Civil Society Leaders Criticize Government for Undermining Democratic Values

Kathmandu. Civil society leaders have expressed serious objection, stating that the current government, led by Balendra Shah and including the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which holds nearly a two-thirds majority, has attacked civil liberties and democratic values. 

Twenty-eight prominent individuals have issued a joint civil appeal demanding that the government immediately stop its dictatorial governance practices.

Civil society leaders have interpreted the forceful eviction from the squatter settlements, the practice of governance through ordinances bypassing parliament, and the preparation to ban trade unions as steps by the government towards authoritarianism. They have alerted the government to ensure proper management and housing rights before eviction, stating that two people committed suicide during the eviction of squatter settlements and the human rights of pregnant, lactating, and children were severely violated. 

The appeal states, 'Mobilizing security forces overnight without even giving unarmed citizens time to find shelter and banning journalists reporting is the height of autocracy.' 

Civil society believes that the government's act of convening a parliamentary session and then postponing it without meeting, and opting for ordinances, has made a mockery of the parliamentary system and constitutionalism.

Similarly, it has been commented that the government's attempt to ban student organizations and trade unions based on political affiliation is against the freedom of association guaranteed by Article 17 of the constitution. Leaders have expressed concern over the intention to remove university officials through ordinances under the pretext of ending political appointments and to increase interference in the judiciary.

The appeal, signed by 28 individuals including Nilambar Acharya, Khagendra Sangraula, Kanakmani Dixit, Sushil Pyakurel, and Narayan Wagle, has called on the government to understand the spirit of federalism and not to move towards centralized governance. Civil society has pressured the government to return to democratic practices, stating that the government is acting contrary to its election promises and 100-point commitments.

Civil Appeal-