During an emergency Cabinet meeting on Sunday morning, Oli’s Administration, in a drastic move, decided to recommend President Bidya Devi Bhandari to dissolve the Federal Parliament.

As per PM Oli’s recommendation, President Bhandari on Sunday evening dissolved the nation’s House of Representatives (HoR), the lower house of Parliament, two years short of its five-year tenure. The President also announced mid-term elections on April 30 and May 10, 2021.

“On Sunday (December 20, 2020), the Honorable President Mrs. Bidya Devi Bhandari, in accordance with Article 76, Clauses (1) and (7) of the Constitution of Nepal and Article 85 and the basic essence and values ​​of the parliamentary system and the practice of different countries, has announced to dissolve the current House of Representatives of the Parliament and go to the Nepali people for a fresh mandate,” stated President’s Office in a statement.

“The meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Government of Nepal has decided to hold the first phase of the election of the House of Representatives on April 30, 2021, and the second phase of election on May 10, 2021.”

The unprecedented move to dissolve the Parliament was proposed after a non-trust motion, signed by as many as 90 NCP leaders against PM Oli, was registered at the Parliament Secretariat on Sunday Morning. The non-confident motion proposed NCP Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” as the next Prime Minister.

PM Oli alleged that some of the party members are planning to file an impeachment motion against President Bhandari with the one-third majority.

However, with the dissolution of the HoR, the proposals became unviable.

PM Oli’s decision to dissolving the HoR comes on the heels of a deepening crisis in his Nepali Communist Party, where he fell into the minority with the opponent faction demanding his resignation for failing to abide by party decisions.

Lately, the NCP rivalry factions and main opposition party Nepali Congress have upped their ante against Oli, especially after he intimidated an Ordinance to amend the Constitutional Council Act. The Ordinance allows the Constitutional Council to convene a meeting with the presence of the majority of its members.

The controversial Ordinance also empowers PM to take decisions even in the absence of key council members, including the Parliamentary leader of the main opposition, the Speaker of the HoR, and Deputy Speaker of the HR.

Following the Ordinance approval, Oli filled 45 vacant posts in 13 constitutional commissions with the support of just one member in the six-member constitutional council to bring key commissions under his control. This further heightened the intraparty rift.

With the dissolution of the Parliament, supporters and leaders of the Prachanda-Nepal faction of the ruling NCP and the opposition Nepali Congress held protests across the country, calling it a “constitutional coup”.

“This is against the democratic values, norms, and spirit of the constitution. This decision of the government has undermined the federal democratic republican constitution and has led the country towards instability, uncertainty, and chaos that might result in the failure state,” said the NC party.

Meanwhile, seven cabinet ministers announced their resignation by organizing a press conference in Singha Durbar on Sunday afternoon. They are:

• Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation Shakti Basnet
• Minister for Energy Barsha Man Pun
• Minister for Labor Rameshwar Ray Yadav
• Minister for Education Giriraj Mani Pokharel
• Minister for Drinking Water Bina Magar
• Minister for Industry Lekha Raj Bhatta
• Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa

Meanwhile, PM Oli has instructed all security chiefs of Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and National Investigation Bureau to stay alert to ensure law and order in the country.

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According to Nepal Police data, a total of 308 cases were reported in FY 2017-18, whereas a total of 228 cases were registered in FY 2018-19.

Nepal Police Spokesperson Deputy Inspector General Bishwaraj Pokharel said that increased police intervention and a public awareness campaign on human trafficking have resulted in the decline.

The Nepal Police has also set up a separate bureau to prevent human trafficking, which was established in 2018.

Related Articles:-

• Nepal Marks 12th National Day Against Human Trafficking
• Human Trafficking in Nepal – Relentless Fight for Rights Continues!

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However, it clarified that not all packages are bombs and some of them were installed to create fear among people.

“Suspicious packages found in 28 places across the nation since morning. All of them are not bombs. Some were planted to create fear. At least two suspected packages were found in Kirtipur and Jawalakhel in Kathmandu Valley but it proved to be a hoax,” said Bishowraj Pokharel, Nepal Police Spokesperson.

The recent findings come just a month after the triple blasts of Kathmandu claimed four lives and injured 9 others.

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In view of the occasion, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun and National Assembly Chair Ganesh Prasad Timilsina attended the main function of National Democracy Day 2019 at the Army Pavilion, Tundikhel.

Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana and Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara along with several Deputy Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers and other ministers were also present at the event.

During the event, Nepal’s national anthem was recited and homage was paid to all the martyrs. A Nepal Army helicopter hoisted a banner with the words ‘69th National Democracy Day-2075’.

Institutions including the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and Nepal Scout performed march-pasts at the pavilion.

The event also witnessed cultural performances depicting the cultures of Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, Kirtipur, Lalitpur and Madhyapur Thimi.

PM Oli Calls for International Community’s Support

While addressing Nepal on the occasion of the 69^th Democracy Day, PM Oli gave emphasis to proportional development in Nepal.

“Nepal has arrived at this point by overcoming various obstacles, averting adverse situations and defeating the then absolute rulers. The time which we have gained now is not possible through absolute development and hinders the constitution we have adopted,” said Oli.

The Prime Minister also appealed to the international community to make Nepal’s new development goals a grand success.

“I appeal to all natives, well-wishers and the foreign countries to come participate and help in the development move,” added the Prime Minister.

Celebrations at Province 1

Under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sher Dhan Rai, Province 1 formed a 501-member main committee Rai to host a three-day celebration in view of the 69^th Democracy Day.

Several arrangements were made across the province, including illumination at educational & private institutions, industrial centers and government offices, distribution of fruits at child rehabilitation centers and in Koshi Hospital and a morning rally among others.

History of Nepal Democracy Day

Democracy Day, also known as Rashtriya Prajatantra Diwas is celebrated as a reminder of Nepalese freedom from the 104-year old Rana regime.

The people of Nepal suffered under the corrupt Rana rule that robbed them of a lot of opportunities. On the other hand, the Ranas enjoyed a life of luxury and comfort. During that time Nepal was rampant with corruption, discrimination and violent treatment at the hand of the influential.

Ultimately on February 19, 1951, Nepalese overthrew the corrupt Rana autocracy after years of prolonged protests and the support of the four martyrs – Shukraraj Shastri, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Dashrath Chand and Ganga Lal Shrestha.

The end of the Rana rule established democracy in Nepal –  rule of the people, by the people and for the people!

World Democracy Index 2018

Justice Impending for Insurgency Victims

During the famous decade-long revolt against the Rana autocracy, as many as 13,000 people lost their lives and about 1,300 went missing. Besides, there were many reports of human rights violation.

The Nepal Government had formed a commission to investigate the missing reports. However, hardly any progress has been made in this area, which has drawn attention from world governing bodies.

Related News:

• Nepal Development Report 2018 Highlights

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Speaking at the occasion, PM Oli said that he would not tolerate corruption and that his government would take firm steps to counter the rising menace.

Oli added that those misusing power would have to face the consequences despite their political connection while stressing on his government’s zero-tolerance policy.

“I will not be corrupt and I will not tolerate corruption. This is our declared policy,” PM Oli said while speaking at the event.

PM Oli addressing the Annual Day of the Armed Police Force

Sealing the Peace Process

The Nepali Prime Minister also informed that the government was working diligently towards the remaining works of the peace process.

He also urged the concerned stakeholders to not politicize the matter.

“The peace process is finally coming to an end after a decade-long Maoist insurgency and another decade of political transition. We can only move forward, not backward. It won’t be wise to revert, inciting conflicts again,” Oli said, adding that some things were being conspired to take Nepal back into conflict.

2,807 Security Personnel – Martyrs of Insurgency

PM Oli also informed that 2,807 personnel were killed in the line of duty at the time of the Maoist insurgency.

The martyred persons include 318 from APF, 1,448 from Nepal Police, 1,018 from Nepal Army and 23 from the National Investigation Department.

A Retrospect on Nepal’s Corruption Scenario

The Prime Minister’s address comes at a time when his government’s ability to curb corruption is being questioned.

The Oli Government also faced heavy criticism when the Prime Minister presented Nepal Communist Party’s Contribution to Nepal’s progress path in the Parliament’s winter session

Recently, Transparent International, the watch guard for corruption across world countries placed Nepal at the 124^th rank on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI). The country climbed higher in the corruption index by 2 spots compared to last year.

Events such as the infamous aviation scam and the NPR 52 billion money laundering racket only raised doubts on the government’s ability to stop corruption.

Corruption in Nepal averaged at a rank of 127.40 between 2004-2018, during which the country witnessed the highest rate of 154 in 2011 and record low of 90 in 2004.

PM Oli: No more Martyrdom for Rights!

PM KP Sharma Oli paid homage to martyrs on the occasion of Martyr’s Day at the Martyrs Memorial Park in Lainchaur on January 30, 2019.

Oli reassured that no one needed to become martyrs in the fight for rights from now onward since the Nepal’s democratic regime has already been put in place.

The Prime Minister also stressed on the need for unity within Nepal to promote good governance and economic development in accordance with the martyrs’ dreams, adding that it was time to drive Nepal towards economic transformation through ‘Prosperous Nepal and Happy Nepali’ campaign.

“Let us all come up with the resolution today again to end corruption by maintaining good governance. Let us hand over the country with equality of rights, people’s respect and rule of law to the generation to come”, Oli said.

Kathmandu Metropolis Mayor Bidhya Sundar Shakya also stressed on the need to work towards cherishing the dream of martyrs.

As part of the honorary day, Kathmandu Metropolis organized a morning rally from Ratna Park to Lainchaur in view of Martyr’s Day.

Likewise, a contingent of Nepal Army offered a guard of honor to the martyrs at the event held in Martyr’s Memorial Park.

Several high-ranking government officials, constitutional bodies and security agencies chiefs, people’s representatives and ministers were also present at the event.

Martyr’s Day commemorates the martyrdom of Shukraraj Shastri, Dharmabhakta Mathema, Dasharath Chand Thakur and Ganga Lal Shrestha in their fight against the Rana rule in 1997 BS.

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“We have given priority to the safety of women and children in public vehicles. In this regard, we are in the process of launching a campaign on violence against women and children in public vehicles,” IGP Khanal said in a release.

Khanal was speaking at the inaugural function of the Civil Support Room at Metropolitan Police Range Office (MPRO), Teku.

Speaking at the event, Khanal further informed that the department is also partnering with various organizations working for the women and child welfare.

“We are holding talks with representatives of women organizations and networks working for the welfare of women in order to launch the program,” IGP added.

Speaking about the new construction, Khanal informed that the support room built in line with the Community-Police Partnership Campaign aims to offer effective police services to the public in a friendly environment.

Khanal was hopeful that the department would be more successful in curbing criminals and crimes of all level such as human trafficking, among others in the capital with the help of civil society and related stakeholders.

The support room was built with a NPR 1.95 million investment from the Nepal-Bangladesh Bank.

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According to statistics shared by Deputy Inspector General of Police Purna Chandra Joshi, as many as 1,176 persons succumbed to road accidents during six months of the current fiscal year.

Alarmingly, the total number of road accidents in the country between July 2018 – January 2019 was recorded at 5,404!

Province 3 alone witnessed 441 road mishaps killing 225 persons during the period as per traffic directorate reports. Deputy-IGP Joshi identified over speeding and negligence of drivers and motorcyclists as major causes for the rising number of road accidents and causalities in Nepal.

“Although traffic authorities are committed to curb the accidents, lack of appropriate technology and human resource crunch has hindered work proceedings,” added Joshi.

Trends of Road accidents in Nepal (2013 – 2018)

Source: Nepalindata

Fire Accidents in Nepal
As per Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MoHA) National Emergency Operation Centre statistics, 87 persons were killed and 342 injured in 2, 478 fires incidents across Nepal in 2018. Moreover, 1,857 houses were destroyed and 291 were damaged due to fires, causing a financial loss of around 3.96 billion.

Within not more than one week, MoHA recorded a total of 92 fire accidents, mostly in Kathmandu Valley.

Factors such as poor-handling of burning lamps & cooking gas leakage, fluctuating voltage & electric spark and overheating of electronic equipment were identified as the prime causes for fire outbreaks.

According to MoHA data from 1971-2012 released in 2018, ‘fire’ is the fourth largest fatal disaster in Nepal after epidemic, landslide, and flood.

Recent Incidents

In a recent road mishap, close to 22 passengers were injured in a bus accident at Nawalpur’s Bahunekuna along the East-West Highway. The accident took place after the 34-passenger bus overturned on the way to Kathmandu from Surkhet.

Meanwhile, NPR 50 million worth property was destroyed on January 07, 2019 when the fire broke out in a cotton factory in Satungal, Chandragiri Municipality-11.

30 water trucks and nearly 350 security personnel were used to extinguish the large-scale fire that broke out at about 7 PM yesterday. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police and Kathmandu Metropolitan Police Range Spokesperson Hobindra Bogati said it took nearly eight hours to extinguish the fire.

In another instance, property worth NPR 100,000 was gutted after a fire destroyed pottery in Bhaktapur’s Suryabinayak. Let’s hope the government and people work collectively to reduce such mishaps in Nepal during the new year – 2019

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The devotees will observe three days of dancing, singing, fasting and eating traditional food in view of this colorful festival.

To provide a prayerful and peaceful experience on the occasion of Teej, the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) has taken care of all the arrangements to accommodate the women devotees at the famous Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu Valley.

PADT Administrative Officer Rewati Raman Adhikari says that at least 600,000 women will be visiting the temple.

Special security measures have been deployed in and around the temple in case of any emergency. 45,000 police personnel from Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and National Investigation Department have been stationed for the security of the devotees.

Close to 2,000 volunteers from 40 organizations will be assisting the PADT in providing necessary help for the devotees, including the elderly. Adhikari explains that these arrangements were made so that no devotee will have to stand in a line for more than one hour to visit the temple.

At least 12 health camps have been set up to provide emergency medical assistance to devotees.

PADT along with the District Administration Office and police has restricted the sale and consumption of liquor and drugs around the temple.

The Significance of Teej:
Teej is a monsoon festival observed in Nepal and the northern, western and southern states of India. The festival venerates the bounty of nature, the arrival of the clouds and rain, greenery and birds with social activity, rituals and customs.

During the festival, women dress in colors of red, green and worship the goddess Parvati for the well-being of their husbands, children and themselves.

Haritalika Teej marks the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

PM Oli’s Teej Greetings:
On the occasion of Hartalika Teej, Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli greeted all the women in Nepal, today.

In his message of goodwill, he wished that the festival of Teej inspire all Nepali women to move ahead in togetherness.

He also emphasized on the need to keep the fundamental values of the Teej festival alive while also keeping it relevant to time.

“Teej festival should not be made expensive and high-sounding by brushing aside its values”, PM said in the message. The festival somewhat has carried a history of women liberation. So, it should be preserved and kept intact accordingly.”

Adding further, he said, various festivals celebrated in the multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-ethnic country help foster unity among the people of Nepal.

Chaurchan Festival:
While the country is celebrating Hartalika Teej, Nepal’s Mithila region in Terai is also celebrating Chaurchan festival today.

The festival is about the moon and is celebrated by presenting fruits, curd, pudding and more to the moon.

Women observe fast throughout the day and in the evening families get together to pray to the moon. Natives believe that the festival brings good fortune.

Teej Festival In Nepal

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High-ranking military officials met at the 11^th Asia-Pacific Intelligence Chiefs Conference (APICC) to share mutual beneficial interests and military intelligence information.

According to the Nepal Directorate of Public Relations and Information (DPR&I) at the Nepal Army Headquarters Bhadrakali, the officials interacted and agreed to share expertise and skills to counter potential security threats faced by any of the member countries.

The three-day conference that concluded on September 6, 2018 witnessed the participation of military officials from Nepal, Bangladesh, Brunei, Japan, Fiji, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Magnolia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Vietnam, Brunei, Papa New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Cambodia, America, Canada and France.

Talking about the important of such events, Nepal DPR&I said that an international interaction at such a high-level would help in enhancing military intelligence in the region.

The conference was concluded by Nepal Military General Staff Chief (CGS) and Lt. General Hemanta Raj Kunwar with the decision to organize the conference’s 12^th edition in Philippines in 2019.

The Nepali Army and US Indo-Pacific Command Directorate of Intelligence organized the conference.

Poland-Nepal Joint Military Exercise:
In another scenario, Poland proposed a joint military drill for capacity enhancement of the Nepal Army.

The proposal was made by Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Btaszczak to Nepal Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Defense Minister Ishwor Pokharel, on his official visit to Poland.

Minister Pokharel has accepted the proposal. According to the DPM’s Press Coordinator, Pokharel said that the Nepal Government and Army will be ready to provide staff commando training, mountain warfare training, and para basic training to the Polish Army.

Oli’s Take on BIMSTEC Joint Military Exercise
The Indian Army had first proposed a joint military exercise in the initial meeting of the BIMSTEC army representatives in June 2018.

Furthering this cause, the Indian Government announced that it would be hosting the drill and organize a meeting of army staff chiefs on the concluding day in August 2018.

However, the decision to hold a joint military exercise was strongly criticized by Nepal PM Oli’s party members, the opposition and several others. A number of Nepali lawmakers questioned the decision of Nepal’s participation in the drill.

Nepal PM Oli was quick to clear doubts and defend the exercise, terming it as a ‘friendly gesture’.

He explained that BIMSTEC did not have any military motive or believe in holding a military pact.

“Nepal Army has been conducting such friendly military exercises with India, China, Pakistan, and the United States of America, and there are a number of other multilateral drills conducted regularly. Officials from different countries take military courses in Nepal, so do our officials in other countries,” said Oli.

Adding further he said, if there had been any military motive, it would have been added to the 18 points Kathmandu Declaration.

Conclusion:
Nepal’s enthusiasm in building and maintaining military relations in note-worthy. We hope that these military decisions will bring about the much-needed regional cooperation to counter regional security-threats.

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These women were being trafficked to India when Maiti Nepal interfered and brought them back. According to Maiti Nepal’s eastern region office Kakadvitta, they were given counseling before being united with their parents.

Shocking Statistics!

• Out of 174 women, 10 were rescued from Indian cities like Siliguri, Delhi and Khoribari
• During the January-June 2018 period, 86 missing cases were reported at Maiti Nepal, Kakadvitta, out of which 30 have already been found
• During the same period, Maiti Nepal registered three cases of human trafficking and two under domestic violence at the court
• In the last six months, the organization has stopped 195 women from being trafficked to India through Pashupatinagar transit point and rescued 18 women from traffickers
• 63 missing complaints have been registered in Pashupatinagar, from which 22 women have been found
• The organization has prevented 120 women from being trafficked through Jogbani transit point in Morang district out of which four have been rescued
• According to Maiti Nepal, 35 missing cases were registered in the Jogbani region out of which 14 have been found

Following these alarming events, Maiti Nepal has been maintaining constant surveillance at Kakadvitta, Pashupatinagar, Bhadrapur and Jogbani as these places serve as transit points for human trafficking.

Simultaneously, Maiti Nepal has been conducting various awareness programs in collaboration with Nepal Police to stop human trafficking.

16 Rescued in New Delhi
In another major development concerning the human trafficking row, the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) saved 16 young Nepali girls from being trafficked to Iraq and Kuwait. The act was busted midway following a raid in Delhi’s Munirka area.

Swati Maliwal DCW Chief took to Twitter to share about the incident.

“The traffickers had taken away their passports, locking them up in a tiny room we saved them from today. This trafficking operation had been going on for eight months. Seven other girls have already been sent to Kuwait and Iraq 15 days ago. We have no idea what may have happened to them!” reads her twitter post

 21 Rescued in Kenya
In another scenario, the Embassy of Nepal in South Africa is keeping a tab on of 21 Nepali women who were rescued from two clubs in Nairobi on July 19, 2018.

“We are aware that 21 Nepali young women were rescued in Kenya. We are trying to find out their details through our consulate general in Kenya,” says Amrit Bahadur Rai, Nepali Ambassador to South Africa.

Rai also revealed that officials were already on their task of collecting information about them but didn’t mention anything about their condition.

The women had reached Kenya through India and Bangladesh.

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