The mortal remains of Nepalese student Bipin Joshi, who died in Israel, were brought to Kathmandu, Sushila Karki paid tribute.

Kathmandu, October 20 (IANS). The mortal remains of Nepalese student Bipin Joshi, who was killed during the Hamas attack in Israel, were brought to Kathmandu on Monday. Joshi was confirmed to have been held hostage for over a year and later killed. Bipin Joshi was a resident of Bhimdutt Municipality of Kanchanpur District. He went to Israel for higher education and agricultural training under the ‘Learn and Earn’ programme. On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists attacked a kibbutz area near Gaza, where many foreign nationals, including Nepalese students, worked. During that time Bipin Joshi was kidnapped by terrorists. There was no information available about Joshi’s whereabouts for several months after the attack. The Nepal government maintained constant contact with Israel and international agencies, but their position remained unclear. Later on 10 October 2023, Israeli authorities officially informed the government of Nepal that Bipin Joshi had died in the attack. According to Israeli media reports, during the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas earlier this year, Hamas handed over the body of Bipin Joshi to the Israeli army. After the identity was confirmed, the process of bringing his mortal remains to Nepal was started. Before being brought to Kathmandu, Joshi was paid homage in Israel. A memorial ceremony was held at the Khativa 8 memorial in Tel Aviv, followed by another at Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday. His coffin, draped in the national flag of Nepal, was taken to the Nepalese embassy by representatives of the Nepali community and Israeli officials. When the mortal remains reached the Tribhuvan Airport on Monday, an official tribute ceremony was organized by the Nepal government. Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. Karki offered a floral wreath on the casket and offered condolences to the bereaved family. He described Bipin as a young and courageous representative of Nepal. The Prime Minister said: “The government shares the deep sorrow of Bipin’s family. His sacrifice reminds us of the dangers many Nepalis face while working and studying abroad. The government will continue to work for the safety and dignity of all Nepalis living abroad.” After paying homage in Kathmandu, Joshi’s mortal remains were taken to his hometown Bhimdutt Municipality, Kanchanpur, on Monday afternoon. Local officials and family members confirmed that his last rites will be performed in Kanchanpur in the presence of family members, neighbors and local representatives. It is noteworthy that Bipin Joshi was among those Nepalese students who were affected by the attack in Israel on October 7, 2023. Of these, 10 were killed and only Bipin Joshi was kidnapped. This incident caused deep grief and anger in Nepal. The government was demanded to take concrete steps for better protection of Nepali citizens working abroad. –IANS DCH/AS