NRNs say they are committed to nation building process

Non-Residential Nepalis (NRNs) have asked the government to acknowledge their need in the nation building process.

Participants at the 3rd regional conference of Non Residential Nepalis Association (NRNA) that kicked off in Thailand's capital Bangkok on Saturday expressed their commitment to fulfill their "responsibility towards their mother land", but said that they haven't got any help or support from the government whom they charged of paying mere lip service to their issues.

"During our meetings, leaders of all political parties have acknowledged the need of NRNs in the nation's building process and expressed commitment to look into matters raised by us," the Kathmandu Post quoted Upendra Mahato, president of NRNA, as saying during the conference. However, Mahato added that political leaders had failed to take concrete steps to translate their words into action.

He noted that Nepal doesn't only need investment but skills and expertise also and that the political parties should pay heed to this.

Addressing the conference, Minister for Information and Communication Krishna Bahadur Mahara said his party is positive towards NRN demands like dual citizenship, amendment of NRNA Act including other issues.

"The failure of the past government to include the provision of dual citizenship on the NRN Act, however, does not mean it cannot be incorporated in the future. Our party will raise this issue once we form the government," Minister Mahara said, while urging the NRNs to establish themselves as "a major force to bring change in the country."

According to the Kathmandu Post, Foreign secretary Gyan Chandra Acharya, Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries president Kush Kumar Joshi, NRNA vice-president Dev Man Hirachan also delivered speeches. nepalnews.com ag May 25 08