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KATHMANDU, Aug 3 — Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) President Nirmala Sharma has sparked controversy during her visit to London, where she’s slated to attend a divisive event organized by the FNJ UK Chapter.

Sharma, invited as the chief guest for a general assembly and anniversary program scheduled for Sunday, is facing backlash for aligning with a unilateral faction led by Bimala Sene. The group, formed in defiance of directives issued by then-FNJ President Bipul Pokhrel and Acting President Bala Adhikari, has been at the heart of ongoing disputes within the UK chapter.

Reacting strongly, the Nepal Press Union (NPU) UK Chapter issued a public statement Saturday night, criticizing what it described as “exaggerated promotion” of Sharma’s participation alongside the Nepali Ambassador to the UK. NPU UK President Bipin Niraula noted that most founding members would be absent from the event, branding it an attempt to undermine unity within the diaspora journalism community.

The FNJ central committee had earlier tasked senior journalist Bhagirath Yogi with leading a reconciliation effort to mend the rift. But Sharma’s decision to join the Sene-led gathering even before that committee could begin its work has cast doubt on the prospect of reconciliation.

“It’s an open secret that FNJ UK has been mired in internal conflict since last year’s convention,” the NPU statement read. “Despite the formation of a high-level committee to restore unity, a faction is pushing ahead with an event that only deepens divisions.”

The NPU UK further condemned the optics of the event, where founding figures will be conspicuously absent, warning that the ceremony risks legitimizing a splinter group.

Calling for a full boycott, the NPU urged the Nepali diaspora and affiliated organizations in the UK to refrain from attending what it called a “divisive and unilateral gathering.”

The statement concluded with a firm disclaimer: “Any fallout from this event—held without consensus and against the spirit of unity—will be the sole responsibility of the Federation of Nepali Journalists.”