Dodhara Chandani (Kanchanpur): Bipin Joshi's parents are gripped by anxiety as they await their son's safe release. Bipin is among the Nepali students who were taken captive by Hamas militants during the October 7 attack in southern Israel.

During the attack, Hamas-led Palestinian militants launched a multi-pronged invasion of southern Israel from the Gaza Strip. The surprise assault included a barrage of rockets, and approximately 3,000 militants breached the Gaza–Israel barrier, targeting Israeli military bases and civilian population centers. The devastating attack resulted in the loss of at least 846 Israeli civilians and 324 soldiers and police. Furthermore, around 240 Israeli and foreign nationals were taken as hostages to the Gaza Strip, with ten Nepali students losing their lives in the tragic incident.

For the past 52 days, Bipin's parents have been closely monitoring news from Israel, their eyes glued to the television since the four-day ceasefire agreement reached on November 24. Facilitated by Qatar, the ceasefire deal includes the exchange of hostages held in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Hopeful that their son will be among those released, Bipin's parents have been living in anticipation.

Hostages have been released in groups during the ceasefire period, with 40 Israelis, 17 Thai citizens, and one Filipino freed on the last Sunday under separate agreements. Despite the ongoing releases, there is no news about Bipin to date, intensifying his parents' anxiety.

Bipin's parents met with Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Prakash Saud, who was in Kanchanpur on Wednesday, urging him to take immediate initiatives for their son's safe release. "I am glued to the TV news all the time, waiting for my son Bipin to be released and call us. Our days are spent watching the news," expressed Padma, Bipin's distraught mother.

While the government asserts diplomatic efforts for Bipin's release, Mahananda, Bipin's father, urges the government to intensify its efforts further, expressing desperation. Minister Saud, during his meeting with Joshi's parents, pledged to intensify government-level efforts for Bipin's release.

Minister Saud is scheduled to visit Qatar on December 9, where he plans to request Qatari officials for special initiatives to secure Bipin's release. Earlier on November 24, Minister Saud had urged Qatar's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, to take initiatives for Bipin Joshi's release, receiving assurances of prompt action.

In Qatar, Minister Saud will also participate in the 21st edition of the Doha Forum, commencing on December 10, while continuing efforts for Bipin's safe return. The agonizing wait for Bipin Joshi's parents continues, hoping for a positive resolution to their son's ordeal.