The government of Nepal has recently deported a Chinese woman, Zou Zhiqiang, who was heading the NGO 'China Foundation for Rural Development' and was found to be staying illegally in the country. The incident sparked controversy when Zhiqiang, during relief distribution in Jajarkot, was allegedly assaulted by Maoist leader Gorakh Bahadur KC and his team.
Zhiqiang had arrived in Jajarkot for relief distribution, but local Maoist leaders, including KC, rejected the relief materials, citing them as substandard and not channeled through proper government channels. A complaint was filed by Zhiqiang against KC and his team, accusing them of assaulting her during the relief distribution.
The Maoist leaders claimed that the Chinese relief materials were involved in corruption and accused Zhiqiang of distributing substandard items. Dev Gurung, General Secretary of CPN (Maoist Centre), who coordinated the relief distribution, faced accusations from KC, who alleged that Gurung was promoting the Chinese NGO for personal gains.
The Maoist party initiated an investigation, and during the process, it was revealed that Zhiqiang was residing in Nepal illegally. Home Secretary of Nepal, Dinesh Bhattarai, on December 18, decided to deport her and imposed a fine of Rs 15,000 for overstaying. As per Nepal's immigration rules, she has been barred from entering Nepal for one year, as stated in the decision by Bhattarai. This incident highlights the complexities surrounding relief efforts and allegations of misconduct during humanitarian activities in Nepal.
(With Agency Inputs)
