Investigation Launched into Burning of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Book in Nepal
Image source, NurPhoto via Getty Images
Authorities have initiated an investigation following diplomatic concerns raised by Beijing over the burning of a book authored by Chinese President Xi Jinping at an educational institution in eastern Nepal.
Yubaraj Kattel, Chief District Officer of Morang, stated that a committee has been formed to probe the sensitive issue.
“We have established a five-member team led by Assistant Chief District Officer Saroj Koirala. The investigation period is set for 15 days,” Kattel said.
“The team will conduct a fact-finding inquiry, recommend disciplinary action if necessary, and offer suggestions to prevent similar incidents in the future.”
What Happened in the Book Burning Incident?
A video showing books bearing a photo of Chinese President Xi Jinping being burnt at the central campus of Manmohan Technical University in Budhiganga, Morang, established in the name of former Prime Minister and CPN-UML leader Manmohan Adhikari, was posted on the Facebook page ‘Live News Raftaar’.
Media operator Sonu Kumar Das confirmed the video was live-streamed on Facebook and has since been removed following a request from the Chief District Officer.
According to campus administration, the incident took place on Saturday, February 12.
“Old books and other materials were kept in the lab for students’ study resources. Cleaning and selection were being conducted to organize the necessary materials,” said Sujan Bhurtel, Chief Administrative Officer of the university.
“Books that were in good condition are under our surveillance. However, damaged and worn-out books were included among the materials being destroyed as part of the cleanup process.”
Bhurtel’s press release dated March 14 details the establishment of a laboratory in the Civil Engineering Department and mentions the ongoing cleaning process.
Image source, Screengrab
“During the cleanup, damaged books that were unusable were disposed of, but good materials were safely preserved,” the statement reads.
The university insists that no specific book was targeted for destruction.
“The destruction was not intentional; only old and damaged books were intended to be disposed of,” Bhurtel added.
How Did Thousands of Xi’s Books Reach the University?
Image source, MTU
University administration explained that before the university’s establishment, the Manmohan Foundation operated there, which received the books.
“About 9-10 years ago, Bharatmohan Adhikari was involved with the foundation, and the books likely came from there,” Chief Administrative Officer Bhurtel remarked.
Officials note that these books were gifts to the foundation established in honor of the former communist leader.
After the foundation distributed some books, the remaining stock was transferred to the university administration. An internal audit report states that thousands of copies remain available.
“We still have more than 10,000 to 12,000 books,” Bhurtel confirmed.
What Has China Said?
Image source, MTU
Chinese Embassy officials reportedly lodged a formal complaint through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the burning of books about Chinese governance, demanding legal action against those responsible.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also forwarded the matter to the Ministry of Home Affairs for attention.
Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has instructed an investigation and that the culprits be held accountable, according to ministry spokesperson Anand Kafle.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed that facts be uncovered and legal action taken against those responsible,” Kafle stated.
Kattel confirmed that the District Administration Office has formed an inquiry committee.
“Since this is the national capital area, there is no preliminary evidence of the deliberate burning of a book belonging to a neighboring country’s head of state. The investigation is trying to establish how this incident occurred,” Kattel added.
Campus authorities stated the decision to clean up and remove unwanted materials was done legally, indicating the book burning was not premeditated.
Additional reporting from Bikram Niraula in Biratnagar.