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KATHMANDU, June 16: In a move raising serious concerns about foreign interference in Nepal’s constitutional and sovereign affairs, the elected executive members of the Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) are facing mounting pressure to resign—reportedly under the guise of resolving internal disputes.
The pressure stems from a letter issued by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), citing decisions made during its recently concluded Governing Board meeting.
Despite the Nepal government, the District Administration Office in Kathmandu, and the High Court all recognizing the legitimacy of the NRCS executive committee elected under the leadership of Prof. Sudarshan Prasad Nepal on August 27, 2080 BS, the IFRC continues to portray the organization as divided, citing the existence of two rival factions.
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Dr. Netra Prasad Timsina, once considered the leader of a parallel group, has since reconciled with the Nepal-led leadership and now serves as Nepal’s ambassador to Malaysia. He has withdrawn the legal cases filed under his name, contributing to greater unity within the organization.
Ironically, while Prof. Nepal was previously accused of politicizing the Red Cross, it is now Timsina—holding a diplomatic post—who represents Nepal abroad. Meanwhile, senior NRCS figures including Bhupati Lal Shrestha, Manoj Kumar Thapa, Binod Basnet, and Narayan Timalsina have already exited the organization.
Despite no formal charges being brought against the remaining executive members, the IFRC has continued to demand their resignation—a move increasingly viewed as infringing on the rights of citizens in a sovereign nation.
In a conciliatory gesture to ease tensions, Prof. Nepal voluntarily stepped down from the presidency, transferring leadership to Senior Vice President Chandrakala Karki. Now serving as acting president, Karki is actively working toward a resolution. However, paradoxically, the IFRC—which publicly advocates for gender equality—has reportedly been devising strategies to undermine and discredit her leadership.
According to a former NRCS official, IFRC personnel and advisors in Nepal appear more focused on control—over procurement of disaster relief materials, key organizational appointments, and direct access to local agencies. By perpetuating the perception of internal discord, they allegedly aim to tighten their influence.
Acting President Karki expressed serious concern over the situation. “The IFRC is interfering in our internal matters and applying undue pressure for resignations. Despite claiming to support democratic governance, they are disregarding our statute and creating an unworkable environment,” she said.
