KATHMANDU: Last week in Nepal was marked by a series of impactful events: a tragic helicopter crash in Nuwakot claimed five lives and spotlighted aviation safety concerns.
Similary, other events include a transitional justice report presented to top leaders, aiming to address the aftermath of the armed conflict; the Transitional Justice Amendment Bill advanced through the legislative process; and the government proposed compensation for victims of the Simaltal landslide disaster.
Additionally, there were notable shifts in police leadership, an expansion of Madhesh Province’s Cabinet, internal appointments within the Nepali Congress, a runway incident involving Turkish Airlines, and the Nepal Electricity Authority’s revelation of over Rs 8 billion in outstanding dues from industries.
Helicopter Crash in Nuwakot
A devastating helicopter crash occurred in Suryachaur, Shivpuri Rural Municipality, Nuwakot last Wednesday.
The Air Dynasty helicopter, identified as 9N-AJD, crashed shortly after taking off from Kathmandu en route to Syapruweshi in Rasuwa.
The helicopter lost contact just three minutes after departure and is believed to have crashed around 2:20 PM.
The crash resulted in the deaths of five individuals: one Nepali pilot and four Chinese nationals.
This incident has raised concerns about aviation safety and emergency response protocols in Nepal.
Transitional Justice Report Presentation
In a significant political development, a task force presented its report on transitional justice to Nepal’s top leaders, including Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, and CPN (Maoist Centre) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda.’
The report addresses key issues related to the Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA), which was designed to resolve the aftermath of the armed conflict and provide justice to victims.
The task force’s findings focus on contentious issues such as the interpretation of conflict-era incidents and the provision of relief, compensation, and reparation for victims.
The presentation of this report is a crucial step toward finalizing Nepal’s transitional justice mechanisms.
Approval of Transitional Justice Bill Report
The Law, Justice, and Human Rights Committee of the House of Representatives unanimously approved the report on the Transitional Justice Amendment Bill.
This Bill, which aims to amend existing transitional justice frameworks, will now be submitted to the full House of Representatives for further discussion and approval.
The bill seeks to address gaps in the transitional justice system and ensure a more comprehensive approach to addressing past grievances and supporting conflict victims.
Compensation for Simaltal Landslide Victims
The government responded to the Simaltal landslide disaster, which resulted in two buses disappearing into the Trishuli River, with a recommendation for compensation.
The proposed package includes Rs 200,000 for each victim’s family, with an additional Rs 100,000 for families who lost multiple members.
The task force investigating the disaster also recommended free medical treatment for the injured.
The landslide, classified as a natural disaster, has prompted these compensation recommendations and highlights the need for effective disaster response and support systems.
Changes in Police Leadership
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) underwent a leadership change as AIG Deepak Thapa was appointed as the new chief, replacing AIG Shyamlal Gyawali.
Gyawali’s transfer to the Provincial Coordination Department follows a period of controversy and reflects broader adjustments within the police administration.
This change comes amid ongoing discussions about the effectiveness and integrity of the CIB’s operations.
Expansion of Madhesh Province Cabinet
Chief Minister Satish Kumar Singh of Madhesh Province expanded his Cabinet by appointing five new State Ministers, increasing the total number of ministers to 20.
The new appointments include representatives from various political parties, including the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, Janamat Party, and Loktantrik Samajbadi Party (LSP).
This expansion is intended to strengthen the provincial government’s functioning and ensure broader political representation.
Nepali Congress Internal Appointments
Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba made several appointments within the party, designating leadership for 37 different departments.
These appointments are aimed at enhancing the party’s organizational efficiency and coordination across various levels.
Key appointments include Govinda Bhattarai for state administration, Madhu Acharya for local level coordination, and Chandra Bahadur KC for federal affairs coordination.
Turkish Airlines Incident at TIA
A Turkish Airlines flight arriving from Istanbul overshot the runway at Tribhuvan International Airport.
The aircraft, which touched down later than scheduled, experienced a ‘missed approach’ and an ‘unstable approach’ leading to the runway overshoot.
Although there were no severe consequences, the incident underscores ongoing concerns about aviation safety and the need for improved protocols at Nepal’s primary international airport.
NEA’s Evidence of Outstanding Dues
The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) presented extensive evidence of outstanding dues from industries that had received dedicated power supply during the load-shedding period. The total amount owed exceeds Rs 8 billion.
This issue has become contentious, with some industries lobbying against NEA Managing Director Kulman Ghising and seeking to avoid settling their dues.
The evidence presented to the Public Accounts Committee highlights the ongoing challenges in energy management and the strained relationship between the NEA and the business community.
These events reflect a mix of progress, challenges, and ongoing issues within Nepal, touching on aviation safety, transitional justice, disaster response, and political and administrative changes.
Comment