Govt won’t spare anyone involved in Friday’s violence: PM Oli

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aprl.1: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has strongly condemned the recent violent protest linked to royalist elements, labelling it as a "criminal act" that undermines the rule of law and peace in the country. 

In his address to the House of Representatives on Monday, PM Oli called for national unity and adherence to the constitution, stressing that no one, not even former king Gyanendra Shah, was above the law.

The Parliament session was disturbed for days due to obstruction by the opposition party, which demanded that Prime Minister Oli clarify the removal of Kul Man Ghising, Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). 

PM Oli acknowledged the disruption, highlighting that the House is the appropriate forum for raising questions about the government’s performance. He pointed out that the issue concerning Ghising should follow proper legal processes and not be debated in the House. The Prime Minister noted that actions such as transfers or removals had occurred under previous governments and that the matter was under judicial consideration. 

He urged for unity, focusing on the larger goal of protecting the constitution, democracy, and the federal republic.

Speaking about the ongoing unrest, the Prime Minister highlighted the widespread violence that took place during a protest orchestrated by royalist groups in Kathmandu. "What started as peaceful protest soon spiraled into chaos, with incidents of stone-pelting, arson, and attacks on police and innocent civilians," he said. He expressed deep regret over the destruction, including the tragic loss of life and damage to both private and public property, some of which included attacks on police vehicles and fire engines trying to douse the fires.

PM Oli revealed that the government had acted swiftly to address the turmoil, with the Home Minister scheduled to present a detailed report in the House in the coming days. "The actions of the perpetrators are condemnable," he said, warning that strict legal action would be taken against those responsible, regardless of their status or background.

The protests, which unfolded over the past week, were allegedly spurred by royalist groups and former king Gyanendra Shah's statements calling for restoration of monarchy. PM Oli wasted no time in calling out the former monarch, accusing him of breaching the agreement made following the historic decision by the Constituent Assembly. The agreement ensured that the former king would lead a peaceful life as a citizen, 

free from politics.

"Former king Gyanendra Shah’s involvement in these violent protests goes against the very principles of our constitution. He should take responsibility for the incidents that have marred the peaceful fabric of our society," said PM Oli. The Prime Minister’s remarks drew sharp reactions from opposition members, but he remained firm in his stance that the government would not tolerate attempts to 

destabilise the country.

The Prime Minister also urged for the need for unity and respect for the constitution. "We are all duty-bound to uphold the constitution, the document that guarantees the rights of every Nepali citizen. We must not allow anyone to jeopardise democracy that the people have fought for," said PM Oli. "At a time when some are undermining the system, it is essential that we, as the people's representatives, stand together for the rule of law," he added.

PM Oli called for greater national cohesion in light of recent events. "This is a critical time for Nepal, and we must stand united in the face of those who wish to divide us. Let us protect our constitution and the democratic gains we have made," he said.

It is noteworthy to mention here that before the PM addressed the House on Monday, a meeting of the pro-republican parties held on Sunday evening concluded that the former king was responsible for violence and anarchy that resulted in two deaths and massive destruction of private and public property in Tinkune area.

Attended by topmost leaders, including former prime ministers, the meeting had decided to bring everyone involved and associated with the criminal acts to book. 

PM Oli also touched on the broader governance challenges faced by the government, including tensions with civil servants. While not directly addressing any individual cases, PM Oli underscored that the government would continue to address grievances within the civil service through appropriate channels, urging members of the House to avoid being distracted from the critical issues facing the nation. "We must not allow ourselves to be sidetracked by small issues while the country faces much bigger challenges," he said.

The Prime Minister’s speech also outlined the plans for his upcoming official visit to Thailand and his participation in the BIMSTEC Summit, which is set to begin on April 1. He underscored the significance of the visit, describing it as a historic moment, the first official visit by a Prime Minister of Nepal to Thailand in 65 years. "This visit is a symbol of strengthening bilateral ties between our two nations and an important step in Nepal’s foreign policy," said PM Oli.

With PM’s address, the obstruction of the Parliament ended.