Formation Process of NRNA Australia’s Unity Convention Begins

Sydney The process to hold the Unity Convention of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Australia and to form its new executive committee has officially begun.

The coordinator of the Unity Convention, Vivek Thapa, announced that a 35-member preparatory committee has been formed and the membership distribution process has started. According to Thapa, this committee was formed under the leadership of Mahesh Shrestha, following the directive of the NRNA International Coordination Council (ICC). Members were selected in an inclusive manner, representing diverse thoughts and opinions from the community.

The advisory committee includes former NRNA-NCC Australia presidents Nanda Gurung, Keshav Kandel, Surendra Sigdel, and Ganesh KC, among others.

ICC Recognizes Mahesh Shrestha’s Leadership

Coordinator Thapa mentioned that, as per the order of the Supreme Court of Nepal, the unity convention held in Kathmandu from May 3 to 5 recognized the group led by Mahesh Shrestha as the official NRNA-ICC. Based on written instructions from the ICC, the membership distribution has started, and a new executive committee will be elected through the unity convention.

The membership fee has been set at 15 Australian dollars, while students can register as associate members for 10 dollars.

Thapa added that despite repeated requests from the ICC for the previous NCC Australia to remain neutral or officially affiliate itself, these requests were ignored. Therefore, the ICC was compelled to initiate the formation of a new official NCC Australia.

Background of the Dispute

The NRNA International Coordination Council (ICC) has been surrounded by disputes for some time. To resolve the conflicts that emerged after the 10th general convention, the Supreme Court of Nepal ordered the unity convention.

However, from the beginning, the group led by Badri KC filed more than half a dozen court cases to disrupt the unity process. This group is still operating from the secretariat.

Following the Supreme Court-mandated convention, the group led by Mahesh Shrestha was also officially recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal under the NRNA Act, 2063 (2006). This Act clearly states that only the organization registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is granted official recognition.

NCC Australia in Dispute

For a long time, NCC Australia had been seen as an exemplary body. However, this time it too has become embroiled in disputes and controversy.