KATHMANDU: Political leaders from major parties have urged the government to recover weapons looted during the recent Gen-Z protests and arrest inmates who escaped from prisons, warning that elections cannot be held in an atmosphere of fear and instability.
During discussions on the country’s security situation and preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5, leaders said the government must ensure peace and security before moving forward with the polls.
Nepali Congress leader Shyam Kumar Ghimire said the government’s inaction against those involved in arson, looting and vandalism during the Gen-Z uprising has created uncertainty. “Hundreds of weapons looted from police remain outside.
Many inmates are still at large. Without their recovery, it is impossible to create a fearless election environment,” he said. Ghimire added that police morale has weakened after the attacks on police posts and called on the government to form a special task force to bring back the fugitives and seized arms.
Maoist Centre leader Madhav Sapkota said neither the government nor political parties should delay the election under any pretext. “The recovery of stolen weapons and the arrest of escaped prisoners should be top priority. If the government works with determination, it can be done,” he said, adding that his party has already decided that elections are the only way forward.
CPN-UML leader Mahesh Bartaula said elections are essential to bring the post-Gen-Z political situation back to the constitutional and democratic path. “The government must build trust with all political parties and ensure a peaceful, free and fair election environment,” he said.
Loktantrik Socialist Party (LSP) leader Ram Prakash Chaudhary echoed similar concerns, saying elections cannot take place peacefully while looted weapons remain in circulation. “Ensuring peace and security is the government’s first responsibility,” he stressed.
National People’s Front Chair Chitra Bahadur KC remarked that while the Gen-Z movement’s demands for good governance and anti-corruption were legitimate, acts of vandalism and arson targeting public property were unacceptable. “Such anarchic activities weaken democracy and republicanism,” he said, urging the government to identify and punish those involved without targeting the larger political system.
The leaders collectively stressed that only by restoring public confidence, maintaining law and order, and creating a fear-free environment can the government hold credible and fair elections.
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