Greetings from Kathmandu, 

Nepal government has cancelled the International Association for Tibetan Studies Conference, which was scheduled to be held in Kathmandu from August 23–29, marking the first time the global academic event was planned in Nepal. The decision came after strong objections from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, which had expressed concerns over the participation of representatives linked to the Dalai Lama. Beijing’s growing concerns over security issues in Kathmandu appear to have intensified following last year’s GeZ movement and the evolving political environment in Nepal.

Former Rastriya Prajatantra Party leader Dhawal Shamsher Rana and medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai have announced the formation of a new political party, named the Jaya Nepal Party. The party’s main objective is to advocate for Nepal’s restoration as a Hindu state. The leaders are expected to register the party next week. Rana is a former senior leader of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, while Prasai has gained public attention for his criticism of political parties and allegations of corruption and misconduct among political leaders. Known for his provocative statements, including remarks criticized as hate speech, Prasai has faced legal challenges under successive governments. However, courts have granted him release in previous cases.

Three international human rights organizations — Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the International Commission of Jurists — have come under scrutiny from the Nepal government and Parliament following a controversial statement regarding Nepal’s judiciary. The organizations had alleged that the government was threatening senior Supreme Court judges in connection with possible impeachment proceedings. The statement drew widespread criticism from political circles and legal stakeholders, who argued that the allegations were inaccurate and damaging. The Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee of Parliament has instructed the government to seek clarification from the organizations regarding their statement. Lawmakers have also raised questions about the operations and funding of these organizations. Parliamentarian Shobita Gautam described such serious allegations against Nepal’s institutions as an attack on the country’s sovereignty. The controversy could have wider implications for non-governmental organizations operating in Nepal, as the government appears set to increase scrutiny of their transparency, funding sources, and activities.

Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has intensified efforts to prevent a possible split within the party. Thapa is preparing consultations with senior leaders Shekhar Koirala and Purna Bahadur Khadka as internal divisions continue to deepen. A rival faction is reportedly preparing to hold a national convention with the intention of registering a separate political party, raising concerns about a formal split in Nepal’s oldest Democratic Party.

Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has continued discussions with representatives of Nepal’s banking sector as part of efforts to address economic challenges. Wagle separately held consultations with chief executive officers and executive directors of banking institutions, as well as officials from Nepal Rastra Bank. However, the notable absence of government economic adviser Bishwo Poudel from the discussions has fueled speculation about internal coordination issues within the government.

A team from the high-level investigation committee formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs has returned to Kathmandu after a three-day field investigation. The team collected evidence, inspected relevant sites, and held discussions with stakeholders as part of its ongoing inquiry.

The main opposition Nepali Congress on Tuesday submitted a 15-point memorandum to the government, raising concerns over governance, transparency, public accountability, the economy, security, and citizens’ livelihoods. The party reiterated its commitment to political stability and said it was prepared to cooperate with the Rastriya Swatantra Party-led government in the national interest. However, the Congress emphasized that cooperation would not prevent it from holding the government accountable. The party argued that while elected governments have the mandate to govern, protecting democracy, constitutional values, and citizens’ rights remains the responsibility of all political forces. Political parties have once again entered into negotiations over coalition arrangements in provincial governments.

CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli is engaged in efforts to manage internal party differences, while the royalist Rastriya Prajatantra Party has decided not to participate in the political calculations surrounding provincial government formation. The Rastriya Prajatantra Party holds a decisive position in Bagmati Province, where the UML and Maoist parties are struggling to secure enough support to form a government.

Kamal Dev Bhattarai

Editor