'Religion must not be exploited for political purpose'

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, May 20: Minister for Home Affairs, Ramesh Lekhak, has strongly asserted that religion should never be used as a tool to fulfill political objectives.

Addressing the House of Representatives on Monday, Minister Lekhak emphasised that acts of violence carried out under the guise of religion cannot be condoned or justified.

"Let me be clear—I do not intend to categorise any religion as superior or inferior," he said. "However, the arson and violence witnessed in the recent Tinkune incident were stark criminal acts. Such acts must not be viewed through the lens of faith or religious belief."

Minister Lekhak noted that Hinduism promotes nonviolence, peace, and fraternity—principles that were absent in the violent demonstrations. 

He argued that invoking monarchy during the protests contradicts with Nepal’s constitutional framework. “Advocacy for monarchy, as seen in Tinkune, is unconstitutional and cannot be justified under any circumstance,” he declared.

The Home Minister further informed the House that individuals involved in the unrest have been taken into custody, and legal proceedings are under way. 

“Regardless of identity or affiliation, anyone involved in criminal conduct will be brought within the ambit of the law,” he said. “I have already briefed the State Affairs Committee regarding the violent royalist demonstration in Tinkune.”

He confirmed the tragic deaths of two individuals during the incident: journalist Suresh Rajak, who died in a fire at a private building, and Sabin Maharjan, who succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained during efforts to control the riot. 

The government is currently conducting a thorough investigation and prosecution against those involved in the arson and vandalism.

Minister Lekhak criticised the deliberate attack on the Jadibuti Herbal Office, emphasising that the organisers of the protest must be held accountable. “The government is firm in its stance that such destruction of indigenous industries is unacceptable,” he said.

He added that three people injured in the incident are still undergoing medical treatment, while others have been discharged.

“The government is covering all medical expenses for the injured. All other necessary actions will be carried out in accordance with prevailing laws,” he assured.

On a separate note, regarding delays in the implementation of the Supreme Court's decision related to the Giri Bandhu Tea Estate in Jhapa, Minister Lekhak clarified that the Ministry of Home Affairs is not a respondent in the case and therefore has not been formally informed or involved in correspondence regarding its execution.

“I would like to inform the House that the constitutional bench of the Supreme Court issued the ruling on February 24, 2024, and relevant ministries and agencies are implementing the order accordingly,” he explained.

Minister Lekhak reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Home Affairs to uphold Nepal’s constitution, laws, and judicial decisions. “We remain steadfast in protecting and promoting public property and the rule of law,” he said.

Similarly, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Ramnath Adhikari informed the House that 354 agricultural research projects are being conducted this year under the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC). Of these, 106 focus on crops, 77 on animal husbandry, and 70 on horticulture. So far, 17 new crop varieties, including rice, apples, oranges, and avocados, have been registered, he added.

He also stated that 500,000 improved seedlings and plants are set to be distributed via nurseries and resource centres by year-end, though only around 15,000 have been distributed so far.

Meanwhile, Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens Nawal Kishore Sah Sudi announced that the social security allowance age threshold will be reduced from 70 to 68 in the next fiscal year. The government is also addressing gaps in allowance distribution due to citizenship issues, especially affecting marginalised Dalit families.

During the session, MPs raised a range of issues affecting public, from delayed compensation for the Saurya Air crash victims and unresolved microfinance issues to challenges in the agricultural sector.

 MP Prem Suwal, raised concerns about foreign employment conditions and the need to address labour rights and justice for dairy farmers.

MPs also raised concerns on various issues including microfinance grievances, earthquake relief delays, employment generation, and education disruption by industrial activities.

 Meanwhile in the National Assembly, Minister for Youth and Sports Tejulal Chaudhary pledged to build disabled-friendly sports infrastructure. He informed that Dasharath Stadium, Pokhara, and Surkhet Stadium have already adopted inclusive designs. 

The National Assembly unanimously approved the proposal to consider the Bill to Amend Some Nepal Acts, 2080, forwarded by the House of Representatives. Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ajay Kumar Chaurasia.