Newspapers published in Kathmandu on Sunday have published reports related to a variety of social, political economic issues. The impending parliamentary hearing on Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana has received considerable attention along with the arrival of China’s new ambassador. Here’s a summary of important, ignored and interesting reports that made it to the front pages on Sunday:
Important
CJ hearing, not just a formality
The Himalayan Times reports that the Chief Justice Nominee Cholendra Shumsher Rana is expected to face a tough grilling during the Parliamentary Hearing Committee’s confirmation hearing on Sunday. The committee members have added that this hearing wouldn’t be a mere formality and that two out of the nine complaints against nominee Rana were serious.
One is his controversial decisions is to allegedly handover a public pond to Pramod Bikram Shah of Parsa. Committee members feel the decision was wrong because the pond was not a part of the land he inherited from his parents. Another decision under scrutiny is his ruling to allow former princess Prerana RL Devi Singh to hold the title of 15 ropani land in Chhauni gifted by her father. If Rana is rejected, the senior-most justice of the SC could become acting chief justice till other justices get qualified for the post of CJ.
More forces on the border
According to Naya Patrika, Nepal is mobilising more troops to tackle the ongoing security problems on its northern border. New border outposts (BOP) are being formed in eight mountain districts. The report states that land for a BOP is already ready in Sankhuwasabha and the security committee has given its nod for BPO’s in Olangchun Gola, Sama Gaun, Koral, Hilsa, Namchela, Lipuke and Hisangchula. Currently, Armed Police Force is deployed along two border points: Rasuwa Gadi and Tatopani. The government is mobilising the APF in more areas to stop the smuggling of gold, wild animals and US dollars.
Similarly, Nepal Samacharpatra, in its lead story, has reports that the APF is also installing CCTV cameras on the border. The APF has decided to install CCTV cameras on the northern and the southern borders to put a stop to illegal activities.
Chinese Ambassador arrives
Nepal Samacharpatra and Republica report the arrival of the new Chinese Ambassador to Nepal. Ambassador Hou Yanqi arrived in Kathmandu on Saturday. Hou is the 21st Chinese ambassador to Nepal since the two countries established diplomatic relation in 1955.
Hou is replaces Yu Hong who returned to Bejing in November after serving for two years. Hou is an expert on South on Asian affairs.
Ignored
PMO awards contract without competition
Republica reports that the Prime Minister’s office has awarded a contract to set up a video conferencing system for the ‘war room’ at the PMO to a Chinese company Huawei in breach of public procurement laws. The system is meant to aid for rapid response to various issues of governance. The government, which had issued a tender, later cancelled the process and handed the order to Huawei through direct negotiations. Huawei was awarded the Rs 54.2 million contract on December 21.
Indian tourists’ number falls
Arthik Abhiyan reports about the fall in Indian tourists coming to Nepal after the government put a ban on Indian notes. Due to that, there was been a considerable decline in the number of Indian tourists and businessmen entering the country. Indian tourists have been reported telling business in Biratnagar and Birgunj about the problems they have faced due to the note ban. The highest denomination note accepted in Nepal is INR. Indians feel it is impractical to travel with INR 100 bundles.
PM keen on securing new air routes
Karobar reports of talks between Nepal and India for Nepal to secure new air routes for planes flying in and out of Nepal. After talks between Nepal and Indian stakeholders, the PM is keen on taking the initiative to open new air routes as soon as possible. Even though the opening of new air routes was agreed in principle when Oli last visited India, little progress has been made.
Interesting
AG consulting experts to challenge stay order in Sumargi case
Republica reports that the office of the Attorney General is consulting legal experts about filing a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the apex court’s recent stay order clearing the way for nusinessman Ajeya Sumargi to withdraw his ‘unaccounted’ money blocked by Nepal Rastra Bank.
A single bench of Justice Deepak Raj Joshee, in a short-term stay order pending further hearings, had ordered the government and the central bank not to bar businessman from withdrawing money. Attorney General Agni Kharel has been consulting legal experts over filing a petition requesting the apex court to vacate the stay.
Public holiday after mayor is released from jail
Annapurna Post and Kantipur report, that a public holiday was declared in Rautahat’s Katahariya Municipality after its Mayor was released from jail. Mayor Siyaram Kushwaha returned to his municipality after the apex court acquitted in the World Hindu Sangh Rautahat Chairman Kashi Tiwari murder case. On the occasion, all schools and government offices were shut. After his acquittal, Kushwaha arrived in Katahariya on a chartered chopper.
