Investigate Yogesh Bhattarai for arms smuggling: Maoist MPs

Kathmandu, August 29 — MPs from the main opposition party, CPN-Maoist Center, have called for an investigation into UML MP Yogesh Bhattarai over alleged involvement in arms smuggling during the People's War.

During the House of Representatives' zero hour on Thursday, MP Chhiring Damdul Lama accused Bhattarai of using the People's War to justify arms smuggling, while hypocritically labeling the same People's War as an act of violence. "It is irresponsible to label the great People's War as violence while smuggling weapons under its guise," he said.

Another MP, Chhiring Lhamu Lama (Tamang), also demanded an investigation into Bhattarai’s alleged involvement in arms smuggling. She criticized the UML for disrespecting Parliament and suggested that Bhattarai’s actions reveal an intention to incite further conflict.

Tamang referenced past controversies involving Bhattarai, including his alleged role in financial irregularities related to permitting the Batas Group to operate a restaurant within the Narayanhiti Palace Museum.

She also accused him of arms dealing during the People's War, and urged for a thorough investigation.

The controversy began when Bhattarai referred to the Maoist war as violence in a House meeting on Wednesday, leading to a heated exchange between UML and Maoist MPs.

The Maoists have requested that the term "violence" be removed from the parliamentary record, deeming it unparliamentary.