadlock due to protest from the main opposition party will end with the PM's address.

Today's meeting is scheduled to pass five important replacement bills with discussion.

In the agenda of the HoR, PM Oli is scheduled to address the issues related to violent agitation of the royalists last Friday and the dismissal of Kulman Ghising from the executive director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).

The meeting is scheduled to table the 'Banking Offences and Punishment (Second Amendment) Bill-2080' with the message received from the National Assembly.

Similarly, President of the Infrastructure Development Committee of the HoR Deepak Bahadur Singh is scheduled to submit the committee's report on water resources bill-2081 BS.

President of the Education, Health and Information Technology Committee Ammar Bahadur Thapa is scheduled to present the committee's report on the 'Shaheed Dasharath Chand University of Health Sciences Bill-2081 BS'.

Likewise, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ajay Kumar Chaurasia will present a proposal in the National Assembly seeking consideration of the Nepal Council of Legal Practitioners (Second Amendment) Bill- 2081 BS.

Similarly, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak is scheduled to present a proposal to send the Nepal Citizenship (Second Amendment) Bill-2081 to the concerned committee for clause-wise discussion.

Prime Minister KP Sharma said that the opposition parties were obstructing Parliament over unnecessary issues.

He was addressing the inaugural session of the Eighth International Women's Trade Fair in Lalitpur today.

A non-issue-removal of a government employee- surfaced in the Parliament, he said, adding that the government was preparing to pass the ordinances with replacement bills. But such obstruction would hamper the Parliament schedule, the PM expressed worry.

"When a competent person was given a leadership role in the same institution, it was not praised. But those who do not deserve it were given unnecessary praise," he said, viewing that attempts were being made to create terror in the name of protest.

PM Oli further said there will be rallies at two places in the Kathmandu Valley. "There is no point in making the mountain out of molehill in connection with the opposition's demonstration," he reminded.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said the government was committed to making successful the works of two transitional justice commissions.

Addressing the national conference on transitional justice organized jointly by the Accountability Watch Committee and the Conflict Victims' Organization in the federal capital today, PM Oli said the works of the previous commissions on transitional justice would be reviewed rigorously. All sides should be aware and devoted to make further work result oriented, he stressed.

The Head of the government reminded that the bill on transitional justice was passed by the federal Parliament on consensus in order to conclude the peace process, thereby ensuring justice and reparation to the conflict victims. The Act would be helpful to not repeat the violence, PM Oli said, adding that another recommendation committee was also formed after the consensus among top leaders of the major parties to select members to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission on Enquiry of Enforced Disappeared Persons.

"All Nepalis want to forget the wound of conflict. We have ditched violence. Let us not repeat such activities. Let's ensure justice to conflict victims," he said, however, regretting that we failed to take the peace process to a logical conclusion even in 18 years. Now, we all should be serious about concluding the peace process. Action will be taken against those violating human rights, he vowed.

The PM mentioned, "It is not necessary to talk about observing the armed conflict as a ceremony or announcing a public holiday. Such a thing makes victims more victimized." Stressing the need of support from the international community to take transitional justice to a conclusion, the PM shared that Nepal has been taking efforts to find a solution through a unique way. 

He also urged everyone not to produce unnecessary issues linking them to transitional justice. Transitional justice and removal of an employee at government bodies are starkly different, according to him. 

PM Oli clarified that the country could not backtrack from the federal democratic republic as it was established through people's struggle and sacrifice.

Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN (Maoist Center) Chair and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal were also present on the occasion.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has asserted that no one has the power to usurp the rights achieved through the struggles of Nepali people.

Addressing the National Volunteers Gathering organized by the National Youth Federation Nepal here today, PM and CPN-UML Chair Oli said that if the people have not assessed the strength with the Youth Federation, it should demonstrate its capability for the country and the people even by taking on the regressive forces if need be. 

"No one has the power to take away the rights we fought for. The youths can tell this better. If anyone tries to trouble the country, the Youth Federation will pounce like a tiger," he said, adding that this activity of volunteerism is a good beginning. The PM urged the Federation to mobilize this power in an organized and dignified manner like the previous Youth Force.

"Let it be an unarmed permanent team; if any regressive force comes to fight head on or if the anti-development force obstructs our work, then let us strongly resist that,” he exhorted the youth volunteers on the occasion.

Prime Minister Oli said that some people are making a hue and cry when the government removed an employee and clarified that the Prime Minister need not give an explanation about it. 

"The Prime Minister has already replied. An employee was removed and another was appointed in his place. It's over. This is the reply. It is not our job to appoint whoever they want and who is of service to them," the PM said.

Prime Minister Oli expressed concern over the opposition parties obstructing the House to stop the passage of the bill to replace the ordinances by March 31.

UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel, Chief of People's Organization Coordination Mechanism Bhanubhakta Dhakal, Politburo member Mahesh Basnet, Federation Chair Kshitij Thebe, among others, expressed their views on the need for the National Volunteer Campaign.

The government has dismissed Kulman Ghising, the managing director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), just months before the completion of his second term. Ghising, widely recognized for ending household load shedding in the country during his eight-year term, was relieved of his duties following a Cabinet decision.
On Monday, the Cabinet decided to remove Ghising from his position, appointing former NEA Executive Director Hitendra Dev Shakya as the new managing director. Ghising’s tenure was set to end on 9 Aug 2025.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, referring to the dismissal of Ghising, mentioned that some individuals were blowing things out of proportion. He mentioned that some groups had already started protesting, seeking an issue to criticize. “This is just a small issue. They are turning molehills into mountains. They want to turn this small issue into a big one, making a snake out of a rope.”

Oli retorted in his characteristic style, “How much electricity was generated in the first four years? Did the electricity come immediately after the appointment of this person?” He then warned against spreading misinformation about hard work done over the years, calling it magic or miracles.

The government had been in a prolonged dispute with Ghising, particularly over the dedicated and trunk line electricity supply issue. On Feb 24, the Cabinet sought an explanation from him, questioning why he should not be removed from his position. This was primarily based on four major issues, which included alleged violations of a performance agreement signed on 19 Jan 2022, between Ghising and the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation.

One of the key reasons cited for his dismissal was his failure to submit the performance evaluation report for the fiscal year 2023-24 within the stipulated deadline. 

Another major reason cited was Ghising’s alleged unauthorized negotiation with India on electricity import pricing. He reportedly attended the Power Exchange Committee (PEC) meeting without prior approval from the government and signed agreements that led to an increase in electricity import rates. The Cabinet stated that Ghising attended the PEC meetings on Feb 12, and 11 March 2024, without obtaining necessary authorization, thereby violating Nepal’s Treaty Act and related regulations.

The government also accused Ghising of defying multiple directives. Notably, he failed to implement a 10 Nov 2024, Cabinet decision regarding the collection of outstanding dues from industries using dedicated and trunk line electricity. Despite being ordered to resolve the issue within 15 days, he allegedly failed to act on time. Furthermore, he challenged a directive from the Energy Ministry’s technical committee on Dec 19, registering a “note of dissent” in the Nepal Electricity Authority’s board decision.

Ghising’s removal has sparked widespread debate. He had previously clashed with Prime Minister KP Oli’s administration, particularly over the cutting of power supply lines to industries in July 2024, a decision that drew criticism from the business sector. Upon forming a new government, Prime Minister Oli instructed the resumption of power supply to the industries, which Ghising initially resisted before complying on July 23 following written instructions from the Electricity Regulatory Commission.

His dismissal has led to mixed reactions from political circles, business leaders and the general public. 

Chairperson of the CPN (Maoist Center), Pushpa Kamal Dahal, has expressed strong opposition to the government’s decision calling it unjust. Taking to Facebook, he said, “I hope this news turns out to be false. If true, this decision is completely wrong and objectionable. I strongly condemn this action taken under the arrogance of a so-called two-thirds majority.” He further claimed that the government had been unfairly targeting Ghising for a long time by repeatedly demanding clarifications. “When the people were suffering from extreme load-shedding, my government appointed Kulman Ghising as the Executive Director of NEA. Through his expertise and our leadership, we successfully built a brighter Nepal. However, he has been continuously harassed under the pretext of collecting dues, with the ultimate goal of removing him,” Dahal stated.  

Janardan Sharma, the deputy general Secretary of the Maoist Center, also condemned the dismissal of Ghising. He wrote on social media that those who remove people who do good work might feel victorious, but such people will always end up defeated in the long run. He also praised Ghising’s role in ensuring uninterrupted power supply despite the load-shedding and expressed concern over the current government’s actions.

Leaders of the ruling Nepali Congress, General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwo Prakash Sharma, also opposed the decision to dismiss Ghising. They expressed their dissatisfaction, stating that the government’s decision was unjustified. Thapa remarked, “While ministers stray from the right path, it is the Prime Minister’s duty to correct them. Unfortunately, that did not happen. The decision is wrong. The government is heading in the wrong direction, and the right destination cannot be reached this way.” Sharma also criticized the decision, saying, “Even if disciplinary action was necessary, it could have been taken later. The government should not have removed Ghising in a way that undermines good initiatives. This decision is completely inappropriate, and I openly oppose it.”

He further mentioned that internal and public warnings were given to the government to let Ghising complete his term. Thapa stated that while citizens’ dissatisfaction was growing, the government added fuel to the fire. “At a time when public dissatisfaction is rising, a section is trying to exploit this frustration for its vested interests. We work day and night to address these concerns, yet the government itself is fueling the fire of discontent,” he added.

Rajendra Lingden, chair of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), called it a regressive step. “The government’s extreme political interference in the NEA could once again push the energy sector into crisis,” he warned, calling on the public to protest against the decision.  

Rabi Lamichhane, president of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), symbolically opposed the government’s decision by posting a video on social media. In the video, he turned off an electric light and lit a candle. Without directly commenting, he captioned the post: “The people will have the final say on who stays and who goes!”

At the Exhibition Road in Kathmandu, protesting students burned an effigy of Energy Minister Deepak Khadka. The student organization affiliated with the CPN (Unified Socialist) led the demonstration, shouting slogans in favor of Ghising and against the government. During a protest speech, Unified Socialist leader Sudesh Parajuli accused the government of siding with corrupt individuals. “This government does not like light; it prefers darkness and black money,” he declared, urging nationwide protests against the decision.  

Protests against Ghising’s removal escalated into clashes between demonstrators and police in Kathmandu’s Maitighar Mandala. Supporters marched from Maitighar to New Baneshwor, breaking into restricted areas, leading to police intervention. There were protests at the main entrance of Singhadurbar too.

The decision has drawn widespread criticism from celebrities as well. Actor Hari Bansha Acharya wrote on Facebook, “Kulman is the light of Nepal. He should not have been removed to bring darkness.” Actor Kedar Ghimire commented, “Nepotism prevails!” while director and actor Nischal Basnet remarked, “They found a way to remove Kulman. Perhaps the downfall of the corrupt is now inevitable.”

The matter also entered the Public Accounts Committee of the lower house where most of the MPs objected to the government’s decision. Ram Krishna Yadav, an MP from the Nepali Congress, stated that Ghising should not have been removed and suggested that the Prime Minister should be sent a letter requesting a reconsideration. Aman Lal Modi, an MP from the Maoist Centre, reacted by saying that the government’s decision had taken Nepal back into darkness. He accused the government of working for middlemen by removing Ghising.

Manish Jha, an MP from the RSP, suggested that the government’s stance on the arrears for dedicated and trunk lines should be clarified, and the committee should discuss it. Hari Dhakal, another MP from the RSP, called the government’s action against Ghising a cowardly act.

The matter also plunged into the Gandaki Province Assembly where the MPs stirred up in for and against the government decision.

Meanwhile, Ramu Shrestha, the head of the Bharatpur Distribution Center of NEA, has been assaulted by the members of the National Youth Federation, affiliated with the CPN-UML. An offensive message against Prime Minister Oli was displayed on the digital board of the Distribution Center after Ghising’s removal.

In a press release, the center said a group of 35-40 people entered the center at 10 am on Tuesday and assaulted the office head, while also vandalizing the office space.  “The digital information board in the office was hacked, and an offensive and illegal message targeting the honorable Prime Minister displayed. Updating such disrespectful information about the Prime Minister, who holds a prestigious position in the country, is against the state’s constitution and prevailing laws. The Nepal Electricity Authority Bharatpur Distribution Center strongly condemns this unlawful act,” the release stated.

The center has called for an investigation into the incident and demanded that those responsible be brought under the purview of law and appropriate action be taken.

Meanwhile, the government has stated that the protests happening on the streets and social media in support of Ghising are being viewed as normal. In a press conference held on Tuesday, Minister for Communication, Information, and Technology, and government spokesperson Prithvi Subba Gurung said that everyone has the right to disagree with the government’s decisions, and the government does not take such expressions negatively. “The right to express disagreement with the decisions made by the government is there for everyone. They can make statements, and we have not taken it in a negative way,” said Minister Gurung.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has emphasized the need to promote and increase consumption of locally produced goods. 

Inaugurating the third general convention of Federation of Nepalese Industries and Entrepreneurs,  People's organization of the CPN (UML), here today, Prime Minister Oli urged to make the country self-sufficient, stressing on national production and consumption. 

He expressed the view that the government was ready to encourage the production of domestic goods in this sector. 

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stated that there are no immediate plans for his visit to Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura. During a question-answer session in Parliament on Thursday, Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) lawmaker Buddhi Man Tamang asked the Prime Minister when he would visit the disputed territories and whether any plans had been made.

In response, PM Oli said, “There is no immediate plan, but a visit could happen in the future.” He also counter-questioned MP Tamang, asking if he had made any plans to visit the areas himself.

PM Oli revealed that he has been trying to contact Maoist Center Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal regarding unresolved issues of the peace process. He stated that while the government is committed to finalizing appointments for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission for the Investigation of Enforced Disappearances, Prachanda has been unavailable due to health reasons. “As soon as we establish contact, the remaining tasks of the peace process will move forward,” he said.

PM Oli also addressed the operation of Gautam Buddha International Airport, stating that efforts are underway to bring it to full capacity. He mentioned that the government has been working with relevant agencies to develop a concrete action plan. He highlighted incentives such as reduced passenger service fees, ground handling, landing, parking, and navigation charges to attract airlines.

Currently, Al Jazeera, FlyDubai, AirAsia, and Nepal Airlines operate international flights from the airport. Additionally, the government has initiated labor permit services from the Butwal Labor and Employment Office and is expanding immigration and banking services at the airport.

The government plans to provide startup loans to at least 500 entrepreneurs this year, PM Oli announced. He stated that the selection process for startup loans at concessional interest rates is in its final stage. The initiative aims to foster innovation, encourage entrepreneurship, and create employment opportunities within Nepal.

He emphasized that while Nepali youths have the freedom to seek employment and education abroad, the government is actively working to create job opportunities at home. “The narrative that nothing can be done in Nepal is misleading. We are taking steps to build an industrial-friendly environment to encourage domestic and foreign investment, boost productivity, and reduce trade deficits,” he added.

PM Oli expressed concern over the increasing number of Nepalis leaving the country, particularly those taking irregular migration routes to reach the United States. “Some degree of migration is understandable, but leaving farmlands barren, taking loans, and opting for illegal routes to reach the US, only to face deportation, is not ideal,” he said. He attributed the issue to a lack of awareness and stressed the need to educate the youth about sustainable opportunities in Nepal.

PM Oli informed Parliament that the government has allocated Rs 50m for road construction in the remote village of Changru in Darchula. “The village has historically lacked proper road access. In response to local demands, we have started constructing a horse trail to connect it to the district headquarters,” he said. Additionally, he mentioned that roads are being developed in all district headquarters of Karnali Province with the support of the Nepal Army.

The upcoming Federal Civil Service Act will address the reservation demands of Tharu, Muslim, and other marginalized communities, PM Oli assured lawmakers. In response to questions from lawmaker Bina Kumari Thanet, he said that the proposed legislation, currently under discussion in Parliament’s State Affairs Committee, includes provisions for reserving quotas for Tharu and indigenous communities in civil service positions. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive representation in public appointments.

Meanwhile, Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) leader Prabhu Sah boycotted the PM’s question-answer session in Parliament, accusing Oli of failing to address his previous questions. Before walking out, Sah urged that the session be removed from the agenda, claiming it had lost relevance. “By not responding to my queries, the Prime Minister has disrespected the entire Parliament and the Speaker’s authority,” he said.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said Nepal and China had in 2019 signed the agreement on a 'Boundary Management System' to reopen the 14 border points along the Nepal-China border serving as the traditional trade points.  Urai Bhanjyang pass in Bajhang is one of the 14 transit points. 

In his reply to a query from Bhanubhakta Joshi in a meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) today, the Prime Minister said the regulations about providing China entry pass for Nepali citizens of districts adjoining China have been implemented. 

Coordination with the bodies concerned and the efforts at the diplomatic level continue to operate the Urai Bhanjyang. 

Entertaining the legislator's advice to provide services relating to roadways, drinking water, irrigation, river management and infrastructure management in an integrated way, he said local levels have launched an integrated system for some services.  

The government is undertaking continuous efforts to assure that job opportunities are available within the country, the Prime Minister said, adding that the five-year strategic plan has been implemented to develop entrepreneurship and internal employment for building a decent job atmosphere in the country. 

The Vocational and Skill Development Training Academy has been established to offer vocational and skills enhancement training and to verify skills of foreign migrant returnees. 

The Prime Minister further added that 'Employment Programme', the government initiation aiming to guarantee minimum job opportunities, around 800,000 (listed as unemployed) have got employment to date since  the fiscal year 2075/76 ( 2018-19).

The "Internal Employment Promotion Decade" has been announced with an objective of enhancing internal employment opportunities.

This initiation is expected to encourage youths to engage in employment and self-employment activities within the home, according to the Prime Minister.