Home Ministry denies its involvement in TIA immigration office irregularities

By A Staff Reporter 

Kathmandu, May 25: The Ministry of Home Affairs has clarified that it has no involvement in any illegal or corrupt activities and will not be involved in any in the future. 

Addressing the incidents at the Tribhuvan International Airport Immigration Office, the ministry expressed regret over the dissemination of fabricated, misleading and baseless news reports.

The ministry further said that the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) is currently conducting an inquiry into the operations of the immigration office and the factual details will be disclosed once the investigation concludes.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Joint Secretary Chhabi Rijal, it is mentioned that the ministry will fully cooperate with the commission in the investigation and related matters.

He said that the Home Administration is continuously active in maintaining peace, security, law and order, and good governance in the country. The statement mentions that the ministry, adhering to a zero-tolerance policy on all forms of irregularities 

and crimes, has also been undertaking policy and institutional reforms to streamline the home administration.

Considering the seriousness of the issue, the ministry has urged all to publish and broadcast only factual and truthful information.

Positive impact on national economy becoming visible: Minister Lekhak

Meanwhile, Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak has said that in just ten months since the formation of the current government, the country has begun to witness positive changes in its economy.

Speaking at separate programmes organised by the Nepali Congress provincial and district committees, Minister Lekhak said that Nepali products have been exported in record volumes and that peace and security in the country have improved. 

He added that the formulation of several laws has made administrative work more efficient.

He also informed that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission has been formed during this period to address conflict-era issues and that the commission has begun its work.

Minister Lekhak emphasised that peace and security are the nation's top priority.

Highlighting that a police chief of Madhesi origin, familiar with the region's language and lifestyle, has been deployed in the province, he said this would help facilitate the maintenance of peace and security.

He noted that a provincial-level security conference was held in Janakpurdham, with the participation of chiefs of all four security agencies in Madhes and federal-level security officials, where a detailed review of the province’s security situation was carried out. Describing Janakpurdham as a historically important place rich in Nepal’s civilisation and culture, he also referred to it as fertile ground for political awareness.

Home Minister Lekhak, also a leader of the Nepali Congress, said the current government formed of two major political parties holds special significance. He stated that any change in government would occur based on consensus with the Nepali Congress.

He affirmed his commitment to raise the matter with central party leadership if the Nepali Congress does not lead the government in Madhes Province, adding that the provincial government will function according to the existing agreement.

Minister Lekhak, who arrived in Janakpurdham on Friday to attend a provincial security seminar, also met with leaders and cadres of the Nepali Congress.