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KATHMANDU, Nov 12: Fiercely condemning the government for its recent cabinet decision to recommend to President Dr Ram Baran Yadav to pardon Maoist lawmaker Balkrishna Dungel, who has been convicted of murder by the Supreme Court and slapped a life term with property attachment, lawmakers from the Nepali Congress (NC), CPN-UML and other parties have threatened to take stern measures if the decision isn´t revoked.
Radheshyam Adhikari of the main opposition NC said the government has provoked a confrontation between various state organs, adding that this might invite serious consequences.
"While the president needs to implement the government´s recommendation, he is under tremendous pressure from various quarters in society not to do so," Adhikari said at a parliamentary meeting on Friday. "Thus, the government decision is tantamount to inviting confrontation between the council of ministers and the president and between the Supreme Court and council of ministers."
The government must be serious about advancing the peace process and constitution writing as per the seven-point agreement, otherwise the NC would be compelled to take strong action against the government, Adhikari further said.
Bhim Rawal of UML demanded that the government immediately arrest Dhungel if it wants to show commitment to promoting rule of law in the country.
Chitra Bahadur KC of Rastriya Janamorcha and Chandradev Joshi of CPN (Samyukta) also lambasted the government for taking the controversial decision. "The government decision has not only made a mockery of rule of law but also put the head of state in difficulties," KC said at the House meeting.
Maoist lawmaker Devi Khadka challenges other parties
However, Maoist lawmaker Devi Khadka came down heavily on the opposition parties, accusing them of trying to backtrack from the overall political course.
Stating that she herself was raped by security personnel during police custody at the time of the insurgency, she said there are several Maoist lawmakers who have lost family members during the insurgency.
"I was robbed of my virtue and Dr Bhola Rijal has certified that. I have kept the document safe. My brother Rit Bahadur Khadka was killed in Rautahat and my family hasn´t been given his body yet. Should I file case against the erstwhile home minister and prime minister," Khadka, former minister of state for physical planning and works, said in parliament. "If other parties are really going to backtrack, then let´s announce war and go for that. We are ready for that too."
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