KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Thapa has said every citizen has the right to question the government in a democracy, condemning the arrest of Gen-Z activists and calling for their immediate and unconditional release.
In a statement posted on social media, Thapa described the arrest of Majid Ansari, Nahendra Khadka, Sarishma Thapa and others, who had gone to the Kirtipur holding centre to understand the plight of flood victims and seek answers from the state, as “extremely worrying, shameful and highly condemnable.”
“The brutal beating and detention of Majid Ansari, Nahendra Khadka, Sarishma Thapa and others who had gone to understand the suffering of flood victims and demand answers from the state are extremely worrying, shameful and highly condemnable,” he said.
Thapa accused the government of being intolerant and suppressing dissent. “This state has become not only merciless but also deeply intolerant,” he said.
Stressing that questioning the government is a fundamental democratic right, Thapa said the state must respond to criticism through dialogue rather than repression.
“Remember, in a democracy, it is the natural right of citizens to ask questions. Those questions cannot be answered through arrests, baton charges or repression. A government is strong and upholds the rule of law when it has the courage to listen to differing opinions and criticism,” he said.
He said the state’s responsibility is to address criticism through dialogue and accountability, not through suppression.
“Failure to listen to differing opinions and the people’s questions is not bravery; it is a sign of extreme cowardice on the part of the government. All the arrested youths should be released immediately and unconditionally,” Thapa said.
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