No Black Flags Shown to the Prime Minister in the US

kathmandu | Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli does not attend a programme organised by the Nepali community in New York on Sunday during his visit for the United Nations meeting. His absence is not due to protests or black flag demonstrations, as rumours on social media suggest, but rather due to security concerns and a tight schedule. Additionally, the venue chosen by the organisers is deemed unsuitable.

False claims circulate online that the Prime Minister is shown black flags and garlanded with shoes at the event. However, this is untrue, as the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister had informed the organisers hours earlier that they would not attend.

At the time of the event, Prime Minister Oli is in a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which lasts for 45 minutes, extending beyond the initially planned 30 minutes. Following that, Oli participates in various other engagements, including delivering his address at the United Nations. By the evening, he appears slightly fatigued, yet remains in good spirits and later attends a programme at Columbia University.

During the Columbia University event, a student asks how Nepal maintains balanced relations with large nations like India and China, given their contrasting political systems.

Several Nepalis from states such as Texas and California travel to attend the New York programme. Some Nepalis, particularly from Texas, express their disappointment at not meeting the Prime Minister, and raise concerns about the need for a consulate office in their state. In response, the Prime Minister promises to establish a consulate office in California.

Although many Nepalis arrive for the event, the absence of the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister leaves some attendees disheartened. The main reasons behind their non-attendance are Prime Minister Oli’s busy bilateral meetings, particularly with Modi, and concerns over the venue. Additionally, some speculate that remarks made by Rastriya Swatantra Party leader Rabi Lamichhane on Facebook, criticising the Prime Minister’s presence in New York, may have influenced the decision.

Meanwhile, the ongoing "Where is Our Citizenship?" campaign, led by Basu Ghimire, aims to address concerns about the continuity of Nepali citizenship. Ghimire clarifies that the campaign has no intention of disrespecting the Prime Minister, stating, "We would never engage in activities like black flag demonstrations or garlanding with shoes. Our only request is for the continuation of Nepali citizenship, and we will always welcome and support the Prime Minister in a respectful manner."

At the Columbia University event, a student raises concerns while covering their mouth with a black cloth. They question Nepal's neutral stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict at the United Nations. Additionally, an Indian student asks about the conversation between Prime Ministers Oli and Modi.