Probe controversial statement by Madhesi parties: Nembang to govt

 

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KATHMANDU, Aug 20: Speakers Subas Nembang has asked Home Minister Bam Dev Gautam to investigate whether Madhes-based political parties really announced Rs 5 million in compensation to the families of those who might get killed in the ongoing protests against proposed provincial boundaries.

Nemang issued the directive as several lawmakers fiercely criticized Madhesi leaders for "inciting people and sowing the seeds of communal violence in the region" by issuing such a statement.

"A political party making such an announcement in a country where human rights and democratic values are respected is unimaginable," Nembang said at the House meeting on Thursday. "So, I direct the home minister to investigate whether any political party has issued such a statement and inform parliament about it."

Earlier, lawmakers from various political parties had come down heavily on Madhesi leaders for issuing such a statement.

A meeting of top leaders of four Madhes-based parties held in Kathmandu on Wednesday had issued the statement.

A joint press statement issued by Federal Socialist Forum Nepal (FSFN) Chairman Upendra Yadav, Tarai Madhes Democratic Party (TDMP) Chairman Mahantha Thakur, Sadbhavana Party Chairman Rajendra Mahato and Tarai Madhes Sadbhavana Party Nepal senior leader Ram Naresh Raya had said that the provincial government formed after the success of the protests would provide Rs 5 million each to the families of those killed in the protests.

Nepali Congress (NC) lawmaker Romi Gauchan Thakali while airing his views at the parliament meeting strongly objected to the statement.

"Any political ideology does not allow such a vile act. The motive behind inciting violence in the name of protests is questionable," said Thakali.

Rishikesh Pokharel of CPN-UML accused leaders of Madhesi parties of trying to incite communal violence.

"Those who claim to be the messiah of Madhesi people are trying to incite violence just because they think that the new constitution would not serve their interests," said Pokharel. "Who allowed them to take such a decision? This parliament must be informed by the government."

Janakraj Joshi of UCPN (Maoist) argued that even notorious criminals do not act so irresponsibly. "Any political party represented in the Constituent Assembly can't take such an irresponsible decision," said Joshi. "The home ministry must investigate into the matter and inform parliament about it."