Prez appeals Jordan monarch for safe release of Bipin Joshi

KATHMANDU: President Ram Chandra Paudel has requested King Abdullah II of Jordan to take necessary steps to help secure the release of Bipin Joshi of Mahendranagar who is held hostage by Hamas.

In a letter sent to the Jordanian monarch on Tuesday, President Paudel urged support in locating Joshi, ensuring his safe release and facilitating his return home. He added in the letter that Nepal and the Nepali people would deeply appreciate and welcome all humanitarian and diplomatic measures taken by Jordan for this purpose.

The appeal follows a meeting on Sunday with Joshi’s mother and sister at the President’s residence.

Joshi has been missing since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel’s Nir Oz and Al-Ayami kibbutzim, killing around 1,200 people, including 10 Nepali students. During the assault, 251 individuals, including Joshi, were taken hostage. While many have since been freed, Joshi remains among the 70 still in captivity.