REPORTERS CLUB EVENT: Several cases of pneumonia affected individuals of Wuhan City, in the province of Hubei in China towards the end of December. It was then that after repeated tests a new strain called the Coronavirus a family of viruses that include the common cold, and viruses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) “Coronavirus (CoV) are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans”.

“Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, and cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death”.

The virus that started widespread in China has made its way in Nepal, and experts on this matter have warned us to take precautions. Although it is not as threatening and dangerous it is necessary to get checked, if any individual shows any signs of its symptoms.

Speaking at the Reporters Club yesterday along with the President of Reporters Club and senior journalist Rishi Dhamala were experts from the medical field including the Spokesperson from the Ministry of Health and Population Dr. Mahendra Shrestha who said that “the virus can be transmitted but there is no reason to worry just be cautious and take protective measures”.

Spokesperson Dr. Shrestha also said that “although detailed information has not been received they are prepared to tackle any adversities. It is a subject of further study and research, there are lots of questions, but the situation is not as frightening”.

“Only 3-4% of the people affected with the CoV have lost their lives, but since that is our neighboring country we cannot remain silent on the issue,” he said.

One Nepali citizen who returned from Wuhan province was diagnosed with the disease, but spokesperson Dr. Shrestha assured that there was nothing to worry about. “The Health Ministry is extremely cautious, right now we have one patient, but he is by far doing well and recovering. We are now monitoring the health officials and people who were involved in the treatment, does not look like it has spread” he said.

“Since we share a border with China we have to be careful and take appropriate safety measures, we have to be cautious with our borders and the airport and bring a plan for its security. Similarly, people have to be careful. This virus can spread. We have seen many such diseases in the past. With changing climate various other tropical infections have been prevalent in Nepal” said Shrestha.

Speaking at the press interaction program the Director of Sukhraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital (STIDH) Dr. Basudev Pandey said that “cleanliness is crucial, and if our surroundings and our home is thoroughly cleaned there are fewer chances of contracting the virus is minimal. CoV was prevalent but this virus is a new strain that has been discovered”.

“STIDH is working toward containing the disease and its spread. Back in 2003, when SARS was prevalent it was our hospital that played a role in containing it. CoV is similar to SARS, and we are prepared to take necessary measures to contain the spread of the disease” he said.

Dr. Pandey also said that “since this virus began in China, and the infected person had returned from the country it is unlikely that the virus has a presence in our country. The patient is home and recovering. Our hospital is ready to tackle any challenges, we are creating space for more beds, and we are thoroughly investigating the issue”.

Further on CoV Dr. Pandey informed that “since the virus is contagious and can spread, even a sneeze from a meter away can infect people. Pay attention to the cleanliness of your surroundings, there have been over 1000 infections in China with several deaths, but we do not have to worry as such”.

Dr. Pandey also said that “the aged and children were more vulnerable and prone to other infections as well. If there are constant cough and cold, please come to the STIDH and get yourself checked free of cost”.

Expert in the field of infectious diseases Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun speaking at the same program said that “Nepal need not worry about the rapid spread of the disease unlike China”.

“The source of the virus is eating uncooked meat, so if we cook our meat well, there will be fewer chances of contracting the disease. CoV itself is not a disease, it is just a virus” he clarified.

“CoV is a strain of an existing virus. Back in 2003, we had SARS and in 2012 we had MERS. Coronavirus was discovered at the end of 2019, its name is Novel Coronavirus, and due to its recent discovery not much information is available, but if we look at it comparatively in Nepal, the situation is not as dangerous here, and there is nothing to worry about”.

KATHMANDU: The Tamang community celebrates Sonam Lhosar as it marks its new year 2856. It was celebrated with fanfare and jubilant participation in Dhulikhel. The Sonam Lhosar festival celebrates the lunar calendar similar to the Chinese, and it falls on the second new moon during the winter solstice.

It is a time of festivity looking toward a better future and discarding negative forces with rituals from the monasteries, eating well, buying new clothes, cleaning, and decorating the house.

The festivity is also a culturally sound and rich tradition and the Tamang community’s contribution to the diversity of Nepal. The Tamang community has a strong presence in Bagmati province in 13 districts. Various district people from the community gathered at Kathmandu in Dhulikhel to celebrate this festival in a grand way also organizing a “Cultural Fest to mark their new year.

On this year’s occasion in the organized event, youth leader of the Tamang community and member of the House of Representative (HoR) Prem Tamang participated in the event. They also discussed the problems being faced by their community and to draw the attention of the Government of Nepal (GoN) toward their needs.

They also expressed dissatisfaction that such a major event of their community was being neglected by the government and that more needed to be done to bring national limelight.

Numerous cultural programs and dances were a part of this gala event along with a variety of ethnic dishes. The crowd representing the Tamang community was humongous in Dhulikhel.

(Photo Courtesy: Mukunda Kalikote for Reporters Nepal subsidiary of the Reporters Club Nepal)

(Purni Maya Tamang widow of late Arjun Bahadur Lama)

KATHMANDU: Purni Maya Tamang widow of late Arjun Bahadur Lama spoke of the injustice that was meted out against her, also recollecting the hardships that she went through. “Four months remain for it to be 15 years since the Maoist took my husband away. I haven’t seen him since and neither his mortal remains.

He went for a school program on the 29th of April, 2005. Members of the Maoist Bhola Aryal, Yadav Poudel, and Shyam Gautam took him away from the school and he was untraceable since. That evening there was a heavy storm.

They had said that he would be returned to the school, but they never released him back. I spent the night sleepless. The next day they reached Rashikhola but from then on I could not find the whereabouts of my husband”.

“My husband was killed on the orders of Agni Saplkota,(the latter is the new Speaker-elect of the House of Representatives of the Parliament of Nepal). In this job, Suryaman Dong is involved too. He became a Minister too. Bhola Aryal, Yadav Poudel, and Shyam Gautam took my husband from the school and he was untraceable since.

I had tried filing a case on the 5th of July 2007, at the District Police Office but they did not accept my request. I went to the Supreme Court and they gave the orders. On 11th August 2008, the Dhulikhel based Police filed a ‘Responsible for Murder’ case.

Although the case was filed they were never caught. I was turned back every time with the saying that we cannot do anything against a person of such stature. My husband was randomly killed and for this crime, there should be an investigation, a fair trial, and justice”.

“When the earthquake destroyed my house, I started living in a makeshift shanty. I think of him in times of festivals and other occasions and I feel like crying. I cannot stop my tears when I cross the school from where he was abducted. My husband was a helpful man and he had not committed any crime”.

“Although the court had passed judgment, the government failed to take action. They didn’t follow the Court order. This is why I have faced enormous difficulty. I have gone through various levels of organizations for the sake of justice but to no avail. I was misled repeatedly, and none could trace by husbands mortal remains”

“I saw Agni Sapkota at the Supreme Court once, I wanted to ask why he killed my husband, but his guard hurried him inside his vehicle. The government has time and again provided me with a compensation of 1 million Nepali rupees”.

“I have learned that the Supreme Court has rescheduled the date of hearing. 4 months ago the final hearing was to take place, but I hear they have postponed it again. I had come back to my village home on Sunday, and I learned that Agni Sapkota was being made the Speaker of the HoR. I couldn’t sleep that night as I was thinking as to why this person who has been unjust toward me is being put to such an important post, these thoughts kept playing in my mind”.

(Translated from Reporters Nepal, main source Nagarik Dainik) 

REPORTERS CLUB EVENT: Former Maoist combatant group the Delegated People’s Liberation Army Nepal (DPLAN) has asked for the immediate cancellation of their badges that were given to them. They have asked for an official program where along with honor they ask for recognition certificate for their merit. They have also accused the current Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Barshaman Pun ‘Ananta’ for playing a pivotal role in their unmet demands.

Speaking at a program organized at the Reporters Club yesterday DPLAN also made public its new office bearers concluding its 4th National Convention in the Capital at Sitapaila Party Palace.

DPLAN members have expressed deep dissatisfaction over the neglect of previous combatants. They seek recognition from the state for their role in the decade long civil war along with an official certification.

They have also asked to implement and put to practice past agreements of the Government of Nepal and the People’s Liberation Army. The Army Integration Special Committee (AISC) that oversaw the integration assured aid to those under 18 children providing for their rehabilitation. The former DPLAN members want this clause to be implemented with immediate effect.

DPLAN members have also demanded, “recommending for the fulfillment and protection of the outgoing combatants who had taken voluntary leave” according to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act.

They have also asked for policies and programs that would provide a relief package for the Delegated People’s Liberation Army and invest in appropriate sectors for long term management.

The former members of the People’s Liberation Army have also asked for medical aid to those injured in various rounds of conflict and protests that have taken place in the past. They have asked for healthcare and access to medical facilities for those with physical disabilities.

They have also asked for the immediate release of those who were arrested during the protests without conditions.

Speaking at the Reporters Club yesterday the elected office bearer from the 4th convention Chairman Ramesh Basel as asked that their demands be met immediately. The Chairman also clarified that they would be left with no option but to take legal remedies. “We would take legal remedies if our demands are not met. We can also take this to an international level” he said. Talking about the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the former combatant said that ” in no way should the US assistance of MCC pass, we want an immediate withdrawal of the bill”.

(Executive Chairman Yogya Bahadur Karki aka Pradeep)

Speaking at the same program newly elected Executive Chairman Yogya Bahadur Karki aka Pradeep accused Minister Barshaman Pun of playing a pivotal role in not having their demands addressed. He said “The current Minister of Energy Barshaman Pun was the former Deputy Commander of the People’s Liberation Army. He was the one who was part of the negotiations and agreement. He understands that the agreements have not been implemented hence playing a pivotal role”.

Karki further stated “By providing a single person a job inside the Ministry wouldn’t do much good to the rest of the four thousand and nine members of DPLAN. Favoring only one individual wouldn’t provide a solution to the problem. I want the Minister to draw his attention to this regard”

Adviser and Coordinator Lal Chandra BK aka Duryodhan said that “we are against all treaties that are against our national interest, we will be cautious. Lal Chandra BK talking about the MCC said, “at no cost should the MCC pass from the Parliament”.

The program was coordinated by newly elected Chairman and Spokesperson Rajan Thapa aka Subas, who also read out the press release.

Earlier yesterday the members of the Delegated People’s Liberation Army had surrounded the residence of former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda who was also the Chief Commander of the PLA. 200 former members of the PLA surrounded the residence of former PM Dahal to voice their demands.

Leading the protest and finally allowed a hearing the in charges of the struggle committee Rajan Thapa and Asim Limbu met the former PM, while the latter assured seriousness and attention toward their demands. He also assured them of a resolution to address their grievances at the earliest.

(Members of DPLAN surround the residence of former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal)

KATHMANDU: Main opposition Nepali Congress Party (NC) didn’t field any candidate for the post of the Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR). The Rashtriya Janata Party Nepal ( National People’s Party Nepal) RJPN supporting the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) candidate Agni Sapkota, the latter is set to be elected as the Speaker of the HoR unopposed.

Former Speaker of the House and senior leader of the NCP Subhas Nembang, Former Speaker of the Constituent Assembly (CA-II) Onsari Gharti Magar, Leader of the Parliamentary Committee and Chief Whip of NCP Dev Gurung, and leader of the RJPN Laxman Lal Karna supported Sapkota’s candidacy.

Agni Sapkota was elected from Sindhupalchowk – 1 to the House of Representatives, he is a close aide of former Prime Minister and Chair of the NCP Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

Agni Sapkota is accused of the murder of Arjun Lama of Kavre and a case is pending against him at the Supreme Court. The constitutional bench has called for a hearing to the case on 5th February. Several quarters have strongly protested and voiced serious concerns regarding his candidacy. Late Arjun Lama’s wife Purni Maya had filed a case against Sapkota on the 20th of June, 2011.

Late Arjun Lama who was 48 then was abducted by three Maoist cadres from Shri Krishna Madhyamik (Intermediate) School) on the 29th of April, 2005. According to the statement by Purni Maya, in the instructions of Sapkota, her husband was then taken to the District Budakhani Village Development Council (VDC) Maoist army camp and murdered.

Senior Advocate Dr. Dinesh Tripathi has filed a writ against the Speaker-elect Agni Sapkota at the Supreme Court. In the writ advocate, Tripathi has requested an immediate investigation into the case. The advocate has also requested to stop the ongoing process of electing a new Speaker.

Agni Sapkota has a political career spanning over 4 decades. He transitioned from a revolutionary to mainstream politics and was a key figure in the negotiations that brought an end to the decade long civil war.

Sapkota during his insurgency days was shot three times in an incident that involved the Nepal Army ariel unit in Thokparma Sindhupalchowk.

Sapkota first won in the Constituent Assembly Election – CA -1, from Sindhupalchowk Constituency-2 with a margin of over 20 thousand votes, making him the 7th highest winner in the country by a margin.

He has served as the Minister of Information and Communication and as Minister of Forest and Soil Conservation.

Sapkota has won a record 3 times from his constituency of Sindhupalchowk being elected as Member of CA-2, and the HoR.

KATHMANDU: The Nepal Communist Party (NCP) won a resounding victory in the National Assembly elections held earlier yesterday.

According to the results declared by the Election Commission, Province 1, Bagmati, Province 5, Gandaki, Karnali and Far Western Province have been won by the NCP.

In Province 2, the coalition of  Rashtriya Janata Party Nepal ( National People’s Party Nepal) and the ruling NCP candidate won the seat.

Main opposition Nepali Congress Party (NC) failed to win a seat. In Province 2 the coalition between Samajwadi Party and NC lost to the ruling coalition. A total of 6 political parties had declared candidates but only two parties were successful in winning the Assembly seat.

A total of 18 seats in the 7 provinces were up for election, and the results were declared late evening.

Province 1

Indira Gautam NCP

Gopi Bahadur Sarki Acchami – NCP

Devendra Dahal – NCP

Province 2

Tulsa Dahal – NCP

Radhe Shyam Paswan -NCP

Shekhar Singh – NPP ( RAJPA)

Mrigendra Kumar Singh Yadav -NPP (RAJPA)

Bagmati Province

Beduram Bhusal – NCP

Ganga Belbase – NCP

Gandaki Province

Narayan Kaji Shrestha – NCP

Bhagwati Neupane – NCP

Province 5

Bimala Ghimire -NCP

Jag Prasad Sharma -NCP

Gopal Bhattarai -NCP

Karnali Province

Mayaprasad Sharma -NCP

Sumitra BC – NCP

Sudurpaschim Province

Taraman Swar -NCP

Sharda Bhatta – NCP

KATHMANDU: Dhulikhel based Kathmandu University (KU) protesters have signaled continued padlocking of the offices. Stating that their demands have not been met, the padlocking of offices that began on January 1st of the center Dean Office, Office of Control of Examination, Technical Teaching Center (TTC) and the main administration building would continue unabated.

The KU administration had announced an assembly requesting for the protesting KU Professors Association and the Employees’ union to be a part of the meeting where their demands would be discussed. Releasing a joint statement the Director of the Employee’s Union Surendra KC said, “until and unless our demands are not met and a decision not taken to that regard we will continue padlocking the offices”.

On January 1st organizing a joint press conference KU Professors Association and the Employee’s Union said that ” We had requested the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and the Dean to implement the agreement, but they were not attentive toward our demands, and hence we had to take the step of padlocking the offices and going on strike”.

Numerous talks have failed in the past. The Union has said that the KU Act of 2048 is highly discriminatory and that it has to be addressed. There is financial corruption prevalent, and the KU Professors seek permanent employment, incentives, development of the institute, and equal working rules to be implemented by the University.

Dean of the School of Sciences and the Superintendent of KU Dr. Kanhaiya Jha said that ” work cannot progress of the offices continue to be padlocked. There are some drafts to be taken to the Senate meeting. Some demands are legitimate while some are unconstitutional, there is a delay due to mistrust on both sides”.

Dr. Vedmani Dahal the Chairman of the KU Professors Union said, “they have always avoided implementing agreements, and they always are deceptive in their tactics”. It is unlikely that the issues will be resolved although an assembly has been called to address grievances and sort out matters at hand.

REPORTERS CLUB EVENT: Former Minister and Chairman of Rashtriya Prajatantra Party Samyukta ( National Democratic Party United) Pashupati Sumsher Rana said that the government has to reflect on its work over the past two years.

Speaking at a press interaction program organized at the Reporters Club yesterday he also congratulated the new Speaker-elect of the House of Representative (HoR) .“I would like to congratulate Agni Sapkota because although from the NCP he is a representative of my district in Sindhupalchowk”

The program which was conducted by the President of the Reporters Club and senior journalist Rishi Dhamala posed a question regarding the Millennium Compact Corporation (MCC) an aid of 500 million dollars given by the government of the United States.

Former Minister Rana said “There have been a lot of discussions regarding the Millennium Compact Corporation (MCC). A lot of countries have provided the various types of aid to Nepal, including India, and the Belt and Road initiative (BRI) from China, and several other nations. Nepal has to take an approach of nationalist self-interest that will maximize the benefit for the nation”.

Talking about the current direction to where the Nation was heading and the work of the current government the former Minister said “the current Nepal Communist Party (NCP) government has received a majority and it is a very big opportunity for them that was given by the people of Nepal. The past two years have been wasted. Nothing has been done in the name of development. They are spending more time selecting posts for their party members. Rampant corruption is prevalent.  The Nepal Communist Party is intoxicated with its majority, and they feel they can do what they please”.

The former Minister also said that the government was not paying attention to developing the nation. “They should retrospect on the mandate given to them by the people and seriously audit what they have done the past two years being in power”.

MAKWANPUR: 8 Indian tourists perished due to asphyxiation at Panorama Resort at Thaha Municipality-4 in Makwanpur district.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of the District Police Office in Makwanpur Yagya Prasad Bhattarai has said that the Indian tourists might have died due to suffocation caused by the gas heater in the room last evening.

“All eight were airlifted and brought to a hospital in Kathmandu. A doctor from the Indian mission was also immediately sent to the concerned hospital to check on the welfare of patients and to provide necessary assistance” said a source in the Indian Embassy.

All the victims hail from Kerela and they have been identified as Praveen Krishnan Nair, Sranya Sasi, Sreebhadra Praveen, Aarcha Praveen, Abhinav Saranya Nair, Ranjith Kumar Adatholath Punathil, Indu Lakshmi Peethambaran Ragalatha, and Vyshnav Ranjith.

Chief Minister of Kerela Pinarayi Vijayan expressed “deep grief” and condolences to the family. The Indian Embassy has assured of all possible help the case.

(Photo Courtesy: Navesh Chitrakar) 

KATHMANDU: During the Maoist insurgency in Nepal more than 18000 people lost their lives. Each year over 1800 people lost their lives in the decade long conflict. Currently, more than the insurgency people are losing their lives in various road accidents.

For the past several years over 2000 people have been killed every year. From 2018-2019 2779 people lost their lives according to the date given by the Nepal Police. It was an increase from 2541 people who lost their lives in the previous year.  From the past 6 years, death by various road accidents has been continuously on the rise. The death toll is comparable to any other nation which is at war.7 lives are lost daily which depicts that Nepalese roads are extremely dangerous.

According to data in the year 2013-14, there were a total of 8406 accidents in which 1787 people lost their lives. The following year 2014-15 there were 9147 accidents and 2004 people lost their lives. Similarly in the year 2015-16, the accidents rose to 10,013 and 2006 people lost their lives.

In the year 2016-17, there were a total of 10178 accidents and 2384 people lost their lives. From 2017-2018 there were a total of 10965 accidents where 2548 people lost their lives. In the year 2019, there were a total of 13366 accidents and 2779 people lost their lives.

According to data given by the Nepal Police, in the entire country, there are 39 accidents daily. Out of these accidents, 7 people lose their lives, and 40 are injured. According to the latest statistics, people riding motorcycles are more vulnerable and the rate of accidents is high. Out of the accidents for the year 2018-19, there were a total of 7814 motorcycle accidents and 5525 car accidents. A total of 2397 bys accident and 1851 truck accidents.

Motorcycle accidents have known to be the most frequent and dangerous. Several reasons have been given for the high rate of accidents that include but not limited to the negligence of the driver, and over speeding. Several cases of driver bring drunk while driving has also been reported.