Christopher Sharma

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has received more than 57,000 complaints in two months. Scores involve former Maoist Prime Minister Prachanda. In an effort to protect its members, Maoists threaten to withdraw their support from the government. “If the government does not punish the perpetrators, the cases may be taken to international courts,” says Commission chair.

The cow is a sacred animal in Hinduism. Although a secular country, Nepal’s old Civil Code remains in effect. Cow slaughter can mean up to 20 years in jail. The carcass was found in the jungle and a public complaint led to the Dalits’ arrest. For activists, "They are an easy target because the poor and illiterate."

Week "extension" granted by the authorities to groups that help victims of the earthquake in the districts of Gorkha and Dolakha expires today. The area was devastated by the earthquake 14 months ago, but the government has not yet initiated reconstruction. Organizations "must submit expenses and follow the central directives notes to coordinate assistance."

Glacier melting has reached alarming levels. Nepal’s Government and military are working on Imja Tsho, the highest lake in the world, which threatens camps and villages. The goal is to open a channel for the controlled flow of water. The prime minister calls for sustainable development policies, and environmentalists call for greater commitment.

Four people of different nationalities arrested. 2.6 kilos of drugs and 1.3 million rupees Seized. The band refers to Nigeria but has contacts with all continents. Political instability and corruption have encouraged the growth of trafficking in the country.

As a result of the 2015 earthquake, old trails and tracks were wiped out, a major blow to one of the mainstays of Nepal’s economy recovers. In recent days, three climbers and a Sherpa died, which has led the authorities to downplay the gravity of the situation, noting that climbing “is not an easy task” and that people do die in accidents.

Fires broke out at 44 different sites, endangering biodiversity and local communities. Breeders believe that fires create fresh grassland for cattle, or secretly set fires to prevent elephants and rhinos from encroaching on farmland.

The agreement would amend existing laws, whitewashing crimes against humanity like rape, torture, murder, and kidnapping by government forces and Maoist rebels. Some 37 cases have been filed against Maoist leader. The government gives in to Maoist amnesty demand to avoid fall.

Gautama Buddha’s 2,560th birthday falls on 21 May. According to tradition, Prince Siddhartha was born in Lumbini, southern Nepal. Nepal’s Tourism minister calls for changes in textbooks that claim that the founder of Buddhism was born in other countries.

According to Hindu tradition, when a woman loses her husband she becomes impure, cannot honour the gods, nor sing or dance. She can only wear white. Child widows and women in arranged marriages are also victims. However, Nepal’s new constitution bans violence in the name of religion, traditions, or culture.

Reconstruction operations are taking place too slowly. Survivors are hungry and cold. Those who can take out loans at high interests to build houses. Political divisions and party privileges prevail. NGO are being stopped and closely monitored to avoid “proselytising”.

Nepal’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission began its work yesterday by registering allegations of rape, torture and kidnapping. Its investigations will focus on crimes committed between 1995 and 2006 by Royalist forces and Maoist rebels. However, registration is restricted to only 60 days without adequate staff.