KATHMANDU, APRIL 26
A protest was held in front of the Pakistani Embassy in Kathmandu today against the killing of Nepali national Sudip Neupane in Pahalgam of Indian state of Kashmir.
A terrorist group had killed 26 people, including Neupane, who hailed from Butwal, on Tuesday.
The protest held in front of the Pakistani Embassy in Kathmandu was organised by the Nepal Nagarik Abhiyan (Nepal Citizens Campaign) demanding justice for him.
Protesters carried a banner and placards demanding justice for Neupane. Protesters also carried banner against Pakistan and its Army Chief Syed Asim Munir.
Banned terror outfit The Resistance Front (TRF) - which is alleged to be backed by Pakistan's military and intelligence agencies - has now issued an online statement denying its involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack. It initially took responsibility for the attack.
Meanwhile, the Embassy of India organised a condolence assembly today to honour the 26 innocent civilians who lost their lives in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The victims included Nepali citizen Neupane. The event was attended by high-level representatives and political leaders from both India and Nepal.
Addressing the ceremony, Ambassador of India to Nepal Naveen Srivastava said, "Our shared commitment - to the path of peace and coexistence - cannot be weakened by such heinous acts. Together, our two nations will combat terrorism and ensure a secure future for our citizen
Following the ambassador's remarks, Nepal's Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba expressed Nepal's firm stance against terrorism, condemning any form of terrorism.
She said, "Nepal strongly condemns all forms and manifestations of terrorism. Nepal always firmly stands against terrorist activities carried out anywhere, anytime and for any purpose."
Stating that double standards should never be adopted in dealing with terrorism, Rana reiterated Nepal's firm commitment to ensuring that its territory is not used by any terrorist group against any country and people, according to a press release issued by Rana's secretariat.
She expressed Nepal's solidarity with the Indian government and the Indian people in this hour of sorrow, saying that Nepal stands shoulder to shoulder with India in the fight against terrorism.
"Our open borders," she added, "are a symbol of trust and our family ties also bind us together. We have always stood together in times of happiness or crisis. India was the first to extend a helping hand when the earthquake devastated Nepal."
She also offered gratitude to the government of India for helping in repatriating the body Neupane, along with other affected people.
Politicians present at the event included Nepali Congress leaders Shekhar Koirala, NP Saud; Chair of Loktantrik Samajwadi Party Nepal Mahantha Thakur and NC lawmaker Rajendra Bajgain.
Senior officials from the security and legal sectors were also in attendance.
Concerns were raised during the programme over recent remarks by the Pakistani army chief, with speakers warning that such statements not only escalate regional tensions but also encourage terrorism.
