KATHMANDU, APRIL 21
The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) will hold its long-awaited Unity General Convention from May 3 to 5 in Kathmandu, as mandated by the Supreme Court.
Speaking at a press conference in Kathmandu, Dr. Shesh Ghale, the coordinator of the High-Level Committee of the NRNA, stated that the convention is mandatory under the court's order and will proceed under any circumstance, barring unforeseen natural disasters.
He warned that any attempt to obstruct the convention would be considered contempt of court and made it clear that the process of unification within the NRNA cannot be stopped.
According to Dr. Ghale, the High-Level Committee has convened 14 times so far, with representatives from the Government of Nepal attending the meetings. Due to continued lack of access to the NRNA Secretariat and its MIS system, the committee has launched its own membership registration portal and requested support from National Coordination Councils (NCCs).
An election committee, chaired by Senior Advocate Gopal Krishna Ghimire, with members Retired Major Damar Ghale and Advocate Ashish Upreti, has already been formed to conduct the elections for a new International Coordination Council (ICC).
A separate Election Monitoring Committee has been formed under former NRNA President Devman Hirachan to ensure a fair and transparent process.
Dr. Ghale emphasized that since its founding in 2003, the NRNA has reached a critical point in its evolution. The association has played a key role in increasing investment in Nepal, advocating for the rights of the Nepali diaspora, and contributing to social welfare. However, internal disputes have led to legal battles, prompting the need for a unifying convention.
He urged all non-resident Nepalis to support the process, participate in open discussions, and join the Unity General Convention in Kathmandu to ensure the successful renewal of the organization. Delegates have already begun arriving, and the registration count has reached approximately 2,700, according to the committee.
Committee member Kul Acharya noted that delegates are required to pay a USD 100 fee to participate. In an effort to boost engagement, the committee had earlier waived membership fees and extended the application deadline multiple times. Binod Kunwar, another member, reported that more than 16,000 applications have been received via the committee's portal, with an additional 47,000 from NCC branches-bringing the total membership to over 63,000.
Delegates must submit their applications by Tuesday to be eligible for participation in drafting the new constitution and electing a new executive body. All delegates will have the opportunity to run for leadership positions.
Addressing the absence of the Badri KC-led faction from the unification process, Dr. Ghale stated that several attempts were made to reach out, but they have remained unresponsive. He reaffirmed the committee's commitment to holding the Unity General Convention as a necessary step forward, and called for maximum participation in Kathmandu to ensure a successful and inclusive event.
