KATHMANDU: The mother and sister of Bipin Joshi, who remains in the captivity of Palestinian militant group Hamas, have left for the United States to press for his release through international channels.
Joshi, a resident of Kanchanpur, was abducted on October 7, 2023, while undergoing agricultural training at Kibbutz Alumim in Israel. Despite diplomatic efforts by the Nepal government, no concrete results have been achieved so far.
Seeking to intensify international pressure, his mother Padma and sister Pushpa departed for New York on Wednesday. They are scheduled to meet UN officials to request urgent intervention for Joshi’s safe release.
The family had earlier traveled to Israel to push for progress but, with little headway, decided to appeal through the United Nations.
The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has been facilitating the family’s efforts. NRNA ICC Chief Executive Rajendra Kumar Raut coordinated their travel, while the US chapter of the NRNA will support their stay. Regional coordinator Ved Basnet, NRNA America president Bikash Upreti, ICC member Bishnu Ranamagar, and others are also engaged in providing assistance.
Previously, the NRNA Israel organized special programs expressing solidarity with the Joshi family and launched a campaign for his release. The NRNA is also preparing diplomatic outreach in Middle Eastern countries to further the cause.
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