KATHMANDU: CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli on Wednesday visited his house in Balkot, Bhaktapur, that was set ablaze during the Gen-Z protests on September 9, and sharply criticised the Sushila Karki-led government, accusing it of protecting those responsible.
Accompanied by his wife Radika Shakya, Oli inspected the damaged property and expressed anger over what he called the burning of public assets “in the name of the government.” He alleged that the administration was reluctant to act against the perpetrators and accused Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal of seeking to shield suspects.
“This government has refused to punish the criminals. Even those arrested with evidence have been ordered released by the home minister,” Oli said, alleging the minister’s recent public remarks revealed the government’s intent to protect those involved in arson, looting and vandalism.
Oli also suggested that actions taken in the name of the government have been used to target rivals. “Those who have suffered or been targeted during the protests are now being pursued with political hostility by the government,” he claimed, adding that he believed he himself was being singled out for reprisals.
Speaking about the two Balkot houses that were damaged, Oli said the properties were not private holdings. He told reporters that his wife, Radika Shakya, had built the houses using earnings from her 33-year service at Nepal Rastra Bank, and that the couple had already completed the legal steps to transfer the properties, which were never intended as private assets, to public use after their lifetime. He insisted that those responsible for the damage must be punished, calling the destruction a loss to the state.
Oli warned that the UML would not be cowed by what he described as the government’s intimidation tactics. “The UML remains the only party alive now; it will uphold peace, order and good governance and will not be intimidated by the sudden threats and bluster of this government,” he said.
The former prime minister further alleged receiving information that the government was planning additional actions against him, but vowed not to be frightened. He urged authorities to take firm action against those who damaged public and private property during the unrest.
Comment