There is tragic news from the Himalayas. World-record-holding Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, widely known as Nimsdai, has died after being caught in an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan. Several other members of his expedition team also lost their lives. Tributes to Purja have poured in across social media. Prime Minister Balendra Shah also paid tribute to the legendary mountaineer through a social media post.
The situation in the Terai-Madhes region is gradually returning to normal. No incidents of violence were reported on Saturday, and authorities have eased the curfew and other prohibitory orders. Home Minister Sudan Gurung is on the ground consulting with local stakeholders to help maintain peace and stability. Civil society leaders in both Kathmandu and Madhes have called for religious tolerance, social harmony, and unity among people of different faiths, castes, and ethnic communities.
The dispute within the Nepali Congress has further intensified, with the Purna Bahadur Khadka faction announcing a national gathering of its supporters. If the two sides fail to reach a reconciliation, the gathering is expected to deliberate on the formation of a new government.
Although talks are continuing between Party President Gagan Kumar Thapa and the rival faction, no agreement has been reached so far. Senior party leader Shashank Koirala has been appointed convener of the national gathering. Koirala remains popular among the party's rank and file. The rival faction has also rejected the legitimacy of the special general convention that elected Thapa as the party president.
The CPN-UML has finalized Jaga Nath Thapaliya as the next Chief Minister of Bagmati Province. A few days ago, the CPN-UML and the Nepali Communist Party agreed to reshuffle provincial governments. The two parties have already replaced their chief ministers in Karnali Province.
In Sudurpaschim Province, the Nepali Communist Party is set to form the provincial government. However, internal divisions within the party persist. Khaga Raj Bhatta was widely expected to become the next Chief Minister, but other party leaders have also laid claim to the position, creating uncertainty over the final decision. Kamal Dev Bhattarai, Editor
