They can do what they want with it, but it's dishonest to call it just a casual lean. This is about the DoA and NHRC. Don't strawman the issue.

He was forced out

Why doesn’t she tell journalists to ask Nepali scholars? It’s time to ask hard questions about who gets quoted, who gets invited onto panels, and whose perspective is treated as authoritative.

There’s a real difference between amplifying voices and becoming the voice. When the media and public start treating a white academic as the face of a repatriation movement led by Nepalis, that’s a problem—regardless of intent.

Horrifying

Totally agree—it will likely be hugely damaging to their cause. This is exactly the kind of optics opponents of repatriation hoped for. Very counterproductive. No question.

They’re definitely not doing themselves any favours with this kind of handling—but at the end of the day, the objects are theirs now. Repatriation means giving up control, even when it’s frustrating to watch.