KATHMANDU, Dec 13: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to participate in the inauguration of the 'Nanhai Buddhism Round Table,' being organized in Nepal.
Sources at Prime Minister Oli’s Secretariat said that he will personally attend the program, which is set to be held at the Yak & Yeti Hotel in Kathmandu on Friday.
The event has sparked significant controversy in Nepal following reports that the Panchen Lama, also known as Gyaltsen Norbu, was among those expected to arrive in Nepal. Although the Lama reportedly canceled his trip to Nepal at the request of Nepali authorities, sources at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu claimed there were never any plans for the Lama to visit Nepal.
Practicing Buddhism in Real Life Scenario
China has projected Panchen Lama as the successor to Dalai Lama–.the characterisation rejected by Western countries as well as Tibetans refugees in exile. Buddhist monks from at least 20 countries are expected to attend the three-day round table.
The Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu and local organizers are busy making necessary preparations to facilitate the event. The Round Table is scheduled to take place in both Kathmandu and Lumbini. In Kathmandu, two sessions will be held on Friday: the Kathmandu Forum under Round Table and the Youth Forum under the Round Table.
Following reports of the Panchen Lama’s possible visit to Nepal, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli reportedly showed interest in the matter. After his intervention, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak urged Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi to coordinate with the relevant government agencies to stop his visit.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs subsequently informed the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, seeking confirmation about whether the Panchen Lama would visit Nepal. Government officials told Republica that the embassy assured them the Panchen Lama would not be coming.
Lharkyal Lama, the chairman of the Lumbini Development Trust, is among the key individuals coordinating the arrangements for the event. After news of the Panchen Lama's visit surfaced, Prime Minister Oli expressed concern, leading to the resignation of Lama.
