Bipin Joshi's mother, sister fly to US to push for his release

Kanchanpur, Sept.25: Mother Padma Joshi and sister Pushpa Joshi of Bipin Joshi, who is being held captive by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, are all set to fly to the United States on Wednesday evening to campaign for the release of Joshi.

Sister Pushpa said that travelling to the US with her mother has been scheduled in line with increasing international pressure for the safe release of her brother Bipin.

"Just like we previously visited Israel before, this time we are going to America to secure my brother's safe release on an international platform," she said. "Since the issue of my brother's release is an international issue, I humbly request citizens of other countries also to raise their voices on this issue."

Earlier, the Israeli government had taken Bipin's mother Padma and sister Pushpa, to Israel for appealing release of Bipin. 

This time too, Israel is said to have a hand in sending the sister and mother to go to America with preparations to reach the United Nations.

Last Saturday, Hamas released what it called a 'farewell photo' of 48 hostages, including Bipin Joshi, who was being held.

 Bipin's family suspects that the photo may have been released to create pressure after Israel escalated its attacks.

"I think if the government had taken the initiative with countries including Qatar, he would have been released," said Bipin's father Maha Nanda Joshi. "Two years have passed in the hope that Bipin would return. Now the government should take further initiative for the safe release of my son."

Bipin and other Nepali students who had arrived in Israel under the 'Learn and Earn' program of Sudurpaschim University were attacked by Hamas. Ten Nepali students were killed in the attack. (Translated from RSS Nepali)