UML lawmakers disrupt House of Representatives session over arrests
Kathmandu. The first meeting of the House of Representatives was disrupted immediately after it commenced. CPN-UML lawmakers stood up in protest as soon as the session began.
Following the protest, senior member Arjun Narsingh KC, who was presiding over the session, granted time to UML lawmaker Guru Baral to speak.
Lawmaker Baral expressed his views, stating that the government's actions are against the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Nepal. He voiced strong objections to the arrest of party chairman KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.
He accused the government of brutal repression during peaceful protests against the arrests. He demanded that the Home Minister investigate the matter and take action against those responsible. Lawmaker Baral called for the release of Oli and Lekhak and for action against those who suppressed the peaceful movement.
The following is an edited transcript of Baral's address:
Today, activities are taking place in the country that violate the constitution. Article 16 of Part 3 of the Constitution of Nepal, related to fundamental rights and duties, grants every citizen the right to live with dignity. Similarly, Article 17 provides the right to freedom, and Article 18 provides the right to equality.
Mr. Chairman, through you, I want to draw the government's attention—are the events currently unfolding in the country constitutionally appropriate? Former Prime Minister and party chairman KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister and Nepali Congress leader Ramesh Lekhak have been detained today by misusing criminal procedure. This is a matter of grave concern.
Protests are taking place nationwide regarding this issue. The government has brutally suppressed peaceful demonstrations in Kathmandu and other places. Honorable members Sajida Siddiqui and Bishnumaya BK, who are present here, have been seriously injured. I request them to stand up through the Chairman. Why and who injured them? I request the Home Minister to investigate this matter and bring the culprits to justice.
Similarly, dozens of people, including district leaders, were injured after entering the CPN-UML party office in Surkhet. In the capital as well, dozens of people, including central committee members, have been injured. They have sustained serious injuries; some have stitches on their heads, and some have broken arms. Such activities, which go against the country's constitution, are highly condemnable and objectionable. We expect the country to run according to the constitution.
We demand the immediate release of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. Furthermore, we demand proper treatment for the injured and an appropriate investigation into those who caused injuries to the honorable members, followed by legal action.
Double standards of law are being applied in the same incident. On one hand, sections 81 and 82 of the Criminal Procedure Code are being used, while on the other hand, it is said that a new task force should be formed to investigate without mentioning other parts of the same report. Such dual character shown in connection with the same incident is extremely serious.
Therefore, drawing the serious attention of the Government of Nepal, I earnestly request through the Chairman to stop unnecessary interference, immediately release the former Prime Minister and former Home Minister, and guarantee the full restoration of the fundamental rights of citizens to hold peaceful demonstrations in the country.
Thank you!
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