Nepal Roundup: ISIS presence in Nepal, electrocution deaths, landslide

ISIS presence in Nepal

Concerns are rising over a possible ISIS presence in Nepal following revelations linking a senior Nepal Police officer to terrorism-financing activities associated with the extremist group. Interpol's National Central Bureau in Singapore has urged the Nepal Police to investigate DSP Hem Bahadur Shahi, alongside two other individuals suspected of ties to ISIS. This investigation was prompted after Interpol requested background information on the trio, highlighting fears that ISIS affiliates may be operating in the country. According to My Republica, DSP Shahi, originally from Kailali, is among those suspected of connection to terrorism financing.

Chief of Army Staff

President Ramchandra Paudel conferred the insignia of Chief of Army Staff on Ashok Raj Sigdel in a ceremony at Sheetal Niwas. Sigdel succeeds Prabhu Ram Sharma and will serve a three-year term. The event was attended by high-ranking government officials, and President Paudel also administered the oath of office. Sigdel's leadership becomes effective on September 9, following Sharma's mandatory retirement leave, media agency, Kathmandu Post reported.

Landslide

Landslides caused by heavy monsoon rains have blocked the Karnali Highway in Nepal, particularly at Ismod and Gaganekhola, disrupting traffic and stranding passengers from Jumla, Kalikot, and Mugu. Efforts are underway to clear the debris. In a separate incident, the bodies of a couple who went missing in a landslide in Jajarkot have been retrieved, while their injured daughter has been sent for treatment, DD News reported.

Electrocution deaths

Rising electrocution deaths in Nepal have been attributed to the negligence of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). In Madhesh Province alone, 449 people have died from electric shocks in the past five years. Recently, a 13-year-old boy died after climbing a tree that contacted a live wire, leading to local protests against NEA's mismanagement. Other tragic incidents include a family of three electrocutions and subsequent injuries due to faulty electrical infrastructure. The National Human Rights Commission is investigating the situation, urging NEA to enhance safety measures amidst rising profits, according to media agency, Kathmandu Post.

Financial and technical assistance

Germany has agreed to provide Nepal with a grant of 51 million euros (approximately Rs 7.5 billion) in financial and technical assistance over the next two years. The funds will be used to improve health infrastructure, promote renewable energy, strengthen local government institutions, and support economic and social development, My Republica reported. The discussions highlighted the importance of development partners in helping Nepal achieve its Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The Nepali delegation, led by Joint Secretary Dhani Ram Sharma, also emphasized collaboration on climate change, gender equality, and poverty reduction.