Nepal Expresses Concern Over West Asia Conflict, Monitors Safety of Citizens Abroad

Kathmandu. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed concern over the escalating conflict in the West Asia region, stating that the government remains sensitive to the safety and welfare of Nepali citizens residing there.

During a press conference at the ministry, spokesperson Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri stated that Nepal is closely monitoring the latest developments in the region and is continuously taking initiatives to ensure the safety of the large number of Nepalis present there.

The ministry clarified that out of 10 Nepalis in Tehran, the capital of Iran, two are preparing to return home immediately, while the remaining eight have expressed no desire to return at this time. Similarly, in the case involving the ship where Nepali citizen Amrit Jha was arrested before the conflict began, the local court has already delivered its first-phase verdict.

Spokesperson Chhetri informed that four others arrested in the same case have already been released, and the release process for the others, including Jha, is underway. However, due to the current volatile situation in Iran and its legal procedures, it appears that it may take some time for this matter to be fully resolved.

Meanwhile, the ministry has confirmed that nine Nepali citizens have been arrested in Cambodia on charges of involvement in various criminal activities. The government has also intensified rescue operations for Nepalis stranded or facing problems in Southeast Asian countries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that, in coordination with the Nepali embassies in Thailand and Myanmar, 612 Nepalis have been rescued and brought back home from the region so far.