Election To Be Held After 20 Years

Nepal Government has announced that it will hold local elections in May. The announcement comes whilst the Madhesi group are still protesting against the Government. The election will be held in single phase in May 14 across the country this year after two decades. National elections will be held later in the year.

The ruling United Maoist Party and Nepali Congress agreed not to wait for consensus of the agitating Madhesi parties over poll dates. Madhesi parties have said they will not take part in the election until the newly formed Constitution is amended. Nepal Constitution was ratified with a overwhelming 90% majority of the Constitutional Assembly on 20 September 2015.

King or No King

A day after late king Birendra Shah’s statue was removed and attempts were made to reinstall it in Nepalgunj city, the police yesterday sounded a high alert across the country to avoid clashes between supporters and opponents of the king.
The bust of Shah installed at Dhambojhi Chowk in Nepalgunj was pulled down by security personnel on Thursday night as it led to an altercation between the police and the erstwhile monarch’s supporters, the Kathmandu Post reported.
Earlier on Thursday, a group of youths reinstalled the statue which was pulled down during the People’s Movement-II in 2006.
Some demonstrators, including cadres of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal, gathered again yesterday morning to reinstall the king’s bust. But this could not be done as the police force was deployed at the site, The Himalayan Times reported.
Many areas in the city were cordoned off by the police to avert any possible clashes between the supporters and opponents of the monarchy and the police forces.
“No one should carry out activities that give rise to conflict and hampers the peace and security,” said a senior police official.
A statue of Birendra Shah installed at Dhambojhi Chowk in Nepalgunj was pulled down by protesters during People’s Movement-II in 2006. The political parties
could not reach a consensus over whose statue should be erected there.

Source: Gulf Times

American National Arrested in Nepal

A 70 year old, Fomess Dolan have been arrested by Nepal Police for preaching Christianity with the intention to forcing people into changing their religion. Such acts are criminalised in the secular himalayan nation.

It has been established after his arrest that Dolan had entered Nepal through India illegally without a visa. He is accused of potraying himself as a Doctor and as reported by Himalayan Times “He asked the women, who came to him seeking treatment, to wash off sindur (vermilion powder) from their foreheads and discard potes (traditional glass beads worn by married Hindu women) in the name of Jesus.”

Nepal used to be the only Hindu nation in the world until it was promulgated a secular state in the new constitution of Nepal. Missionaries from the western nations have been criticised for taking this opportunity to spread their own faith into this tiny, peaceful country.

This is why ICC suspended Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN)

ICC Board Meeting - © ICC

The ICC Chief Executives’ Committee and ICC Board meetings was held at its headquarter in Dubai on 24th April this year. ICC decided to suspend CAN in light of the court case between CAN and Ad hoc Committee established by Nepal Government's National Sports Council (NSC).

As a result there has been a vacuum of cricket leadership in Nepal. The Board accused Nepal of breaching Article 2.9 of the ICC’s Articles of Association, which prohibits government interference and requires free and fair elections.

Also, the suspension will mean that CAN will not be receiving any funding from ICC however the cricket teams from Nepal will be able to feature in ICC events.

ICC puts further emphasis that the suspension will nit be lifted until CAN becomes free of government interference and that ICC is working with the stakeholders to lift the suspension.

"The Board maintained that it doesn’t accept government interference in the affairs of its Members as it wants all its Members to work independently with the best intentions of promoting and developing the game in their respective territories in accordance with the ICC’s objectives and strategy. It added that until such time as the CAN becomes free of government interference and is properly structured to begin exploiting the tremendous cricket talent and opportunities that exist in Nepal, the membership of CAN will remain suspended."

China and Pakistan Go Hand in Hand Against India at the UN

In a major disappointment for India, China once again blocked India's proposal to ban Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.

After the attack on the IAF base at Pathankot on January 2, India in February wrote to the UN calling for immediate action to list Azhar under the al-Qaida Sanctions Committee.

According to sources, 14 out of 15 countries were willing to designate Azhar, but China alone decided to go against all the others in the bid.

China did not give any reason on their move in their written communication which just says that they want to put a hold on India's proposition.

The US, UK and France had strongly supported the move and the other nations had also expressed their consent to proceed with the action on Azhar.

But China, one of the five permanent members of the UN group with veto powers, collaborated with Pakistan to block the bid, sources add.

China is now the only country that has stood up for Masood Azhar more than once.

Full Information about Nepal Visa

Visa can be obtained on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, at border entry points in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki on Nepal-India border and Kodari on Nepal-China border. Visa can also be obtained at the nearest Nepal Embassy or Diplomatic Mission. Visa can also be obtained (renewal purposes) at Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu. A valid passport and one passport size photo with a light background is required. Immigration Department has not specified the size of the passport size photo.

Visa can be obtained only through payment of cash in the following currency:Euro, Swiss Franc, Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Singapore Dollar and Japanese Yen. Credit card, Indian currency and Nepali currency are not accepted as payment of visa fee.

A. Tourist Visa

Visa Facility Duration Fee
Multiple entry 15 days US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 30 days US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 90 days US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency

B. Gratis (Free) Visa

For first visit in one visa year (January to December) , gratis visa for 30 days is available only for nationals of South Asian countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. However, visa can be extended from the Immigration Department on payment of visa fee as specified above.

Indian nationals do not require visa to enter into Nepal.

C. For Indian National

Indian nationals do not require visa to enter Nepal.

As per the Nepalese Immigration, Indian Nationals Traveling to Nepal must posses any One of the following documents.

1. Passport
2. Driving License with photo
3. Photo Identity card issued by a Government Agency
4. Ration Card with Photo
5. Election Commission Card with Photo
6. Identity Card issued by Embassy of India in Kathmandu
7. Identity Card with Photo issued by Sub- Divisional Magistrate or any other officials above his rank

Also, please check with your nearest travel agents for documents required by the Indian Immigration for Indians travelling to Nepal.

D. Other Information

Nationals from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine and Afghanistan will need to obtain visa from Nepal Embassies or Diplomatic Missions in their respective countries, as they do not get visa on arrival at the immigration entry points of Nepal.

E. Visa Extension

Tourists can stay for a maximum of 150 days in a visa year (Jan 1 to Dec 31).

For further information, please contact:
Department of Immigration
Kalikasthan, Kathmandu
Tel: +977-1-4429659/4429660/4438862/4438868
Fax:+977-1-4433935/4433934
Email: mail@nepalimmigration.gov.np
Website: http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np

[Source : Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation]

Illegal Immigrants Sheltering in Nepal

KATHMANDU, March 31: Over 500 'illegal migrants' from various countries are staying in various parts of Nepal, according to available data. These migrants entered Nepal on various pretexts over a period of time.

Records at the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) show that the number of such migrants, often categorised as urban refugees, has reached 533. However, the government doesn't have data on this category as it recognises refugees from Bhutan and Tibet only.

Altogether 261 people from Pakistan were sheltering in Nepal as refugees as of March end 2015, according to UNHCR data obtained from MoHA. The second highest number of 'illegal migrants' by country is 156, from Myanmar. People from Sri Lanka, Somalia, Iran, Iraq, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Bangladesh are also among the 'illegal migrants'.

Under Secretary at the Local Administration Section at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), Kosha Hari Niraula, said that the government does not recognise refugees from any country except Bhutan and Tibet.

"We don't recognise refugees from countries like Pakistan, Iran, Iraq or anywhere else. They are categorised as illegal migrants and no law obliges us to ensure their resettlement or repatriation," said Niraula.

He added that people are entering Nepal thanks to the effortless visa processing and they overstay their visas for years on various excuses.

Nepal doesn't issue on-arrival visas to the citizens of 11 countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethopia, Iraq, Afganistan and Syria, and Palestine.

Neupane further clarified that UNHCR has categorised such 'illegal migrants', who have entered Nepal due to lack of security in their respective countries and other political problems, as urban refugees.

Officials at the National Unit for Co-ordination of Refugee Affairs (NUCRA) at MoHA opine that the penalty of five dollars per day for overstaying in Nepal should be waived for such migrants to facilitate their departure.

According to government data, there are 17,134 Bhutanese refugees and 12,540 Tibetan refugees remaining in Nepal. The government has carried out third country resettlement for 101,222 Bhutanese refugees.

However, Gopal Siwakoti, chairman of the International Institute for Human Rights, Environment and Development (INHURED), an organisation working on human rights and refugee issues, told Republica that the government should provide legal identity to all refugees, be they Bhutanese or Tibetan, as a durable solution.

He also informed that there are around 9,000 Tibetan refugees languishing in Nepal without any legal status because of the diplomatic pressure from Nepal's northern neighbour, China. "The government should come up with a comprehensive policy in regard to urban refugees as we are not a signatory to the Refugee Convention 1951."

Source: SHREEJANA SHRESTHA, My Republic Media

Nepal-China Relation, India Worried

Both China and India know that it is vital to keep making influence in Nepal from the strategical point of view. Nepal's more and more reliance to India because of its geographical limitations has provided India the upper hand in manipulating most of the internal affairs in Nepal. The prime example of which can be seen in the recent Indian blockade to Nepal done with the intention to give political pressure to change its fair and democratic constitution.

Nepali PM KP Oli's week long official visit to China has yielded some of the most significant Chino-Nepal deals of our times. The transit agreement between China and Nepal is expected to end the Indian monopoly of trade over Nepal. It will now also provide Nepal with the bargaining power in dealing with India.

Further, two highways from Nepal to Tibet, Chinese rail line linking Kathmandu and Lumbini, financial support to build international airport in Pokhara are included in the joint Nepal China statement.

Indian officials in Delhi observe this kind of prospect as a threat to its big brother attitude in the south east region. When asked about the subject to India's external affairs ministry spokesman, he said "now, we are not in the comparison business and even if you are, do ask yourself, is there any other country in the world which can have the kind of relationship that Nepal has with India?"

Indian Man Shot by Nepal Police not so "Innocent" - Video released

The video footage has emerged when An Indian was killed by Nepal police while firing on hundreds of protesters blocking a border crossing with India on Monday. He was identified as Ashish Kumar Ram from Raxaul in the Indian state of Bihar, by the officials.

Indian foreign office later released a statement arguing that the innocent Indian man was killed in the protest among Nepalese. However, the video footage clearly shows that the Indian was throwing stones to the Nepal Police and in response the Police fired who later died in the hospital.

Nepal's Constitution - Neighbour's Reaction

The Constitution Assembly of Nepal ratified a new Constitution on Wednesday after the lawmakers from the major political parties agreeing to a point which makes Nepal a federal republic and a secular nation. In all, 507 of the young republic's 598 lawmakers came out in favour of the bill in the marathon vote, which began on Sunday and continued late into Wednesday night.

Here's a sneak peek of what Nepal's Neighbouring countries have to say of this outcome.

China

China sincerely congratulates Nepal on promulgating the new constitution, and hopes to see that Nepal can take this opportunity to realise national unity, stability and development. China attaches great importance to relations with Nepal, and stands ready to further deepen bilateral friendly cooperation and provide assistance for Nepal's economic and social development to the best of her capacity.
-Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei's Regular Press Conference on September 21, 2015

India

We are deeply concerned over the incidents of violence resulting in death and injury in regions of Nepal bordering India following the promulgation of Constitution yesterday. Our freight companies and transporters have also voiced complaints about the difficulties they are facing in movement within Nepal and their security concerns, due to the prevailing unrest.

We had repeatedly cautioned the political leadership of Nepal to take urgent steps to defuse the tension in these regions. This, if done in a timely manner, could have avoided these serious developments.

We have consistently argued that all sections of Nepal must reach a consensus on the political challenges confronting them. The issues facing Nepal are political in nature and cannot be resolved through force. We still hope that initiatives will be taken by Nepal’s leadership to effectively and credibly address the causes underlying the present state of confrontation.

New Delhi
September 21, 2015

Pakistan

Pakistan welcomes the promulgation of the new Constitution in Nepal, through a democratic process.

We felicitate the Government and the political parties of Nepal on this achievement. Pakistan is confident that the new Constitution will further cement the foundations of democracy in Nepal.

The President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan have congratulated the President and the Prime Minister of Nepal on this historic achievement.

Pakistan wishes peace and prosperity to the people of Nepal.

Islamabad
September 21, 2015