Titled “Upheaval in Nepal triggers anxiety in Asia’s largest red-light district Sonagachi in Kolkata,” PTI takes a sensationalist approach. This article does nothing other than perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Nepalese women.

In a moment when Nepal is experiencing such a massive revolution, PTI’s focus is disturbingly narrow.

Instead of addressing the political chaos and its long term impact on Nepal, or hardships faced by Nepalese students in India, or how it could impact Indo-Nepal relations, or thousands of other lenses, the article fixates on Sonagachi. Thus boiling down the ripple effects of a nationwide upheaval and confining it to the anxieties of sex workers in Kolkata.

The framing is not just lazy journalism; it is voyeurism exemplified. The article exploits the pains of exploited Nepalese women for cheap sensationalism.

Why, in a country of over 50 lakh Nepalese migrant workers, does PTI choose to focus on the sex work sector alone as the barometer of Nepal’s crisis? Why ignore the far more important impacts of Nepal’s political instability – like the impact on remittances? or the geopolitical tensions at the India-Nepal border etc?

By choosing to highlight Sonagachi, PTI implicitly reinforces and helps perpetuate an archaic and demeaning view of the Nepalese women in India.

This is nothing but racism and arrogance.

We didn’t see any such articles written about Bangladesh sex-workers in Sonagachi, when Bangladesh underwent a similar revolution a year ago.

Moreover, this article dehumanizes women, as it fails to address the structural exploitation that enables trafficking of women into Kolkata from across South-Asia. It fails to question the “system” that allows such a “red-light area” to exist in the first place. It fails to speak out against all the social evils surrounding force prostitution. Instead it sensationalizes a significant historical event, and relegates it to mockery.

PTI owes an apology to Nepal, its people, and the broader South Asian community for reducing a historic political movement to a salacious sideshow. This is not journalism, it’s harmful, demeaning, and serves only to perpetuate stereotypes.

Journalism deserves better.

The post PRESS TRUST OF INDIA – Shameful Racist Take on Crisis in Nepal appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

Tenshug refers to a ceremonial and devotional request made to a great spiritual teacher to live long and continue turning the Wheel of Dharma for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Former CST Central School for Tibetans (CST), Darjeeling, have gathered in large numbers from across the globe in McLeodganj, Dharamshala, to offer “Tenshug – a long life prayer ceremony” to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

The event, which is scheduled to be held at the Tsuglagkhang Temple Complex on the 4th of June, 2025, is a deeply spiritual and emotional occasion for the alumni, many of whom have travelled from Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Sikkim, Arunachal, Nepal, Bhutan and as far as North America, Europe, and other parts of Asia. The offering of “Tenshug” represents a heartfelt plea for the continued health, long life, and spiritual guidance of His Holiness.

Tenshug (བརྟན་བཞུགས་), literally meaning “to remain steadfast,” is a traditional Tibetan Buddhist ceremony wherein disciples and followers express their devotion and request great spiritual teachers to remain in this world for the benefit of all sentient beings. The ritual typically includes symbolic offerings, long-life prayers, recitations, and the presentation of mandalas and representations of enlightened body, speech, and mind.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to express our deep gratitude to His Holiness,” said Tsultrim Dorjee, a 1997 graduate of CST Darjeeling and one of the key organizers. “Our generation owes much of our education, identity, and resilience to the guidance of His Holiness, and today we come together to offer our collective prayer for his long life.”

The event also highlighted the continued bond among CST Darjeeling alumni and their commitment to the values taught by His Holiness – compassion, education, and the preservation of Tibetan culture and identity.

The long life prayer offering comes at a significant time, as followers of Tibetan Buddhism across the world continue to draw strength and guidance from His Holiness, who remains an enduring symbol of peace, non-violence, and spiritual wisdom.

Here is the full video after meeting His Holiness

The post Tenshug Offering to His Holiness the Dalai Lama – Former CST Darjeeling Students Assemble in McLeodganj appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

To bolster people-to-people connectivity, the “Indo-Nepal Motor Vehicle Agreement 2014” initiative has approved 13 road routes between India and Nepal. Among these routes, the Siliguri to Kathmandu route stands as the 11th, inaugurated by Firhad Hakim, the State Transport Minister, on July, 2022. Operated jointly by a private bus operators –  Urban Paribahan Services Private Limited and the North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) – the Siliguri-Kakkarvitta-Kathmandu Greenline bus service aims to foster regional tourism and strengthen peer-to-peer relations.

Covering a distance of 488 kilometers, the bus departs from Siliguri at 1500 HRS and arrives at Swayambhunath Bus Park, Kathmandu, by 0800 HRS the following day (subject to local road conditions, making it a 17-hour road trip). The Siliguri to Kathmandu Friendship Bus originates from the Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus in Siliguri, West Bengal, terminating at the Swayambhunath Bus Park in Kathmandu, and vice versa.

On the Indian side, the route extends through the expanding suburbs of Siliguri, along the newly built Asian Highway, passing through Bagdogra, Naxalbari, and undergoing evening border formalities at Panitanki by Indian Customs and Army. After crossing the Mechi Bridge (No Man’s Land), passengers undergo currency exchange aboard the bus, with INR being exchanged for NNP (INR100 for NNP 157). It’s important to note that post-demonetization, INR currency above INR 100.00 is prohibited in Nepal.

This section of the highway received economic assistance from the Indian government for its construction, starting in 1966 and concluding in 1971. Mechinagar, located in southeastern Nepal, lies on the Nepal-India border, delineated by the expansive Mechi River, a tributary of the Mahananda River.

The AC Volvo9600 (semi-sleeper) bus with its large windows and 2*2 seat configuration, equipped with cushion seatings, padded headrests, cushioned leg rests, and charge points, provides a comfortable journey, allowing passengers to observe Nepal’s rapid development strides along the road. From super speciality eyes hospitals to Casino Resorts and the super mart Bhatbhateni at  Itahari , in the fleeting dusk.

Moving from Mechinagar (Kakarvitta), the highway offers a relatively smooth journey covering 108 kilometers to Itahari. Itahari serves as a vital road junction, connecting Biratnagar to the south on the Nepal-India border, and Dharan and Dhankuta to the north. Approximately 42 kilometers from Itahari lies the Koshi Barrage, traversed by the Mahendra Highway between Bhardaha and Bhantabari, where the bus stops for a tea and restroom break.

We hurtle onwards towards the darkness and bumps on the road is well absorbed by the Volvos’ suspensions. Dinner done, the bus makes just a few more cursory toilet halts on the Tribhuwan Highway,  before breaking up for hot steaming tea and snacks at Naubisey before making the final 30 kms run into Kathmandu which presently takes forever due to the roads being built , doubled by the heavy traffic up and down the hill side.

To secure a seat on the Indo-Nepal Friendship Bus, you have several options:

Online Booking: I got mine from Redbus

Rate : INR 2000.00 or NNP 3,200.00

NOTE: I added another INR 29.00 as accidental insurance

Booking Agencies: Travel agencies or ticket booking offices in Siliguri may facilitate the purchase of bus tickets for the journey to Kathmandu. These agencies often handle bookings for various bus operators and can assist you in securing your seat.

Directly at the Bus Station: You can visit the bus station in Siliguri, where the Friendship Bus departs, and purchase your ticket directly from the ticket counter or the bus operator’s office.

• Tenzing Norgay Bus Counter: Siliguri : +91-9002227093
• Swayambhunath Bus Park, Kathmandu : +977-9863025726

Regarding travel details:

Travel Time: The journey from Siliguri to Kathmandu typically spans around 12 to 14 hours, depending on factors such as road conditions and border crossing procedures.

Check-In One Hour Before Scheduled Departure: The passengers are requested to report at the Terminal at least 30 minutes  before the scheduled departure of the bus. Reservation will be cancelled if the passenger fails to report for check-in well in time.

Border Crossing: Passengers must undergo immigration and customs procedures at the Kakarbhitta border crossing between India and Nepal. Ensure you carry all necessary travel documents, including a valid passport and any required visas. Photo-Identity proof issued by respective Government authority like Passport , Voter Identity card for undertaking the journey. Passengers other than Indian or Nepali Nationality are required to have valid Passport and Visa for undertaking the journey.

Baggage: Maximum weighing up to 25 kg. is permissible along with one shoulder bag.

Food/Refreshment: The bus provides one pet bottle mineral water but will halt at designated halts where the passengers can have food/refreshment at their own cost.

It is advisable to book your ticket in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure availability. I got mine 3 days prior to travel date and in fact could choose my seat ( #4 on Siliguri to Kathmandu)On way back , seats were more free so tried their bask seat # 36, which wasn’t a bad experience at all too . Additionally, confirm the departure time and any other pertinent details with the bus operator or booking agency before your travel date.

This trip highlighted the significance of travel in overcoming both temporal and spatial barriers. It reminded me that distance should never hinder the maintenance of relationships or the cultivation of meaningful connections. Reuniting with my school friends in Nepal after more than two decades proved to be an incredibly fulfilling experience. Despite the years that had passed and the distance that separated us, our camaraderie remained as strong as ever. This reunion wasn’t merely about catching up; it served as a testament to the enduring bonds we had formed during our formative years. Moreover, it demonstrated how travel can offer an affordable and accessible avenue for reigniting old friendships and reminiscing about cherished moments from the past.

Upon reflection, I feel compelled to encourage others from our region to take advantage of similar travel opportunities. Whether it’s for organizing family or friends reunions, embarking on religious pilgrimages, or simply enjoying leisurely tours to Nepal, such journeys provide not only affordability but also invaluable opportunities to strengthen bonds and create enduring memories.

I firmly believe that by embracing cross-border travel opportunities, we can transcend physical limitations and enrich our lives through shared experiences and connections. In doing so, we not only bridge geographical divides but also foster a deeper sense of community and solidarity within our region.

Writes: Siddarth Pradhan

The post Indo-Nepal Friendship Bus – Siliguri to Kathmandu appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

The 26-year-old who hails from Jorebunglow is undoubtedly an inspiration and a pioneer who gave a new perspective to vacations. Turns out that not all women dream of waking up to the sound of waves or the aroma of freshly brewed coffee against the hilly terrain. We now know that the spirit of Darjeeling women is also in those who get up earlier than the morning itself to prepare for the journey that screams in the most unbeachy and uncozy manner. 

The first word that Sumnima utters to describe her tour is “thrilling.” She says that a Mustang trip is a “must” like any other biker who’s been there before. But first-timers are bound to receive constant shocks along the way because no travel vlogs that exist to date do justice to the dangers along the way. With an adult pillion, 70lt of a saddle bag, a tank bag of 21lt, and a severely tiring road, she never thought she could make it alive. Sumnima says that the entire adventure is about mental games. When, in the name of “common sight,” all you witness is bikers constantly crashing, roads rising and receding, and pillions channelling their anxiety, maintaining a sound mind is the one and only thing under your control. Further, the difference in the traffic rules, and a few Nepalese scamming in the name of “bhansar” only adds to the pressure.

With three friends on two bikes, Sumnima kicked off her journey on the 15th of February from Pokhara. The plan was to celebrate her 26th birthday at Mustang and so they did. The four of them rode their entire way from Darjeeling to Kathmandu and then to Pokhara but the Mustang part surely did stand out.

After having conquered several kilometres of danger, Sumnima and her fellow riders entered into a zone that she says is “ecstatic.” That zone is one hour away from Marpha. She says that one is bound to get hypnotised by the sudden change in terrain. The 26-year-old rider and her friends were told by the Nepalese policemen that they would encounter a road along the way that would be very different from the roads in Nepal. And she happily approves the statement. Riding through the surprising pucca road felt like taking a huge sigh of relief. That for them came in the form of their prayers finally answered.

Apart from being a rider by heart, Sumnima Rai is a professional editor of a very famous Youtube channel based in Darjeeling. And as for her love for motorbikes, she has always been interested in them. But her fascination amplified in her college days. Following this, her mother gifted her a Royal Enfield Meteor 350 on her 25th birthday. As for her next trip, she says that she is very much inclined towards exploring Meghalaya. And that is apart from the very obvious “rider’s pilgrimage,” Ladakh.

For someone who is planning to visit Mustang, Sumnima has a few pieces of advice. She would want them to not rely on the vlogs completely, and to be mentally ready for the dangers ahead. To get demotivated along the way is more than normal, but one must be hopeful for what lies ahead. This is because the view at the end of the journey is so much worth it.

Sumnima also says that she has gathered a lot of takeaways from her Mustang trip. The journey especially affected her relationship towards fear. She most confidently states that she now has a bit of an evolved perspective towards the heavy word. There are just no excuses or shortcuts. The only way is to simply face it. And face it with courage, awareness and a super calm mind.

We are hopeful that this culmination of the experiences of a female rider to Mustang acts as a gateway for several daughters of Darjeeling who are stuck in the perpetual loophole of planning.

Writes: Pedenla Sherpa

The post THE TRAILBLAZER – Jorebunglow Woman Biker On an Inspiring Journey appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

According to local media sources in Sitamarhi, locals along the border villages of Jankinagar and Soharwa were headed to a wedding in Nepal, when they were not permitted to travel into Nepal further, owing to the ongoing border sealing between the two nations, due to Coronavirus.

Local media have reported that, the Indian nationals then protested against it, which lead to further confrontation between Nepal APF and Indian nationals.

According to Nepal news outlets, the protest quickly escalated and two Nepal police officials were beaten up, after which those protesting tried to snatch the gun of one of the jawans, that is when Nepal police resorted to firing. All of this, they say happened inside Nepalese territory and not immediately along Indo-Nepal border. MyRepublica has claimed, “The Indian nationals are said to be smugglers who were trying to enter Nepal. Amid the lockdown and tightened security along the border, the alleged cross-border movement of smugglers has also been restricted.”

However, locals in the area have reported that Nepal police fired upon farmers who were simply tending to their fields.

Meanwhile Sitamarhi SP Anil Kumar has said that “There was troubles across Pillar Number 319/24 under Sonbarsa Block, when some youths from Janki Nagar and Soharwa clashed with Nepal SSB, when one of them was killed and three others have been injured. We are inquiring into the incident. भारत नेपाल सीमा पर पिलर संख्या 319/24 के पार सोनबरसा प्रखण्ड के जानकी नगर एवम सहोरवा के कुछ ग्रामीणों एवम सशस्त्र नेपाल पुलिस के बीच हुई झड़प में नेपाल पुलिस की फायरिंग से तीन स्थानीय (भारतीय) युवक को गोली लगी, एक की मौत ।”

As such, India-Nepal border areas has seen rising tensions in the recent days, Sitamarhi incidence is bound to add more fuel to the fire if not reported objectively.

The post Sitamarhi Tense After Firing Near India-Nepal Border: One dead, two injured appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

Lipulekh Pass is an ancient pilgrimage route mostly used by Buddhists. The route was closed by India following the Indo-China war of 1962. However, lately in the beginning of May 2020, India reopened the route for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage after constructing 22 km long road on the pass.

Earlier in November 2019, India had released its new political map showing Kalapani as a part of its territory, which was objected by Nepal. Kalapani is the first big reason behind Indo-Nepal border controversy, followed by Lipulekh.

Lipulekh is located in a far west point near Kalapani, an area of territorial dispute between India and Nepal. Both the countries claim these regions as part of their territory. India claims Kalapani as part of Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand’s and Nepal claims it as a part of its Dharchula district.

Thanks to our contributor Rohit Vats we are able to bring to you some background to the whole controversy.

Historical Pointers

1) Nepal claims Kuti-Yankti River is MAIN Kali river

2) It originates at Limpiyadhura Pass on present Indo-Tibet border and flows till Gunji.

3) As per Nepal, all areas to the east of this river (blue colour in the map) 1816 Sugauli treaty should be part of Nepal.

4) Hence, Indian-Nepal border should be from Gunji to Limpiyadhura pass.

5) Entire area east of this, including Kalapani, India-Nepal-Tibet tri-junction, and Lipulekh Pass should be in Nepal.

6) Indian claim based on historical maps from 1879 and administrative records of Pithoragarh district from 1830 shows that Kalapani is starting point of Kali River. That is how river gets it name.

7) Kuti-Yankti is a tributary of Kali River but NOT the Kali River.

8) Kali River flows from Kalapani till Gunji + where it meets Kuti-Yankti River; from there, combined river, still known as Kali river, flows southwards.

9) From Kalapani downwards, India-Nepal boundary is divided along center of Kali river that is the present alignment of the boundary.

10) Lipulekh Pass is not considered + as ‘east of Kali River’ and hence, part of Nepal because it lies beyond origin of the river.

11) Sugauli Treaty refers to areas west and east of the river and hence, Lipulekh Pass does not come under the definition.

12) Administrative records from 1830 show area beyond + Kalapani and including Lipulekh pass being administered as part of Pithoragarh District.

PART 2 – Few points on the historic basis of claims:

(1) Nepali claim – British maps of area from 1816 to 1856 which show Kuti-Yankti river as Kali River.

(2) India – Survey General of India 1879 map (below) which shows Kalapani as Indian territory.

Present boundary map is based on Survey General of India 1879 Map. Just for reference, see this 1924 British map of the area, it’s same as 1879. And shows Kalapani and Lipulekh Pass as parts of Indian territory.

This is the new official map released by the Nepali Government. The finer like area jutting out (marked under red circle) shows the area east of Limpiyadhura – Gunji axis which has been added to Nepali territory.

1827 Map of Garwhal Kumaon which shows Kuti-Yankti river marked as Kali River. This is one of the maps produced between 1816 and 1856 which forms the basis of Nepali claim.

Article by Kanak Mani Dixit and another author about the basis of Nepali claims to Kalapani territory.

• Note the tone of the article and mention post-1990 ‘awakening’ of people.
• BTW, don’t miss this map in the article. See the significance below

It shows two areas:
1) Dark brown representing 62 sq.km area
2) Lighter one with 355 sq.km.
– Before 1990, boundary debate was about the smaller 62 sq.km area
– The larger one emerged after 1990 when Maoists came into power.

Video shared by Prem Thapa where a noted Nepali historian Professor Ramesh Kumar Dhungel explains the basis of historical Nepali claims. He makes maps produced till 1856 as the basis for Nepalese claims. And implies that India made changes which earlier Nepali administrations did not challenge.

What he does not mention, for reasons best know to him, is that 1879 map of British India corresponds to present boundary.

Three aspects of territorial dispute between India & Nepal

Treaty of Sugauli: Nepal and the British East India Company in 1816 signed the Treaty of Sugauli to end the territorial war. The treaty demarcated Uttarakhand’s Kumaon with River Kali as a boundary between India and Nepal. However, the river Kali has been shifting its course from time to time.

Origin of Rival Kali: The place of its origin is also not known. India claims that the river origins from streams of Kalapani and Nepal claims that river originates from its Kuthi Yankti stream.

Gunji Village: River Kali bisects the Byans area and the southeast of Byans includes the Gunji village which is claimed by Nepal as its territory. Gunji village is the gateway for Mansarovar Yatra. The Byans and its areas were transferred to Nepal by Britishers following the Treaty of Sugauli.

[With inputs from Rohits Vats: He can be followed on Twitter at: @KesariDhwaj

The post India Nepal Border Dispute – A Brief Historical Background appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

The K P Sharma Oli-led Communist Party government had tabled the Guthi Bill in Parliament last week to amend the Guthi Act and nationalise both public and private guthis or trusts and regulate all religious sites under a powerful commission.

Speaking at a hurriedly called press conference on Tuesday, Minister for Land Management and Cooperatives Padma Kumari Aryal said the government has decided to withdraw the bill, which was registered in the upper house of Parliament last week.

Tuesday, lawmakers belonging to Opposition Nepali Congress had obstructed the lower house as the prime minister stepped up to address Parliament, where he was supposed to talk about the bill.

The Guthi Bill proposed repressive provisions that would nationalise both private and public guthis, regulate all religious sites and replace the Guthi Sansthan responsible or managing the religious institutions with a powerful commission.

For many, the bill was the final straw in the systematic erosion of indigenous Newar culture and rights by the state. Some critics has termed the bill as the Cultural Revolution of the Communist government.

The Ministry of Land Management and Cooperatives in a statement said it has decided to withdraw the bill from the National Assembly, citing additional need for discussions with stakeholders concerned regarding the matter.

The bill also invited sharp criticism on social media and many satirical remarks regarding the bill have become viral.

One such social media posts says: “You (communist leaders) first rented our house in Kathmandu, then snatched our daughters, then taken donation from us and also got our votes during elections and now you are eying at the ancestral properties and land of the Newar communities.”

Many senior leaders of the ruling Communist Party of Nepal married Newar girls from Kathmandu during their underground political career in the past while fighting for democratic rights.

[Update via: PTI, Thanks to our reader: Haris @TeestaNadi on Twitter, for informing us about this]

The post NEPAL: Communist Govt Forced to Withdraw Repressive Bill – After Massive Protest appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

On June, 8th, 2019, a man covered in blood had been brought to Eden Hospital, Darjeeling. He had been shot on his stomach, and he was bleeding profusely. The man couldn’t speak proper, but the two men who had brought him there said that he had been collecting fodder along the Indo-Nepal border in Maneybhanjyang, when a bullet hit him. The Eden Hospital staff patched him up, but referred him to North Bengal Medical College (NBMC). Since those who had brought him were from Nepal, they didn’t know what to do. That is when Eden hospital staff Bishal Chettri called Namaste Foundation and informed them of the situation.

Exemplifying true “Darjeeling Spirit” voulnteers from Namaste Foundation swung into action and rushed him to NBMCH in Siliguri accompanied by one of their volunteers Shankar Tamang.

At NBMCH, their Terai volunteer Suman Bardewa joined them and helped with all the formalities, and he was rushed to the operation theater. The bullet still being lodged in his stomach, and him having lost a lot of blood, his situation was critical.

Till that point, no one was aware of who he was, or where from he was.

Following a request from the Founder Member of Namaste Foundation Pinky Biswakarma, we had shared an appeal on our Facebook page:

People from Maneybhabjyang – do you know him?

This is Mr Raj Kumar Chettri/Adhikari

Today he was brought to Darjeeling Eden Hospital with a bullet injury to his abdomen. He claimed that he is from Maneybhanjyang and said that he got hit by a bullet while collecting fodder (ghas ma janda) on the Nepal side.

He is critically injured, and he is currently undergoing surgery at North Bengal Medical College, Siliguri.

He couldn’t speak proper to give his full details.
If anyone knows him, please contact: NAMASTE FOUNDATION at 8116312069 or 7001151248
Or Mr Suman Bardewa at: +91 82500 98165

Please SHARE, someone in your timeline may know him.

Thanks to all of our kindest readers, and their concern and care, the post quickly went viral, and garnered around 1.25 lakh reach, which included his family members.

His operation went successful, thanks to Nehal Tamang a student of Evershine Institute of Hospitality Management, Siliguri who donated blood to him. Today as he is recovering from his operation, his family members could finally reach him. Finally after three days, we could ascertain that the individual who had sustained bullet injury is Indra Bahadur Chettri, and he is a resident of Maijugmai, village in Illam District of Nepal.

Due to the remoteness of his village, his mother couldn’t travel to join him, but his uncle’s son (kaka ko chora), accompanied by a friend have reached NBMCH.

They are being well taken care of the volunteers from Namastey Foundation, and they have THANKED everyone who helped their family member to connect.

On our part, we applaud the amazing efforts of the medical staff at Eden Hospital Darjeeling, NBMCH, Namaste Foundation volunteers, and all our readers, who joined hands to help save a life.

This is the “Darjeeling Spirit” that we all should always strive to maintain.

Thank you everyone, together all of you have continued to inspire. But particular THANKS to the two individuals who rushed him all the way to Darjeeling and volunteers of Namaste Foundation, whose kindness has won all of our hearts.

Anyone, wanting to connect with Namaste Foundation can do so at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NamasteFoundationDarjeeling/
Phone: (+91) 070011 51248

The post Namastey Foundation “Darjeeling Spirit” – Help’s Save a Nepal Man’s Life appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

With due permission from their Editor-in-Chief Ameet Dhakal, we are rephrasing their reports and summarizing them for the benefit of our readers here.

On September 15^th, an 18-year-old Ganga Maya Tamang, of Rautahat held a press conference at the office of Community Information Network (CIN)–the association of community radio broadcasters–in Lalitpur, wherein she had accused Ram Bahadur Bomjon, known across the world as the “Little Buddha”, of raping her.

According to the report filed by Ameet Dhakal and Shova Sharma [Dhakal and Sharma, here on], “Bomjon’s followers including former minister of state for health Mani Lama refuted the allegation on the spot. “Ganga Maya is lying. She stole Rs 800,000 from the ashram while staying there. She was, therefore, kicked out from the ashram” Lama had claimed.

The mainstream media in Nepal didn’t highlight the complaints made by Ganga Maya, “The press conference did not get space in the mainstream media due to allegations and counter-allegations. Tamang tried to lodge a police complaint but the police handed her over to an organization working for protection of children instead of filing it” write Dhakal and Sharma.

While all other news outlets didn’t show interest, Setopati devoted over three months of their time and efforts to investigate her allegations, Bomjon’s character and the activities going on inside his ashrams. What they found has caused shockwave across Nepal.

Ram Bahadur Bomjon – “Little Buddha”, it turns out, may actually be a murderer, a serial rapist and an extremely violent person.

Ram Bahadur Bomjon who is also known as “Little Buddha.”

Here is the full report from Seto Pati, which we are producing verbatim

“We went to Sarlahi, Rautahat, Makwanpur, Bara, Sindhuli and Nuwakot districts and talked with 25 persons including three nuns, who ran away from Bomjon’s ashram risking their lives, and their family members in these three months.

We talked with one nun, with deteriorating mental health, who left the ashram after suffering sexual exploitation for a long time. There are four persons, who were once his disciples, and have witnessed Bomjon’s misbehavior and violence. We also talked with family members of three nuns who went to his ashram at different times and are missing now.

We also talked with the son of a disciple missing from his ashram and we have talked with Tamang several times totaling almost six hours.

A frightening picture of Bomjon, who lives in the guise of an austere sage, and his ashrams has emerged after all these meetings and discussions.

He is not a sage, and there are no prayers or penance at his ashram. All of that is a façade to show to the visitors coming from outside. He does not have any spiritual knowledge or conscience, nor does he seem to be interested in all that.

He seems to be an ordinary youth with extraordinary sexual appetite. He is a sex monster has sexually exploited not just Tamang but many nuns at his ashram over the years. He has generously used violence to silence the voices raised against him.

At least three nuns who stayed at his ashram are missing. Their disappearance seems suspicious on the basis of statements by their family members and eye witnesses who have seen their harassment at his ashram.

Two eye-witnesses have told Setopati that a disciple was beaten to death on his instruction inside his ashram. The disciple’s son told us that he has not heard of his father who went to Bomjon’s ashram four years ago.

Fifth person missing from Bomzan’s Ashram

Tamang went to Bomjon’s ashram giving up earthly things after her father married second wife following death of her mother who had gone abroad for employment.

Her father was a disciple of Bomjon and she went to the ashram with the blessings of the family. Her father had told her that the guru takes examinations sometimes, and she felt Bomjon was taking one when he started to flirt with her and touch her inappropriately after some time.

She claimed that Bomjon called her out of the kitchen inside the ashram, dragged her into another room and raped her when his wife Deepshikha had gone to Kathmandu.

She saved other younger nuns after her rape and helped them run away from the ashram.

A disciple of Bomjon, who worked for him at the ashram, told Setopati that Bomjon consumes yarsagumba to boost his sex drive. “He consumes yarsagumba to boost his libido. I myself have mixed yarsagumba solution and given it to him to drink,” the disciple claimed.

“Guru’s mobile phone is full of porn videos. I have also watched some of them when he used to give it to me for recharging,” another disciple confided.

Four monks missing from Bomzan’s Ashram

The story of Bomjon, who appeared at the Ratanpuri jungle in Bara as a sage 13-years-ago, is unbelievable. It is astonishing how the state has been unaware about all the sexual exploitation and violence inside his ashrams.

He owns hundreds of bighas of land including the three sprawling ashrams in Sarlahi, Sindhuli and Sindhupalchowk districts. He has so much money that he often uses a helicopter to travel from one ashram to another. He has a Toyota Land Cruiser for personal use.

He had arrived in a carcade of dozens of vehicles for the function organized at Chunikhel of Lalitpur one and half years ago. There were almost three dozens of foreign disciples in that function that ran for many days.

His disciples, who left his ashram many years ago, say he had a few pistols and a rifle, and many swords then. They claim he may have added many weapons to his armory in all these years. He gets the swords made in Kathmandu and keeps them at his ashrams.

Bomjon, in this way, has become not just a threat for the young nuns at his ashram but has become a security challenge even for the state.”

Full video:

FOLLOW UP

Following this report, four families, whose loved ones have gone missing from Bomzan’s Ashram have filed Missing Person’s Report: http://setopati.net/social/136521

Family members of another person missing from Bomzan’s Ashram have also reached out: http://setopati.net/social/136509

Bomzan’s organization has claimed, all allegations are false and seem to be motivated to bring disrepute to the “Little Buddha”: https://setopati.com/politics/172319

[All credits for this story, and the accompanying pics  rest with: Seto Pati and their Journalists: Ameet Dhakal and Shova Sharma who can be reached on twitter at: @ameetdhakal and @SharmaShova respectively.

The post SHOCKING: Murder, Rape, Violence in the Ashram of “Little Buddha” Claimant – Exposes Setopati appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

Here are pictures and reports courtesy of Nepal Khabar

काठमाडौंको मैतिदेवीमा १२ आना क्षेत्रफलको कम्पाउन्डमा काँचो इँटाबाट बनेको एउटा तीनतले घर छ। घरभित्र छिर्नुअघि सबैमा एउटा जिज्ञासा अवश्य उब्जिन्छ– भित्र के होला? ढोकाबाट भित्र छिरेपछि भने मनमा एक किसिमको डर। किनकी जिर्ण अवस्थामा रहेको घर कुनै पनि बेला भत्किन सक्छ। आँट गरेर किराले खाएको काठको भर्याङ चढेर माथिल्लो तलामा टेक्नु ज्यान हत्केलामा लिएर हिँड्नु सरह हो। जुन आँट जोकोहीले गर्दैनन्।

नेपाली साहित्यमा विभिन्न विद्यामा कलम चलाउने बहुमुखी प्रतिभाका धनी लक्ष्मीप्रसाद देवकोटाले साहित्यिक रचना गर्ने कोठाको अवस्था देख्दा मन कटक्क खान्छ। चारैतिर माकुराको जालो छ। उनले लेख–पढ गर्ने चीजहरु अस्तव्यस्त छन्। कोठाको एक भाग प्वाल परेको छ, भित्ता चर्किएको छ। काठका सामानहरु धमिराले खाएका छन्। देवकोटाले प्रयोग गरेका सामाग्रीहरु भित्ता÷तला भत्किएर खसेको इँटा/माटोले च्यापिएका छन्।

र, यी सबै भित्तामा झुन्ड्याइएका देवकोटाका केही थान तस्बिरले टुलुटुलु नियालिरहेका। लाग्छ यो सबै देखेर देवकोटा भनिरहेका छन्–

जरुर साथी म पागल!
यस्तै छ मेरो हाल!

For full set of pics, please visit: Here

Report originally filed by: प्रविन कोइराला for नेपालखबर

Mahakawi Devkota residence

Mahakawi Devkota residence

The post HEART-BREAKING: भित्ताबाट आफ्नै घरको दुरावस्था चिहाइरहेका छन् महाकवि देवकोटा appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.