KATHMANDU, JULY 13 The Department of Tourism has asked the Nepal Mountaineering Association and the Expedition Operators Association Nepal to furnish their opinions about the Everest Summiteers Summit recently organised by Everest Alliance Nepal in Kathmandu. Acting on a complaint filed at the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), the department asked both major mountaineering stakeholders to study the motive of the event and its organiser and submit their opinions. A complaint filed at the CIAA claimed that Everest Alliance Nepal, a family-run private company, has not only hosted a summit but also distributed summit certificates illegally. 'EAN publicised itself as a national-level government agency and pocketed a huge sum from China to host the summit,' the complaint read, accusing the organisers of depositing a huge amount in their Chinese bank accounts and charging illegal fees from participants as well. Citing that such an event could only tarnish Nepal's mountaineering image in the world, the complaint demanded stern action against the organisers. Fur Gelje Sherpa, President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, said that the NMA is thoroughly investigating the case and would submit a strong reply to the DoT. 'A family-run private company cannot resort to foul play aiming to tarnish the image of Nepal's Everest industry in the world,' Sherpa said. The summit, which was organised at the Soaltee Hotel in Kathmandu on May 27, was graced by President Ram Chandra Paudel and Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Poudel, among other high-profile dignitaries. Many record-holding climbers and Everest summiteers were honoured on the occasion.