KATHMANDU: Former Ambassador Vijaya Kant Karna has warned that the land ordinance introduced by the government could pave the way for a looting regime if passed by parliament.
Speaking at an interaction on ‘Land Ordinance’ organized by the Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) Nepal-based Intellectual Professionals’ Federation on Friday, Karna argued that the ordinance would only benefit powerful groups while posing serious risks to the governance system and environmental stability.
Karna claimed that the ordinance was forced through by influential groups capable of changing governments, ministers, and transferring secretaries. He criticized former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, alleging that his focus was solely on accumulating wealth.
“The day this ordinance is passed and effectively implemented, the looting regime will begin in the country. In fact, looting is still going on,” Karna said.
He stressed the need for protests against the ordinance, urging political parties, including the Janata Samajwadi Party, to oppose it not only in parliament but also through street demonstrations.
According to Karna, the ordinance does not serve the interests of the people but instead aims to consolidate power by cartelizing the governance system.
Karna also raised environmental concerns, pointing out the potential risks posed by the ordinance amid changing weather patterns and natural disasters.
He highlighted the recent impacts of flooding in Kathmandu from the Bagmati and Manohara rivers as an example of the consequences of poor land management.
“Not a single drop of rain has fallen in Kathmandu in six months. There is a possibility of a big disaster in this country. If you look at it from the perspective of a disaster, this ordinance is very dangerous,” he warned.
The ordinance, introduced by the government on January 15, has faced opposition from several political parties and activists, who argue that it could lead to uncontrolled land exploitation and worsen environmental vulnerabilities.
Comment