KATHMANDU, May 5: The high-level committee of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) concluded its Unity Convention on Sunday by issuing the Kathmandu Declaration. The convention elected a new executive committee led by Mahesh Shrestha.
Addressing the closing ceremony, CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal stated that the country places great expectations on non-resident Nepalis.
He acknowledged that his previous government had initiated the process of granting NRNA citizenship but regretted its incomplete implementation. He pledged that his party would fully support efforts to implement the citizenship provisions for non-resident Nepalis.
FM Rana urges NRNs for unity
Nepali Congress leader Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat stressed the need for the government to actively facilitate the use of the NRNA community's knowledge and skills for national development. He reaffirmed his party's positive stance on NRNA issues and urged non-resident Nepalis to boost investment and mobilize their expertise to advance the country.
Former NRNA presidents Devman Hirachan and Bhawan Bhatt, along with NRNA advocates RK Sharma, Dr Keshab Paudel, and others, congratulated the newly elected executive committee. On the occasion, newly elected President Shrestha called on all stakeholders to reach a consensus.
The convention requested the government to swiftly amend existing laws to ensure that non-resident Nepalis can fully enjoy the constitutional rights associated with NRNA citizenship. It also urged the government to establish mechanisms that allow Nepalis living abroad to vote.
In addition, the convention called on the government to take immediate action to resolve the problems faced by Nepali workers in the Middle East and elsewhere, and to bring home Nepalis imprisoned abroad due to lack of legal awareness.
