A U.S. citizen identified as Julian Kirpal Bliss was arrested by the Nepal Police in Kathmandu on charges of participating in a political movement aimed at restoring the monarchy in Nepal. The arrest took place in the Maitighar area, a common site for protests in the capital, and was carried out by the Singha Durbar Police Circle. According to authorities, Bliss, who also referred to himself as “Jayananda Kripa,” was detained due to his aggressive involvement in the demonstration, which raised concerns over his actions as a foreign national.
Initially, Bliss was seen sitting with a banner and using a microphone to advocate messages such as, “Please eat pure vegetarian food, burning and throwing plastic is a crime. So always use bottles and containers to reject plastic.” However, his actions quickly escalated when he began raising slogans in favor of the monarchy and held up a placard reading “Abolish the corrupt government,” prompting police intervention.
Kathmandu Valley Police Office spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Apil Raj Bohora, stated that Bliss was taken into custody for his active and provocative participation in a politically charged protest. The demonstration in question was initially organized in support of Kulman Ghising, the former executive director of the Nepal Electricity Authority, who was recently removed from his post by the government.
However, during the protest, Bliss was seen carrying banners advocating for the restoration of the monarchy, a sensitive and controversial issue in Nepal, which transitioned from a monarchy to a republic in 2008.
The 58-year-old U.S. citizen entered Nepal on a tourist visa on January 18, 2025. His initial visa expired on February 3, but he extended it until March 24, 2025. As his visa has now expired and given his involvement in the political agitation, the Nepal Police have decided to hand him over to the Department of Immigration for further action. Authorities are preparing to deport Bliss due to his violation of visa conditions, which prohibit foreign nationals from engaging in political activities while in Nepal on a tourist visa.
Bliss has been active in Nepal, running a campaign called “Ten Million Cows.” A Facebook page under the same name features photos of him traveling across various parts of Nepal, promoting a “vegetarian campaign” and environmental messages. The page also includes images of schools and police officers from different districts, suggesting a broader outreach effort during his stay.
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Bhawani Prasad Panday
View More PostsBhawani Prasad Panday is a Nepali journalist based in Butwal, a thriving commercial center in Lumbini Province, Nepal. Renowned for his engaging coverage of local issues, Panday explores topics such as economic growth, social challenges, and cultural events. Currently, he writes for NepYork, addressing a broad spectrum of subjects ranging from community concerns to international developments.
