Issues and events highlighted on the front pages of major broadsheet dailies published from Kathmandu, both Nepali and English, are almost similar. The Eminent Persons’ Group on Nepal-India Relations’ final meeting has been one of the most significant issues covered by the newspapers today as it has also finalised its report which will be handed over to both the governments as a recommendation.
Medical education reform activist Dr Govinda KC has launched a fresh indefinite hunger strike, 15th in past few years, and it has also been published by newspapers with a priority.
Some other stories from political, sociocultural and economic sectors have also been featured on the front pages today.
Important
EPG’s final report finalised
The ninth meeting of EPG that was held in Kathmandu on Friday and Saturday finalised its final report, according to newspaper reports.
Kantipur lead story informs that the bilateral think tank has suggested either scrapping the 1950 Peace and Friendship Treaty and replacing it with the new one or amending some provisions of it. India has also agreed to reviewing the treaty, according to Rajdhani.
Naya Patrika quotes coordinators of both Nepali and Indian sides—Bhekh Bahadur Thapa and Bhagat Singh Koshyari respectively—to inform that the panel completed its task in a harmonious way and came up with recommendations that hopefully strengthen the ties between two countries. Now, prime ministers of Nepal and India will be provided with the report for implementation.
Nepal Samacharpatra says the panel consisting four members from each of two countries has completed its assignment weeks before the expiry of its two-year team, that too in consensus of each member.
Dr KC begins fresh hunger strike in Jumla
Naya Patrika lead story says medical education reform activist Dr Govinda KC has begun his 15th hunger strike in Jumla of Karnali Province. However, the government tried to foil his protest as he was barred from entering the Karnali Academy of Health Sciences premises. Criticising the government move, the report has accused the government of depriving a citizen of peacefully organising a protest and forgetting implementing the agreements it signed with him earlier.
Likewise, police arrested him for trying to stage the protest in a restricted zone, but he began the strike in custody itself, according to Kantipur. Police released him later and he shifted to a covered hall for the protest there.
Rajdhani says he has put forward seven demands including implementation of past pacts.
Meanwhile, Nepali Congress leader and former Health Minister Gagan Thapa said his party would mobilise its strength to support Dr KC, according to the Naya Patrika report.
Ignored
PM puts pressure on Home Ministry not to probe NGOs
Though the Ministry of Home Affairs had earlier hinted that it would be strict against national and international government organisations and introduced some new laws, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has exerted pressure on the Ministry not to investigate into property of the organisations, claims Karobar in a two-column story.
Earlier, the Ministry had already directed 77 district administration offices to collect details about property of NGO operators and staff and send them to the Ministry.
Stakeholders criticise new medical education bill
Nagarik lead story has commented that the new medical education bill the government has recently registered at the Federal Parliament Secretariat has violated the agreements signed with Dr KC earlier. Though the government had agreed that no new medical colleges would be established in Kathmandu Valley in next 10 years, the bill does not contain any provision like this, according to the report.
Kantipur and Republica have also published related reports on their front pages.
Interesting
New laws will prevent contractors from delaying projects
The Himalayan Times lead story reports that the government is preparing to amend some of existing laws so as to prevent contractors from delaying development projects.
The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has launched the preparations, the report informs quoting its spokesperson Ramesh Dhakal that the government is trying to ensure that development projects are not hindered by individuals and contractors.
