The SAC at a meeting Tuesday decided to summon Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal at the committee´s meeting to enquire about Lama, whom Khanal recently appointed as the state minister.[break]
The parliamentary body took the decision to this effect after lawmakers on the committee raised serious questions over reports alleging Lama of holding the nationality of Nepal, Tibet and India.
According to a formal complaint filed against him at the home ministry six years ago, he possesses a Nepali passport, an Indian passport, and a Tibetan refugee identity card.
“Such a serious crime is simply inexcusable. Therefore, as demanded by the members of this committee I will summon the prime minister and seek clarifications with him over the matter,” SAC Chairman Ram Nath Dhakal announced at the committee´s meeting.
Lawmakers at the meeting had earlier demanded that the committee seriously probe the matter. “If an individual holding the nationality of Nepal, India and Tibet and acting as a foreigners´ agent is appointed a minister, what can the people expect from the state?” lawmaker Chitra Bahadur KC questioned. He was among the many lawmakers who demanded prime minister´s clarifications over the matter.
CIAA officials who were present at the meeting expressed their commitment before the lawmakers that they would take up the issue and conduct thorough investigation as the issue was very serious one.
Meanwhile, the central disciplinary commission of the ruling CPN-UML has also sought clarifications from Khanal, who is also the party chairman, over the issue. Lama represents the same party in the Constituent Assembly.
“Chairman of the commission Amrit Kumar Bohara has corresponded to party chairman and Prime Minister Khanal seeking details on the issue,” said a statement issued by the disciplinary commission Tuesday.
The commission has said serious action should be taken against Lama if the allegations are proven true. “A serious action should to be taken if a person holding the prestigious post of a lawmaker acts against the law of the land,” it said.
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