NRNA President Shrestha: We Support NCCs That Stand for Broad Unity

Kathmandu – President of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), Mahesh Kumar Shrestha, has clarified that the association will recognize National Coordination Councils (NCCs) that have conducted conventions legally and support the cause of broader unity.

However, he made it clear that the faction led by KC, which has illegally taken over the NRNA Secretariat, will not be recognized even if it conducts NCC elections, and that the proposed ICC convention in October will not be legitimate under any circumstances. He said the NRNA would not cooperate with such groups that disturb unity.

“Just because some friends feel something doesn’t make it right — we must also respect the country’s laws, regulations, and the Supreme Court’s directive,” he stated.

Shrestha noted that since a new ICC was already elected through the Unity Convention held in Kathmandu in May by the High-Level Committee formed by the Supreme Court, any election planned for October would not be legally valid.

He further stated that the KC faction has held NCC conventions unilaterally without coordinating with the competent NRNA bodies or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has only caused division among the Nepali diaspora.

Shrestha said he is closely monitoring the NCC elections taking place in various countries. He clarified that NCCs that have conducted or are planning to conduct elections in agreement with his executive committee will be recognized.

Elected unanimously as President through the Supreme Court-mandated High-Level Committee, Shrestha said that although he has always stood for unity, the takeover of the Secretariat by the KC faction has made it difficult.

He acknowledged that the KC faction is rapidly conducting NCC elections with the aim of holding an ICC convention in October. However, Shrestha reaffirmed that his committee remains committed to unity and is clear about its stance regarding NCC elections.

“I am not in favor of creating two parallel NCCs. But some friends are trying to do that, which is unacceptable,” he said.

He added firmly, “NCCs that send representatives and membership fees for the proposed October convention organized by the KC group will not be recognized.”

He also requested NCCs to remain neutral until the final verdict from the court is announced, emphasizing that the NCCs are autonomous.

Shrestha mentioned that some NCCs have held conventions with Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to cooperate with both factions until the court’s decision is finalized.

He also expressed concern over some misleading content on social media suggesting that he congratulated certain individuals, clarifying that his commitment remains toward unity.

“I once again urge everyone to support unity,” he said.

Shrestha emphasized that rather than dividing the NCCs, the current priority should be uniting to advocate for the rights of non-resident Nepalis with the Government of Nepal.

He stated that elections have been completed in nearly 40 countries, with more than half of the NCCs being close to the legally recognized ICC. The full details, he said, will be made public in a few days.