Sarlahi, Nepal - February 5, 2025 In a disturbing turn of events, the state's role in dismantling inter-caste marriages has come under scrutiny following a shocking incident in Sarlahi. Satyendra Kumar Ram (Chamar) of Barhathawa Municipality-4 and Neha Rauniyar of Barhathawa-5, who married across caste lines, have been subjected to egregious treatment allegedly orchestrated by state authorities. The couple, supported in their marriage by involvement from high-ranking officials including the Home Minister and police personnel, faced severe harassment and legal threats after their inter-caste marriage. Reports indicate that Nepal Police, under directives allegedly from the Home Minister, apprehended the couple in Mumbai, India, threatening Satyendra with baseless charges ranging from child marriage to drug trafficking.

Kathmandu, Nepal: Dalit rights activists gathered at the 25th general meeting in Kathmandu and issued a passionate call for renewed efforts to combat caste-based discrimination and untouchability still prevalent in Nepalese society. Despite the establishment of a federal democratic republic and a three-tier government, concerns persist over the ongoing plight of Dalits. Former ambassadors and JMC advisors spoke at the event and emphasized the urgent need for the Dalit community to reorganize and assert their rights more forcefully. "In a democratic country, Dalits are still being subjected to lives of servitude," Advisor Sundas lamented, highlighting the stark reality faced by many in the community.

Bandipur, Gandaki Province - Krishna Prasad Dhital, Speaker of Gandaki Province, emphasized the crucial role of journalists in advocating against cultural inequality and social discrimination within society. Addressing the Gandaki Province convention of the National Dalit Journalists Association of Nepal in Bandipur, Tanahun, on Saturday, Dhital highlighted the responsibility of journalists in combatting discrimination.