KATHMANDU, April 19: Ram Pratap Thapa, a founding member of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), has stated that he will not participate in the proposed "Unity Convention" scheduled for May.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Thapa rejected any convention or gathering that violates the association's statute for personal interest, bias, or strategic gain.
He expressed serious concern over the uneasy situation within the association at a crucial moment, as the NRNA-established with a vision for Nepal's prosperity-prepares to celebrate its 22nd anniversary.
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The statement reads, "The association must move forward by fully embracing the Supreme Court's historic unity verdict on its internal matters, along with the directive issued in Shrawan (mid-July to mid-August). Unfortunately, some individuals have misinterpreted and manipulated these decisions for personal interests, which I find extremely disappointing and unfortunate. I want to clearly state that I have no involvement in the so-called Unity Convention scheduled for May 3, and I sincerely urge everyone not to be mistaken about my position.”
Thapa firmly rejected the decisions made by the high-level committee coordinated by Shesh Ghale. He emphasized that he does not consider those decisions legitimate and criticized the plan to hold a convention without the participation of former office bearers, national committees, founding members, and the current executive committee. He argued that such actions not only violate the association's statute but also go against its core values.
Thapa strongly objected to and expressed deep sorrow over the committee's misuse of his name and photo to spread misinformation through social media, news outlets, and emails.
He said, "Since the organization's founding, I have consistently upheld unity by rising above personal interests and refraining from any leadership ambitions. I will continue to commit sincerely and flexibly to fostering long-term and inclusive unity within the organization. However, I will not endorse any convention or gathering that violates the statute and serves personal interests."
He also appealed to the Government of Nepal and all Non-Resident Nepali brothers and sisters worldwide to uphold sustainable and inclusive unity within the organization, in line with the NRNA's statute and the spirit of both historic Supreme Court rulings.