READ 2B HAPPY

Image: ChatGPT/Concept: LB Thapa The Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura dispute: A Himalayan impasse By LB Thapa The map of South Asia, drawn and redrawn by the hands of empire, diplomacy, and war, contains few border disputes as intricate and persistently challenging as the one between India and Nepal over the high-altitude trijunction of Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura. What appears on some maps as a mere sliver of land in the shadow of the Himalayas represents a clash of legal interpretations, national pride, and strategic interests. As India and China move forward with the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Lipulekh Pass without Kathmandu’s formal consent, a century-old disagreement has once again flared into a modern diplomatic crisis, testing the limits of the unique "Roti-Beti" relationship between New Delhi and Kathmandu.   The genesis of the dispute lies in the Treaty of Sugauli of 1816, signed between the Gorkha Kingdom and the British East India Company following the Ang...

Image: ChatGPT/Concept: LB Thapa   RSP Connecting politics with career and professionalism By LB Thapa Are you planning to contest elections on a Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) ticket? If so, you now need to prove your ability by completing a course at the Leadership Academy. In RSP, getting a ticket no longer depends on money—you need to pass an exam.  For years, we have witnessed the chaos outside leaders’ doorsteps in the months leading up to elections: briefcases exchanged for tickets and the deep-rooted practices of nepotism and favoritism. This bitter reality of Nepali politics has long been suffered by the people. Now, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has introduced a decision that could shake the very foundation of how election tickets are distributed in Nepal. But what exactly is this Candidate Club and Leadership Academy? What does the Academy teach? And how does RSP intend to stop the broker system and the setting of ticket distribution?  In the upcoming loca...

Image: ChatGPT/Concept: LB Thapa   INDIA A land of warmth and warning for the female traveler By LB Thapa India is a country of profound contradictions. For the female traveler, it can be both enchanting and unnerving. On one hand, the subcontinent offers mysterious ancient temples, vibrant festivals, and legendary hospitality. On the other, headlines about brutal rapes, harassment, and theft involving foreign tourists have stained its global image. The question is not whether India is absolutely safe or unsafe — the truth lies in the gray space between fear and reality.  To deny the problem would be disingenuous. India has witnessed high-profile cases that rightfully alarm the world. In 2014, a 52-year-old Danish tourist was robbed and gang-raped in New Delhi’s Paharganj area, a popular backpacker hub. In 2019, a 28-year-old Brazilian national reported being gang-raped by seven men in the same city. These are not isolated whispers but documented tragedies. Foreign female trav...

  The rapid decline of consumer rights in Nepal By LB Thapa   In the field of business a customer is always hailed as the king, but in reality the consumers are not treated with respect. They are overpriced, duped, and exploited. At times consumers find themselves abandoned, as no one is there to commiserate with their predicaments. They have been demoted from kings to powerless consumers whose voices go unheard.  In today’s context, consumers are not the king, but the manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers rule the roost.   Maximizing the profit in the competitive market is the essence of modern business, where consumers’ satisfaction is always given prime importance. However, this norm has become less important today. Manufacturers and producers have developed many ways to cheat consumers. Sometimes, their cheating is seen openly, but other times, they cheat consumers in a much more concealed manner. Are general consumers aware of such nefarious practices ...

  An appeal to PM Sushila Karki: Do not tarnish your hard-earned reputation for a moment of Greed By LB Thapa Let us not forget that Gen Z made immense sacrifices, shedding their blood in the fight against favoritism and nepotism. Yet, what Prime Minister Sushila Karki has recently done stands as a glaring example of the very nepotism they opposed.   This is truly deeply unfortunate. Many young people across the country lost their lives in the struggle against corruption and nepotism. Their efforts were not in vain—corrupt politicians were removed from power. It was with immense trust that Gen Z appointed Sushila Karki as Prime Minister, tasking her with conducting free and fair elections in the country.   PM Karki received widespread acclaim for successfully holding elections on schedule. The people of Nepal are deeply indebted to her for delivering on that promise. Now, with only a few days left before she steps down from the office of Prime Minister, her legacy...

  GANDHARVAS Rich tradition on the brink of extinction By  LB Thapa Gandharvas, also referred to as Gaine or Gayak, prefer to be called by the name “Gandharva,” as it carries connotations of respect and dignity. Historically regarded as the traditional musician caste in Nepalese society, they played a vital role in an era before modern entertainment. In those times, Gandharvas would travel from village to village, sharing news, history, and stories through their rich musical and storytelling traditions.  Historical evidence suggests that the Gandharvas migrated from Chittorgarh, India, to Pokhara, Nepal, during the reign of Kulmandan Shah, the first ruler of the Shah dynasty, who governed his kingdom from Kaskikot. The king granted them land in Batulechaur for settlement, where they have resided ever since. Today, Batulechaur remains the largest Gandharva settlement in Nepal.  In the past, the most accomplished Gandharvas were summoned to the royal court to e...

PARKING ATTENDANT BEATS TWO WOMEN AT MAHENDRAPOOL Many local commuters complain about the misbehavior of parking attendants By LB Thapa   Local commuters have long complained about the misbehavior of parking attendants. Often behaving more like bullies than public servants, these attendants frequently resort to aggression when collecting parking fees. If commuters are unable to pay—sometimes simply because they have forgotten their wallets—they are met with hostility rather than understanding. Regardless of the situation, attendants often refuse to let anyone leave without paying, leading to frequent confrontations. Widespread complaints of rude behavior Many commuters have reported incidents of rude and aggressive behavior by parking attendants. Numerous individuals have fallen victim to such conduct. It is worth noting that most parking attendants—both men and women—are deaf and mute, which makes communication with them challenging for those who do not know sign language. ...

  Man arrested for insulting elected MP Mahabir Pun By LB Thapa He came fully prepared—wearing a black helmet and a large surgical mask—to harass Mahabir Pun, an elected Member of Parliament widely known for his simplicity and integrity.  The man approached Pun and demanded that he stop selling books, claiming that people had not voted him into office for such work.  The Man in the frame is Bikash Gurung He could have expressed his views in a different tone and language, which would have changed the entire situation. Instead, he was aggressive and at one point appeared to physically confront Pun. Fortunately, a bystander intervened and stood between the attacker and Pun, preventing further escalation.  Under Nepali law, selling books on the street is not prohibited unless it obstructs pedestrians or creates a public nuisance.  The man got into a furious argument with Pun, spat on him, and triumphantly left, thinking he would remain anonymous. However, ...

I sell books so I can pay my staff. I do not have corrupt money like those political leaders do:  Mahabir Pun File a defamation case against the man who insulted Mahabir Pun, an elected MP By LB Thapa The man seen in the video allegedly insulting Mahabir Pun, an elected Member of Parliament, appeared well-prepared for the act. He seemed fully aware that once the incident occurred, the police would undoubtedly come looking for him. That is why he took care to cover his face and kept his helmet on until he fled the scene. WHO SENT THIS MAN TO HUMILIATE MAHABIR PUN? The level of premeditation displayed by the individual strongly suggests that he was sent by rival political parties resentful of Pun's success. Having won the election by a significant margin—leaving his opponents embarrassed and defeated—they were merely waiting for an opportunity to vent their anger and frustration. That opportunity arose when Mahabir Pun was selling his autobiography on the streets of Pokhara. IS S...

The man's condition is critical after being hit by a scooter Please identify the person to find his family By LB Thapa Nowadays, you may have noticed how young boys recklessly ride their motorbikes. By riding in such a frantic manner, they not only endanger their own lives but also pose a serious threat to pedestrians and other riders.   Many would agree that strict action should be taken against these careless bikers. Unfortunately, there seems to be a gap between what the police claim and what actually happens on the ground. Authorities often pledge to crack down on such reckless riders, but the reality tells a different story.   “From dawn to dusk, several young boys pass through the main road near my house on their modified motorbikes, including Enfield Bullets, riding as if there’s no tomorrow. I’ve witnessed several accidents near my home, most of them involving these modified bikes,” said Mitra Gurung, a local resident of Ranipauwa, Pokhara.   In a recent inc...

My plea for JUSTICE By Chhabi Subedi 'Bijayee' There is a well-known adage: "Justice delayed is justice denied." In my case, however, justice has been both delayed and denied. I possess all the evidence to prove my legitimate claim to my property, yet my plea for justice has been repeatedly turned down.   I have learned a costly lesson for placing my trust in someone. Yes, I made a mistake by trusting the youngest daughter of my Guru, Khimlal, who initiated me by bestowing the sacred Gayatri mantra. I always respected my Guru with complete devotion. Out of that deep respect for my Guru, I trusted his youngest daughter, Parvati—a trust that ultimately cost me my land, currently worth approximately 100 million rupees.   To help my readers understand the matter clearly, let me explain briefly. A few years ago, I wished to sell my land to meet growing expenses. A gentleman offered me 47.5 million rupees for the property, but after discussions with my family, we decide...

Dangling Death Trap: Loose Cables Put Public at Risk By LB Thapa It has become a ubiquitous and hazardous sight in Pokhara: thick bundles of internet and television cables drooping precariously from poles and building corners, hanging just above the heads of pedestrians and commuters. This growing problem is a direct consequence of the city's rapid urbanization. As Pokhara's population has swelled, so has the demand for connectivity, leading to a chaotic scramble among the city's approximately 14 different internet and TV cable service providers, all vying for customers with little regard for order or safety.  A huge collection of cable wires lay at the gate of the Pokhara Sub-Metropolitan City office building. Photo: LB Thapa  A Culture of Carelessness   The root of the issue lies with the very workers installing these lines. A general lack of discipline and a careless attitude prevail. It is a common experience for residents to ask workers to clear away the excess cab...