KATHMANDU: Khabarhub presents a comprehensive weekly roundup of significant events every Monday morning.

Two EPS demonstrators killed in Balkumari:

Two youths — 22-year-old Birendra Shah from Doti and 23-year-old Sujan Rawat from Dailekh — lost their lives in a clash between agitating EPS students and security personnel in Balkumari last week. In response to the tragic deaths, the government transferred Chief District Officer of Lalitpur, Rudra Prasad Pandit, to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The government also recalled SSP Siddi Bikram Shah to the Police Headquarters. Additionally, the government has taken disciplinary action against several officials involved in the incident.

DSP Umesh Lamasl, the field commander during the clash, Director of EPS Korea Section Gurudatta Subedi, and Bodh Raj Dhanuar, the Personal Security Officer (PSO) of Minister Prakash Jwala, were suspended.

The government has decided to provide compensation of Rs one million each to the families of the two youths.

Sandeep Lamichhane convicted in rape case:

After a week-long final hearing in the rape case against former Cricket Team captain Sandeep Lamichhane, the Kathmandu District Court convicted him. District Court Judge Shirish Raj Dhakal delivered the verdict on Friday evening, concluding the final hearing.

The alleged victim, claiming to be a minor, had sought a 10 to 12-year sentence for the cricketer.

Regarding the victim’s age, the Court concluded that she was no longer a minor at the time of the incident. However, Lamichhane has been declared guilty of a relationship without consent.

The Court informed that the announcement on the fine and sentence against Lamichhane will be made on January 10.

RSP’s foot march from Narayangadh to Butwal:

Last week, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman, Rabi Lamichhane, completed a foot march from Narayangadh to Butwal, primarily targeting the recent delay in upgrading the Narayangadh-Butwal road section. The journey commenced on Monday from Pulchowk in Narayangadh, covering the 113-kilometer stretch to Butwal within three days.

The objective of the march was part of an effort to bring the government’s attention to the sluggish progress in road improvements along the East-West Highway, specifically the Narayangadh-Butwal section, causing inconvenience to travelers.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s acknowledgment:

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ last week delivered a speech marked by a blend of enthusiasm, achievements, and grievances, characteristic of his leadership style that often invites skepticism.

PM Dahal, in his address to the nation last week, admitted that the government has fallen short of fulfilling its promises.

“I acknowledge to the citizens that the government has not met expectations,” he stated, emphasizing that the desired outcomes have not materialized.

PM Dahal also highlighted his unease regarding unfinished infrastructure projects, emphasizing a need to shift focus from existing accomplishments to pending developments.

“My self-examination revolves around not just assessing the current state of the nation but pondering over its untapped potential. It is with this sense of concern and introspection that I make this public declaration,” he stated.

PM Dahal further asserted his commitment to addressing developmental challenges, unveiling new policy initiatives, and formulating budgets.

PM Dahal’s acknowledgment comes as a signal of the government’s commitment to introspection and a renewed dedication to overcoming obstacles on the path to national development.

He illustrated the tangible impact of federalism, citing swift earthquake rescue efforts in Jajarkot.

His self-examination extends beyond evaluating the present state to pondering the nation’s untapped potential, emphasizing a sense of concern and introspection in his public declaration.

PM Dahal also issued a stern message to ministers and secretaries, emphasizing accountability and warning of impending changes while expressing a moral responsibility, asserting that functional efficacy should dictate continued occupancy.

Another crucial commitment he articulated involved a transformation in the government’s operational approach.

He emphasized that addressing the legal, policy, and procedural intricacies of infrastructure development would be systematically tackled through the implementation of a comprehensive work schedule and timetable.

Prime Minister Dahal additionally announced plans for substantial structural reforms within the Prime Minister’s Office, signaling a clear direction for the future. Reflecting on the government’s performance, he remarked, “While the government hasn’t failed, the outcomes do not align with my aspirations for delivery during this term.”

Govt serious about rescuing Nepalis trapped in Russia-Ukraine war:

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ last week said that the government is serious about rescuing Nepalis trapped in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Drawing a parallel with Nepal’s rescue operation during the Hamas attack in Israel, Prime Minister Dahal highlighted the government’s dedication to rescuing Nepalis trapped in the Russia-Ukraine conflict in a similar vein.

Former DIG Mahesh Bikram Shah found guilty in corruption case: Former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Nepal Police, Mahesh Bikram Shah, was pronounced guilty in a corruption case. The Special Court delivered its verdict today, finding Shah and four accomplices culpable of corruption charges linked to financial irregularities. The corruption case was initiated four years ago in a Special Court, alleging that during Shah’s tenure at the Police Training Center Dudhauli in 2072 BS, he illicitly siphoned off millions from state funds using a fabricated identity.

Construction companies blacklisted:

Last week, the Public Procurement Monitoring Office (PPMO) blacklisted construction companies involved in the Mid-hill Highway, imposing penalties for their alleged misconduct. The MP-SCF-ECC JV, comprising MP Sitani and Sons led by Aditya Sitani, Surya Construction Firm Pvt Ltd led by Surya Bahadur Khadka, and Elite Construction Pvt Ltd led by Surendraraj Poudel, have been barred from participating in any public procurement process for the next three years.

EC’s preparations for NA election nominations:

The Election Commission (EC) said it has completed essential preparations for the nomination of candidates on January 8 for the National Assembly election scheduled for January 25. The EC has outlined the documents that candidates must submit during the nomination process. According to EC Spokesperson Shaligram Sharma Paudyal, candidates are required to submit a photocopy of their Nepali citizenship certificate, a document confirming inclusion in the final name list of any rural municipality or municipality, and a voucher or receipt for the Rs 10,000 deposit.

SC invalidates govt decision on Martyrs’ Day observance on Falgun 1: Meanwhile, in another blow to the Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal-led government, the Supreme Court last week issued an order invalidating the government’s decision to observe Falgun 1 as National Martyrs’ Day and grant a public holiday on this date. During the hearing, the apex court considered a petition filed by Maoist victim and lawyer Gyanendra Raj Aran and Kalyan Budhathoki, both of whom lost their fathers during the civil war. The court intervened, halting the decision to designate Falgun 1 as Martyrs’ Day and provide a public holiday.