London, March 16, 2025
The official National Coordination Council UK of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) held a press conference on March 16, 2025, asserting that the convention scheduled for July 26 by a rival faction using the NRNA name and logo is illegal and unauthorized.
Speaking at the event, NCC-UK President Prem Gaha Magar stated that the official Unity General Convention of the NRNA was successfully concluded on March 23, 2025, under his leadership. As per recent provisions, each NCC must sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Coordination Council (ICC), which has already been done in the UK. Thus, any attempt to form a parallel committee is unwarranted and unlawful. Gaha Magar urged the Nepali community not to participate in the July 26 event, calling it divisive.
Vice President of the NRNA ICC, Mr. Biswasdip Tigela, who was the chief guest, emphasized that there is no conflict within the official NRNA and that the only legitimate leadership is under Mahesh Shrestha. Tigela clarified that the dispute originated from the central ICC, leading to confusion in various countries. However, the Supreme Court of Nepal resolved the issue through a directive order (paramadesh) on Chaitra 21, 2080 (April 3, 2024), which led to the Unity General Convention held in Kathmandu on Baisakh 20–22, 2082 (May 2–4, 2025). Mahesh Shrestha was elected as the new President following the legal process.
Further legitimizing the outcome, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) sent a letter to the Supreme Court on Baisakh 30, 2082 (May 13, 2025), confirming compliance with all legal procedures. The Supreme Court’s Judgment Implementation Directorate issued a formal endorsement (utprerana) on Jestha 6, 2082 (May 20, 2025). Consequently, 31 Nepali embassies and 7 consulates abroad were notified of the new leadership on Jestha 8, 2082 (May 22, 2025).
The State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of the Federal Parliament of Nepal also recognized Mahesh Shrestha’s leadership and included the NRNA in discussions regarding amendments to the Citizenship Act.
No further injunction was issued by the Supreme Court against the Unity Convention, and the remaining lawsuits seeking to obstruct it were declared null. While requests for review have been filed, Tigela affirmed that there is no likelihood of a new decision altering the legal position.
He compared the situation to a race where the official competition has ended, winners have been declared, and yet a few non-participants now claim they are the real winners — a baseless and immature act. “Those who did not even run in the race cannot now claim victory,” Tigela stated.
He criticized claims by some individuals, misinterpreting the Supreme Court’s second ruling (Clause 15), to falsely argue that their own convention is legitimate. “Every convention and even committee meetings are sovereign, but that doesn’t make unauthorized groups official,” he explained.
Tigela warned that continuing to use the NRNA name, logo, office, bank accounts, and MIS system by non-recognized groups is illegal. He called for awareness among new members and leaders to reject dishonest and forceful tactics.
Secretary Krishna Prasad Khatri echoed these sentiments, calling the rival convention illegal and socially unacceptable. “In a country governed by the rule of law, to defy the Supreme Court’s directive is tragic,” he added. Khatri also questioned whether the Nepali Embassy in London should act to stop the unauthorized event.
Chief Advisor Dr. Bhim Pun recounted that efforts were made to bring opposing group leader Hita Kaji Gurung into unification talks, but to no avail. He warned against conventions held under the influence of political parties and urged the public not to fall into such traps.
Another Chief Advisor, Rajkumar Tripathi (RK), criticized the rival group for causing confusion within the community. He said the community had already embraced the Gaha Magar leadership and that social media claims from a self-proclaimed “Facebook NRNA” held no weight. He suggested introducing dynamic, community-focused programs going forward.
Former NRNA UK President Yogen Kshetri applauded Gaha Magar for standing up against corruption and taking on citizenship-related issues, especially on behalf of descendants of Nepali citizens. He emphasized the need to stop using NRNA as a platform for misappropriating community funds.
Kshetri declared that, as per the Supreme Court and MoFA, there is only one legitimate NCC in the UK under Gaha Magar’s leadership. He strongly condemned attempts to create confusion and divide the community under the pretext of another convention.
NRNA UK Spokesperson Dr. Kul Prasad Kandel read out the official press statement, labeling the upcoming election and convention as misleading and a cause of division within the community.
Additional comments were made by NRNA UK ICC member Sharda Gurung and advisor Mrs. Naramati Pun, both urging the public not to be misled regarding the organization’s leadership.
The press conference, moderated by General Secretary Jurendra Khajum Limbu, was attended by ICC members Om Prasad Thapa, Shri Prasad Gurung, Vijay Gurung; advisors Goma Rana, Hitman Gurung, Tank Gurung, Manish Khaling, Ajay Singh Thakuri; NRNA UK Vice President Anil Mall; singer Deepak Limbu; actress Rekha Limbu; journalist and former DSP Bachaspati Regmi, and many other activists. Around a dozen media outlets were also present.
Background on NRNA: Established in 2003, the Non-Resident Nepali Association was officially registered with Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs under a special provision in 2013. It currently has active National Coordination Councils in over 86 countries, representing the global Nepali diaspora.
