KATHMANDU: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has stated that the investigation into the recent violent protests led by pro-monarchy groups is ongoing and that additional arrests may follow after the detention of key suspect Durga Prasai.
Addressing a meeting of the Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee under the House of Representatives on Friday, Minister Lekhak confirmed that Prasai, the main accused in the incidents involving vandalism and arson, has been arrested.
He added that efforts are underway to apprehend others involved in the violence.
The minister also informed the committee that the government has decided to provide medical treatment for those injured during the clashes in the Tinkune area.
“The government will cover the treatment costs, even if medicines need to be procured from outside the hospital where the injured are being treated,” he said.
“I personally visited the injured at hospitals,” Lekhak added. “The government has decided to provide relief of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the two individuals who lost their lives in the incident, and that process is already underway.”
Describing the violent protests in Tinkune as a deliberate attempt to undermine the constitution and dismantle the democratic system, Lekhak said, “Setting fire to democracy to demand autocracy is unacceptable. A noble faith like Hinduism should not be exploited for petty political motives.”
While acknowledging the right to express dissatisfaction with the constitution or democratic system, the Home Minister emphasized that there is no room for regressing on democratic values.
“The government views the Tinkune incident with utmost seriousness,” he said. “When analyzing the chain of events, it becomes evident that this was a criminal act intended to spread fear and disorder.”
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