Spread the love

Kathmandu, Aug.  23: Nepal’s Immigration Department has stepped in after receiving reports of unusual activity at a hostel in Dhobighat, Lalitpur, where foreign nationals were allegedly promoting Islam among minors. The initial tip, received about a month ago, noted frequent visits by teenagers and foreigners carrying large religious texts.

A team led by Immigration Director Tikaram Dhakal, supported by Lalitpur police, visited the site Wednesday. Officers observed children being taught the Quran without following the official Nepali curriculum. Some students were from Hindu families, while others came from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in districts including Kapilvastu, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Nepalgunj, and Dang. A few were orphans.

Investigation revealed that several foreign teachers, including Neneng Siti Maspupah, Tarsia Ananda Taufik, and Magfirah Fajira Jafno Abilzers, were working without appropriate visas. “Using tourist or study visas for employment violates immigration law. They are now in departmental custody,” Dhakal said. The institution’s chairperson is under questioning, while official registration papers are being verified.

Officials confirmed the group receives around NPR 25 million annually from Turkish organizations Saha Egitm Kutlur ve Dostluk Dernegi and Saha International in the UK. Preliminary checks indicate most funds come from Turkey. Turkish authorities, since President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s election in 2014, have actively funded religious and cultural outreach in South Asia, including Nepal.

Nepal’s intelligence officials noted that Turkey, along with Gulf countries, competes for influence in the Islamic world, often funding institutions abroad to expand its reach. Some Turkish organizations have faced restrictions in other countries for alleged links to extremist groups.

Authorities stress the need for vigilance over foreign-funded organizations to prevent misuse of Nepalese territory for unregulated religious or political activities. The government is preparing legislation to monitor foreign contributions to NGOs and establish oversight mechanisms for such activities.

People’s News Monitoring Service