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NRNs call upon the UN to help resolve border dispute between Nepal and India

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Jagan Karki, London— The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has called upon the United Nations to help resolve the border dispute between Nepal and India.

Photo: Kishwor Panthi, Khasokhas

A team led by Vice President of NRNA International Coordination Council (ICC), Sonam Lama, submitted a memorandum  to the UN requesting the world body to monitor and help resolve alleged border encroachment of Nepal by India.

The memorandum was submitted to the executive  office of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres  in New York on Thursday.

“India’s border encroachment  (of) Nepalese territory Kalapani is beyond the norms and values of a sovereign Nation. We hereby draw the attention of (the) UN and ask to support Nepal’s diplomatic move to regain its sovereign territory,” the statement said.

NRN chapters have organised protests and submitted memorandum at Indian missions in Berlin, Geneva and London, among others, demanding that India withdraw its soldiers from Kalapani region of Nepal.

Full text of the statement

Similarly,  an online Petition initiated by Bibekshil Nepali against the border dispute between Nepal and India  has reached more than 48 thousands of signatures.

According to a source, the signatures collected  will be submitted to all the national and international concerned stakeholders.

Both Nepal and India claim Kalapani as their territory. The region has been occupied by Indian security forces since 1962, and the region has been disputed ever since.

Kalapani is a 35 square kilometer (13.5 square miles) area in Nepal’s far western region. Once serving as a trade route between India and what is now southwestern China, the strategic area was “occupied” by India after New Delhi withdrew its border forces following its war with China, according to Buddhi Narayan Shrestha, former director general of Nepal’s Department of Survey.

The area borders the Indian state of Uttarakhand.

‘Our hospitals and schools urgently need more doctors, nurses and teachers’-Virendra Sharma

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Four-time MP from Ealing Southall constituency, Labour leader Virendra Sharma is contesting for the House of Commons from the same constituency for the fifth time. A soft-spoken but hard-working parliamentarian has also served local communities as a Councillor and Mayor before being elected to the House of Commons in 2007. The veteran parliamentarian spoke to SOUTH ASIA TIME about his agenda and priorities ahead of the crucial parliamentary elections on 12 December 2019. Excerpts of the interview:

 

Brexit has been the defining issue of this election? But the Labour Party seems to be taking a middle path. Why?

The Labour position is clear and respects the right of all UK voters to be listened too. The referendum in 2016 was between a clear fixed, and sadly uninspiring, answer of remain and a leave option which could mean whatever you wanted it to because it was not fixed. The Labour Party believes that we have different negotiating priorities than the Tories, and in the first three months of a Labour Government, we would negotiate on our priorities, and then offer that deal to the public. I will be campaigning to remain because I believe our continued membership is the best deal we can get.

As a four time veteran MP, what would you like to recall as your major achievements?

As a Labour MP between 2007 and 2010 there was so much to be proud of, the Government was transformative and saved the world economy, but unfortunately instead of securing fundamental change since then we have been forced by the Conservatives to fight for every positive change we had secured. I am proud of the 2010 Equalities Act, and my role in ending the locally hated ‘Shaping a Healthier Future Programme’ that threatened to close Ealing Hospital and being proven right that voting against triggering Article 50 to leave the EU was the wrong decision.

Ealing Southall, the constituency you represent, is known for its ethnic diversity? What are you doing to promote communal harmony in your constituency?

I see my role as to be just that, a promoter of harmony. MPs have a powerful position that lets them intervene and help in any matter. When communities don’t work together everyone is worse off. I love the mix of Southall, the bustle of different ethnicities and languages, we are a richer community for our diversity. I was proud to be the mayor that founded the Southall Faiths Forum bringing together representatives from all communities to talk about their problems rather than letting them cause division. I believe my role is still to facilitate that dialogue and to help calm arguments when they arise.

The Tories have been calling on point-based immigration system based on merit. What is the immigration policy of the Labour?

What this country needs is an immigration system that works for everyone, not just the mega-rich and big business. That means one that supports migrants to this country and doesn’t exploit them, it means a system that doesn’t bring people to the UK to undercut workers already here, but instead respects them all. The UK needs migrants, they help the UK, and work hard, they don’t come here to make things worse, and I will never support a system that scapegoats immigrants.

Employment has been a major concern for many Asian voters? What will the new Labour government do to create jobs across the country and especially in this part of London?

We will invest in the business, put money back in the pockets of the worst off so they can spend more, and rebalance the economy so people across the nation will benefit. I believe that the plans we have for the expansion of Heathrow will reinvigorate the economy in my constituency and across West London. A new runway will bring thousands of new jobs and ten thousand apprenticeships a year training the workforce and growing the economy.

There have been complaints about the low quality of teaching in this part of London.  Hospitals and GPs are also crowded. What will the Labour Party do – if you are able to form a new government – to improve these services?

Our public services have been starved by the Tory government since 2010 and locally the story is even more severe, and Ealing Council has lost 64p in every pound since 2010. Hospitals and schools urgently need more doctors, nurses and teachers, and the ones we already have need a pay rise. We are promising to make their lives better, to invest in the system and ensure that equality of opportunity is available to all.

What are your main agenda in this election? Why should people vote for you?

I want people to feel powerful. This Tory government has stripped people’s power, it has taken their feelings of strength and ability to bring change. I want to give that back, and a Labour Government will value people and empower everyone to respect themselves, their needs and their place in the world. We need urgent action on Climate Change, so this next Parliament has to be about empowering everyone to be able to make the change they want and need, not about politicians failing to deliver and telling people what they need.

Gaurika bags first gold for Nepal in swimming at South Asian Game

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London— Gaurika Singh has bagged first gold for Nepal in swimming 200 meter freestyle in South Asian Game on Thursday.

Singh secured first position by defeating Siwangi Sharma of India in 200 meters freestyle competition.

Singh had completed the set in 2.506 minutes.

The youngest Olympian swimmer, Gaurika, pocketed the first gold medal ever for Nepal in the SAG’s swimming under the individual category. Earlier, Nepal won a gold medal in the team event category.

Singh was the youngest athlete to compete at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

VNY 2020 Secretariat invites promotional songs

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KATHMANDU: The government has invited applications from writers to submit songs for the promotion of the Visit Nepal Year (VNY) 2020 campaign in the next 10 days.

According to the VNY 2020 Secretariat, the applications have been called in a bid to promote the campaign via music and songs to make it effective.

The songs need to reflect Nepali arts, cultures, multi-dimensional beauty, religions, hospitality and in their works.

The writers are requested to submit their songs at the NVY 2020 Secretariat office at Kaiser Mahal.

The government has set an ambitious target to attract at least two million tourists in 2020.

Nepal Enters Final Of SAG Women Football

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RSS, Kaski: The Nepali women football team has entered the final in the ongoing 13th South Asian Games in Pokhara.
Footballer Sabitra Bhandari’s hat trick resulted in Nepal’s victory over Maldives with a score of 3-0.
With this, Nepal secured final collecting six points before playing the last match with India scheduled for Saturday. Earlier, the women’s team defeated Sri Lanka 1-0.
Bhandari scored two goals in the first half and one in the second. The first goal was scored in the 18th minute helped by a pass from Anita Basnet’s pass.
She scored through a eader. Bhandari also utilized the chance to score the next four minutes after the first.
Moreover, she cashed in the foul committed on her by opposition players inside penalty box in the injury time, which gave the third and final goal of the match, taking the Nepali team to the final.
Four countries- India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, India and host Nepal- are participating in the women’s football layed on Round Robin League.
India has already entered final, collecting six points with victory over Sri Lanka and Maldives. Nepal will play India in the final league match and also in the final match.

 

GPFN calls upon the UN Security Council to monitor the Kalapani dispute between Nepal and India

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London – The Global Policy Forum for Nepal (GPFN),  a UK-based non-profit organisation, has called upon the United Security Council to monitor the Kalapani border dispute between Nepal and India and initiate preventive diplomacy in the region.

Photo : Press note by Civil Society Members, Nepal

In a statement issued on Thursday, the GPFN said a geographical map unilaterally released by the Government of India in November 2019 inaccurately portrays several Nepali sovereign territories in the far north-west area, specifically Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura to be inside the Indian border. “This in itself is not new, and such erroneous maps have surfaced before. However, the release of this new map only goes to show an aggressive Indian tone,” the statement said.

“Based on this historically factual premise, and accepting that this is not an isolated boundary line dispute between Nepal and India, Global Policy Forum for Nepal (GPFN) concludes that India’s unilateral act of publicizing the map without consultation with Nepal, and violating both the mutually agreed past treaty and that of international laws governing the means to resolve boundary disputes, is therefore void and illegal. We believe that an immediate correction of the maps by the Government of India is a necessary and a vital step in defusing the situation and safeguarding the cordial relations existing between the two sovereign states,” said Dr Surya P. Subedi, Professor of International Law at the University of Leeds and Chairman of the GPFN.

“GPFN is willing to offer its support to both countries in finding a mutually agreeable resolution on the basis of historical evidence and the norms of international law to this and another major border dispute at Susta in the Lumbini region of southern Nepal,” Prof Subedi said.

The repeated infraction and the additional commentary by a spokesperson for the Indian Ministry for External Affairs (Raveesh Kumar, New Delhi, 7th November 2019), stipulating that the map “..accurately depicts the sovereign territory of India” continues to cause considerable disquiet amongst Nepalis including those in the diaspora. Multiple wrongs do not and should not be allowed to make a right, the GPFN said.

The territorial boundary of the said area was settled during the colonial time by the 1816 Sugauli Treaty (specifically Article 5) between independent Nepal and the then colonial India under the British East India Company. The modern treaty arrangements between the two countries have acknowledged the boundary set by the Sugauli Treaty. According to the basic principle of international law, any changes of borders are subject to mutual consultation between the neighbouring states,” the statement said.

“We urge both the Governments of Nepal and India to approach this issue with mutual respect and trust through normal bilateral diplomatic channels. This necessary endeavour should also attempt resolution of the numerous border encroachments that continue to fan the increasing frustration and anger amongst the Nepalis living along the affected border areas,” the Global Policy Forum Nepal said.

“Furthermore, whilst acknowledging that mutually accepted and stable national boundaries lay the very foundation for neighbourly peace and stability, GPFN echoes the sentiments of all Nepali citizens in its concern with India’s continued militaristic presence in Nepal’s far-north-western area. GPFN would also urge the UN Security Council to monitor the situation and initiate preventive diplomacy in the region,” the Forum said in its statement.

The Global Policy Forum for Nepal (GPFN) aims to provide independent, objective, impartial and non-partisan policy advice on issues affecting Nepal and its citizens with a particular focus on human rights, education, and law, the statement said.

BBC Top Gear to travel along adventurous roads of Nepal

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London — One of popular factual television series of BBC 2 has announced that they are going to cover the tough and adventurous  roads of Nepal. Photo : Top gear FB page

The Christmas special will see the presenters setting out on one of the toughest road trips ever, as they take a voyage from Nepal’s capital Kathmandu to the Forbidden City of Lo Manthang, a secretive kingdom on the Tibetan plateau, on the far side of the Himalayas.

It will see Paddy McGuinness, Freddie Flintoff and Chris Harris battling river crossings, mudslides and mountain passes along the way – but in an added twist they’re swapping 4x4s for a very small Peugeot, a very small Renault and only locally-built car in Nepal.

Top Gear is a British motoring magazine, factual television series, conceived by Jeremy Clarkson and Andy Wilman, launched on 20 October 2002, and broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC Two. The programme is a relaunched version of the original 1977 show of the same name, which looks at various motor vehicles, primarily cars. While the original format focused mainly on review of cars, the 2002 version expanded on this with motoring-based challenges, special races, timed laps of notable cars, and celebrity timed laps on a course specially-designed for the relaunched programme, with its format developing over time to focus on a more quirky, humorous and sometimes controversial style of presentation. The programme has received acclaim for its visual style and presentation, as well as criticism for its content.

When does Top Gear return for a new series?

The show will be back on screens sometime in 2020 although the date has yet to be confirmed.

Top Gear was reportedly renewed for another series after just one episode of the 2019 series, featuring new hosts Paddy, Freddie and Chris – had aired back in the summer, with the new hosts proving very popular with viewers.

Book Review by Swasti : “The Rain Fish” story book by the youngest Nepalese writer

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Book: The rain fish- The stories from the Pizza Boy

Author: Bishant Karki
The rain fish is a combination of stories arranged collectively, but each story
consists of an intriguing moral or fact. Which story do you want to choose?
As a whole, I have enjoyed "The rain fish" since I was able to encounter the
ideas and imagination of a seven-year-old; the stories give significant
perception into a child perspective. It is conspicuously distinguishing from a
teenager's aspect. In my opinion, I conclude that these stories can educate the
current generation to comprehend nature and merely not regard unfortunate
situations.
However, the stories would have been captivating if there was a component
that would fascinate older readers but also agree with the author's point.
Arguably, as a reader, I was not able to accept the argument advocating that
we put a limit to the number of minutes which we use electronics. Indeed, I
can apprehend that not many people interact socially with one and other, but
other factors are ascertaining this. These determinants can be understood
when young children start to be more conscious of various phases of the
world. Furthermore, 30 minutes of screen time rule applies to young children,
but this is not suitable for adults and teenagers. Over the years, teenagers and
adults will have assignments that will be relevant to their life and have a
perceptible influence on their purposes for the future. Consequently, there
should be an element to incorporate older readers so that it doesn't seem
tedious.
Although there is some room for improvement, I was profoundly mesmerised
by the quality of writing. It is unquestionably incredible to appreciate that such
a young author can generate such innovative concepts by himself. I regard the
story was especially striking in the area of conveying efficacious messages and
spreading this to educate children on how to perceive numerous
circumstances. My leading point is children will read compelling books such as
this. Optimistically, this will invigorate them to compose their fantasies.

Reading through this book will stop them from being apprehensive about
writing or narrating a story. Sometimes reading a simple story allows us to take
a step back and see the world from a distant viewpoint. We, young people, can
transform people's opinions and assert current issues and crises such as global
warming. Bishant's book has demonstrated this movement by publishing his
thoughts and being able to express this more productively. Overall, this could
make children, teenagers and even adults wonder how they can put their input
in doing something revolutionary.
Finally, I would like to say that I would recommend this book for children
around age seven, eight and nine. I believe that at this age, children are still
developing their knowledge even further, and the context is more relatable.
Here is a flavour the book holds: "I want people to be real people and to live in
the real world – not in the computer world. I want people to get more
knowledge from Mother Nature without using their phones.

More about Bishant :

Bishants does regular book review through his YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCocbAfR1eKxmUTIOUqBY_wA?view_as=subscriber

 

WORLD WAR II By Sunniva Sharma

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When he asked me this, all of my memories before living here came flying

back. Now I am going to tell you all about it.

It was a dark, gloomy night. I was reading my book but then I heard a loud

BANG… I checked out of my window and saw so many JEWS. I knew that

because they were wearing the star of David. There were Nazi soldiers too. I

called my dad and asked him why there were so many people? Out of nowhere

he screamed "HIDE!". I was getting worried. We heard the door open,there

Writer: Sunniva Sharma

were soldiers.

They checked the whole house until they found us. I quickly

grabbed my things (my teddy and the only small picture of my whole family

before my mum died). They dragged us out. It was like we were getting kicked

out of OUR house! We waited in the line. I wondered why they were doing this

to us.

 

 

We followed the soldiers. They took us to a dirty, dilapidated carriage. It was

for cattle. How could they treat us like animals we never did anything to them!

The carriage was so dusty, I couldn’t even breathe properly. I suddenly felt sick

and it was because of the revolting smell. I heard someone crying. It was a little

girl, she looked cold so I gave my coat to her. I started to feel cold but at least

she didn’t. I was tired so I tried to sleep but I couldn’t because it was so

cramped and it made me feel uncomfortable so I just sat there until we arrived.

 

The journey felt like it would never end.

 

Finally, we arrived, my legs were aching because of how long we were in the

carriage. I filled with joy until I saw where we were going to live. WE WERE

GOING TO LIVE IN A CONCENTRATION CAMP!!! I hated this. they told us to

wear these filthy,unwashed clothes. Soon,we had to shave our heads! They

even took away our names and made it into numbers. To remember our

numbers, they had to burn them on us or tattoo them. I was horrified by what

they were doing to us.

 

This is all Hitler’s fault, if he didn’t make those terrifying

posters about us and hated us, this would have never happend! Later, they

even seized our belongings so it was no point bringing anything because we

were going to lose it anyway. We went in groups and didn’t even get to choose

them (I wasn’t even in the same group as my dad). And even worse we were

going to sleep in huts on wooden shelves with hundreds of strangers. This was

only the beginning, what else are they going to do to us.

In the morning, they played loud, disturbing music to wake us up. I didn’t need

it as I didn’t even have a bit of sleep. Then, we had to clean up from morning

until night. For food, we could only eat bitter, black bread and vegetable soup.

That was going to be my life.

 

Sunniva studies at Ravensthorpe primary school and lives in Lincolnshire .

Holycow launches its first fine-dine restaurant at Putney

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Jagan Karki, London—A leading Nepali business group in the UK—the Holycow Group— has opened its ninth branch at Putney.

This new outlet  is the fine dine restaurant of the group while the rest are take-aways.

 

Celebrity Chef,  Ainsley Hariott, opened the restaurant amidst a ceremony on Monday.

 

“It is my pleasure to be here and witness the growth of the Holycow group over the years,” said Ainsley amid rounds of applause of the guests. I am confident the Holycow will maintain and even excel in the quality of food and service to its customers,” he added.

Photo: Ezra Shrestha

Saying that he knew Kul Acharya, Chairman of the Holycow group, for nearly last two decades, Ainsley said,” If you want to make it big in your life, look no further than Kul. He is a living example of how you can achieve success if you work hard and are determined in your life.”

 

Welcoming the guests, Acharya said it was dream come true for him since he opened the first Holycow takeaway at Battersea in London in 2006. “Our Company is employing over nearly 200 staff and we pride ourselves in encouraging young talents to involve in this thriving industry.  We believe that businesses like ours play a vital role towards strengthening the British economy,” said Acharya adding, “I am pleased to inform that the Holycow Group has been supporting several British charities and local community organisations. “We look forward to your continuous support and guidance in the days to come.”

 

Former Vice President of the Non-Resident Nepalis Association (NRNA), Acharya also called on British friends to visit Nepal with their friends and family next year. “In Nepal, we believe in the saying ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ – Guests are God. I am pleased to inform that the government of Nepal is observing the next year as Visit Nepal Year 2020. It’s a beautiful country with beautiful people like us,” he added amid a round of cheers.

Photo : Everest Gautam

Executive Chef and one of the Directors of the Holycow Group, Dadhi Acharya, said, “Our qualified, experienced Chefs creatively combine and balance the flavours to conjure up exquisite dishes by mixing together authentic, fresh ingredients. That makes our food special.”


“All our dishes are served steaming hot into special stay-fresh packs, ready to collect, or be delivered to your door – within 45 minutes. Now, you can enjoy or top-quality food in the fine dine environment,” said Payal Mishra, Director of the Company.

Forbes Asia’s Heroes of Philanthropy list

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Forbes Asia’s 2019 Heroes Of Philanthropy: Catalysts For Change

— Forbes magazine has released their list of Asia’s Heroes of Philanthropy: Catalysts for Change.

The annual Heroes of Philanthropy list “honors billionaires, entrepreneurs and celebrities across the region who are committed to solving some of the most pressing issues facing the Asia-Pacific.”

Azim Premji made history this year as Asia’s most generous philanthropist by donating $7.6 billion worth of Wipro shares to his education-centered foundation, raising his total lifetime giving to $21 billion. Established in 2000, his eponymous foundation now works with more than 200,000 public schools across India to train teachers and provide better curriculums, among other initiatives. “A role model for all of us. I wish more people would follow his example,” said Anu Aga (a 2010 honoree).

Premji is one of the 30 outstanding altruists we’ve chosen for our 13th annual Heroes of Philanthropy list which honors billionaires, entrepreneurs and celebrities across the region who are committed to solving some of the most pressing issues facing the Asia-Pacific.

This year’s members are devoted to a range of endeavors. Among them: Angel Locsin, one of the Philippines’ most famous actresses, supports causes aiding victims of violence, natural disasters and the conflict in Mindanao. Australian billionaire Judith Neilson, set up an institute to support independent journalism. And then there’s Jack Ma from China, who recently received the Malcolm S. Forbes Lifetime Achievement Award after stepping down as chairman of Alibaba to devote more time to philanthropy. Other honorees are working to protect wildlife, improve access to healthcare and aid the elderly.

To choose these honorees, we sifted through dozens of candidates, reviewing their monetary contributions, the depth of their involvement and the reach of their philanthropic efforts. Our aim is to highlight those giving their own money, not their company’s (unless they are the majority owners of a privately-held firm). We also don’t include those who are full-time fundraisers or foundation heads, unless they’ve personally given the bulk of funds to start a charitable organization.

All are citizens of countries or territories in the Asia-Pacific or have long resided in the region. The focus is on individuals who provide the capital and are personally committed to achieving a long-term vision. As always, we have focused on new names, unless there was a significant development in a previous honoree’s philanthropy that justified relisting them. The final selection is unranked—all are considered equally honored on this list.

Personalities on the list are Alibaba founder Jack Ma, who now runs a foundation under his name; Korean actress and singer IU — the youngest on the list at 26; Azim Premji, founder and chairman of Indian tech firm Wipro; and Jeffrey Cheah, chairman of Malaysia’s Sunway Group.

Triputra Group founder Theodore Rachmat, JN Projects founder Judith Neilson, Fortescue Metals Group chairman Andrew Forrest, Minderoo Foundation cofounder Nicola Forrest, Nicola Forrest, Long Thanh Golf Investment and Trading Joint-Stock Company’s Le Van Kiem and Tran Cam Nhung, Amorepacific Group CEO Suh Kyung-bae, Hengyu Group founder Gong Junlong, Green City Group chairman Wu Yuanxi and Hanking Group chair Wu Yuangang, and Hexaware Technologies’ Atul Nishar formed part of the list of 30 philanthropists for the year.

To see the full list : ( Click Here )

British ambassador, Nicola Pollitt, presents credentials to Nepal President

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Kathmandu— Nicola Pollitt, the newly appointed ambassador of Britain to Nepal, has presented her letter of credence to President of Nepal, Bidya Devi Bhandari, amid a special ceremony at the President’s Office at Sheetal Niwas on Wednesday.

A career diplomat, Ms Pollitt is succeeding Richard Morris as British envoy to Nepal. She is the first female British ambassador in over two-century-old relations between the two countries.  She had also worked as a Senior Policy Advisor for Afghanistan, Pakistan and India at the Cabinet Office.

 

She was working as Additional Director, Eastern Europe and Central Asia Directorate at Foreign and Commonwealth Office before taking over the role of Ambassador.

Talking to South Asia Time, Nepalese envoy to the UK, Dr Durga Bahadur Subedi, said, “It’s a good news to have such an experienced diplomat being posted to Nepal for the mutual relationship of the two countries. At the same time, to have a woman ambassador in Nepal for the first time in the history of 200-years of our relationship will also have a positive impact on women’s empowerment in Nepal.”

Nepali humanitarian appointed Secretary General of the IFRC

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London – A Nepali humanitarian, Jagan Chapagain, has been selected as the new Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

 

Chapagain was selected on Tuesday during an extraordinary meeting of the IFRC Governing Board, a statement by the Geneva-based IFRC said.

 

An engineer by training, Jagan brings more than 25 years’ experience within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Most recently, Mr Chapagain has served a series of senior IFRC roles, including as Regional Director for Asia Pacific, as Chief of Staff and as Under Secretary General for Programmes and Operations, a role that sees him guide all IFRC relief and development efforts around the world.

 

Announcing Mr Chapagain’s selection, IFRC President Francesco Rocca said:

“We are very excited to announce Jagan as our new Secretary General. He brings a deep knowledge and understanding of the Red Cross and Red Crescent: he started his path in our Movement as a volunteer and I am sure he will bring all his first-hand experience as an added value to this position. He also has a strong vision for the role the IFRC can and must play, both within the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and as part of the broader humanitarian sector.”

Mr Chapagain’s announcement comes at the end of a six-month open recruitment process that was led by Russell Reynolds Associates together with an internal selection committee. Mr Chapagain will begin his four-year mandate on 1 February 2020. He will replace current Secretary General, Elhadj As Sy.

 

Jagan had served as Program Manager at the Refugee Program, Damak, Nepal (1992-95) and Program Coordinator in Kathmandu (1995-96), according to his Linkedin profile.

 

The IFRC Governing Board has expressed its deep appreciation to As Sy, for his leadership and able guidance since 2014.

 

The IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 190 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, 13.7 million volunteers and 160,000 local branches, working in local communities to save lives and promote dignity around the world.

 

Hundreds Rally In Myanmar To Show Support For Suu Kyi

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YANGON, AP : About 700 people rallied Sunday to show support for Myanmar’s leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, as she prepares to defend the country against charges of genocide at the U.N.’s highest court.
Members of Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party swelled the ranks in front of the colonial-era City Hall in Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, as the crowd waved national flags and listened to music and poetry. A popular local singer told them “Mother Suu is the bravest human being in the world – her weapon is love.”
Many carried banners saying, “We stand with you, Mother Suu.”
The case before the International Court of Justice in The Hague relates to a harsh counterinsurgency campaign waged by Myanmar’s military against members of the country’s Muslim Rohingya community in August 2017 in response to an insurgent attack.
More than 700,000 Rohingya fled to neighboring Bangladesh to escape what has been called an ethnic cleansing campaign involving mass rapes, killings and the torching of homes.
The head of a U.N. fact-finding mission on Myanmar warned recently that “there is a serious risk of genocide recurring.”
Gambia filed the case at the ICJ, also known as the world court, on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
The case alleges that Myanmar’s actions against the Rohingya are “genocidal in character because they are intended to destroy the Rohingya group in whole or in part.”
Myanmar has strongly denied the charges but says it stands ready to take action against wrong-doers if there is sufficient evidence.
A statement on the website of the Ministry of the Interior said recently that the renewed international pressure on the country was due to a lack of understanding of “the complexities of the issue and the narratives of the people of Myanmar.”
Suu Kyi, who was awarded the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize for championing democracy and human rights under Myanmar’s then-ruling junta, will lead the delegation to The Hague in her capacity as foreign minister.
Hearings are due to start on Dec. 10. The case is expected to last several years.

Nepal leading the SAG medal list, 73 percent are the women to bag the medal for Nepal

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Kathmandu— Nepal has so far secured a total of 23 gold, seven silver, and nine bronze medals in the ongoing 13th South Asian Games being held in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Janakpur. 

There are 17 women to bag a Medal among total 23 medal won by Nepal which is 73 percent of women dominance.

Nepal’s Sunita Maharjan defeated her Pakistani opponent and won the gold in Kumite of Karate under 68-kg category with 8-2 points at Nepal Karate Academy in Satdobato, Lalitpur on Tuesday, the Himalayan Times reports.

Nepal’s Anjali Chand took six wickets without conceding any runs against Maldives to help her team register an emphatic win by 10 wickets.

Chand’s six wickets for no runs came in 13 balls and included a hat-trick for the 24-year-old debutant.

Maldives were bowled out for 16 in Pokhara and hosts Nepal took just five balls to chase that down for the win.

Malaysia women’s Mas Elysa held the previous T20 bowling record after taking 6-3 against China in January.

Likewise, women’s football team of Nepal defeated Sri Lanka by one goal to nil in the first match of women football championship, held in Pokhara.

Saru Limbu had managed to score during the 88thminute of the game.

List of gold medal-winning players from Nepal:

Name Category
1.    Soni Gurung Triathlon
2.    Anu Adhikari Karate
3.    Kusum Khadka Karate
4.    Mandekaji Shrestha, Pravin Manandhar, Mahasus Tamang Karate team-men
5.    Sangeeta Magar, Saru Bista, Nirmala Tamang Karate team-women
6.    Lakshman Tamang Karate
7.    Biplav Lal Shrestha Karate
8.    Aayesha Shakya Taekwondo
9.    Kamal Shrestha Taekwondo
10.  Nisha Darnal, Swastima Tamang, Sanjila Timilsina, Parvati Gurung Team category
11.  Sanjib Kumar Ojha, Aayesha Shakya Taekwondo team pair
12.  Sina Maden Taekwondo
13.  Parvati Gurung Taekwondo
14.  Kamal Adhikari Taekwondo
15.  Mandekaji Shrestha Karate
16. Himal Tamata Duathlon
17. Bijay Sinjali Taolu, Changqang Wushu
18. Susmita Tamang Taolu, Changqang Wushu
19. Nabin Rasaili Karate
20. Santoshi Shrestha Athletics
21. Sunita Maharjan Karate
22. Kajal Shrestha Karate
23. Bir Bahadur Mahara Taekwondo

NRNs organise a protest in front of Indian High Commission in London

Posted on by SAT News Desk

London — Members of the Non Resident Nepali Association organised a protest in front of the Indian High Commission in London on Monday against alleged encroachment of Nepali territory at Kalapani area.

They were carrying placards that read “Back off India” “Stop Encroaching Nepali Territory” etc. The government of Nepal has sent a diplomatic note to the Indian government asking the Indian government to withdraw its military from the sensitive Lipulekh Pass and Kalapani area, which lies at the Nepal-India-China tri-junction.

President of the NRN UK, Mrs PoonamGurung, led the protests. She also read out the memorandum before trying to  hand over it to the Indian High Commission. However the High Commission office denied to accept the memorandum,  reporter of SAT,  Everest Gautam said.

Copy of the Memorandum provided to press by NRNA UK

Non-Resident Nepalese living in Germany, Japan, Switzerland and Belgium have also organised similar protests in front of Indian missions there.

Both Nepal and India claim Kalapani as their territory. The region has been occupied by Indian security forces since 1962, and the region has been disputed ever since.

Kalapani is a 35 square kilometer (13.5 square miles) area in Nepal’s far western region. Once serving as a trade route between India and what is now southwestern China, the strategic area was “occupied” by India after New Delhi withdrew its border forces following its war with China, according to Buddhi Narayan Shrestha, former director general of Nepal’s Department of Survey.

The area borders the Indian state of Uttarakhand.

Nepal and India have held a series of talks to resolve the boundary dispute, but Kalapani and the Susta area in southern Nepal remain two major sticking points in negotiations, according to Gokul Prasad Baskota, Nepal’s communication and information technology minister.

However, an Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman claimed the region was part of India.

“Our map accurately depicts the sovereign territory of India. The new map in no manner has revised our boundary with Nepal,” said Raveesh Kumar, a spokesman of India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

He reiterated India’s “commitment to find a solution through dialogue in the spirit of our close and friendly bilateral relations.”

“At the same time, both countries should guard against vested interests trying to create differences between our two countries,” he said.

India and Nepal share  1,800-kilometer (1,118 miles) long open border, with thousands of people from both countries crossing the frontier for work and travel every day.

Relations between the two countries were strained after Nepal blamed India for imposing a border blockade in 2015, which crippled supplies to the landlocked nation.