KATHMANDU, Oct. 12 -- Local political leaders and civil society members in Karnali Province have called on the public not to doubt the identity of Tashi Lhazom, who is being considered for a ministerial position in the cabinet led by Sushila Karki.

Former Karnali Chief Minister Jiwan Bahadur Shahi on Saturday clarified that Lhazom is a permanent resident of Limmi Halji village in Humla district.

"She [Tashi Lhazom] is a patriot, the granddaughter of local merchant Kutu Tamang from Limmi Halji. Her grandfather owned around 150 to 200 yaks and about 1,200 sheep and goats. Her family's settlement in Humla is as old as ours. Even today, her father continues to live in the village," Shahi wrote on Facebook, responding to growing speculation ...