KATHMANDU: CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel has said the government’s decision to withdraw the case against Rastriya Swatantra Party Chair Rabi Lamichhane undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent.
Speaking at a journalists’ interaction and felicitation program organized by Press Chautari Dang in Ghorahi, Pokhrel said dropping the case linked to Lamichhane was against the spirit of a law-governed state and urged the government to immediately correct its decision.
He said the incidents of September 8 and 9 should not be dismissed as ordinary protests, arguing that recent decisions have exposed their real nature. “Attacks on constitutional bodies such as the police and the courts are not normal matters,” Pokhrel said. “Decisions that attempt to cover up such activities only encourage violence and anarchy.”
Pokhrel warned that the rule of law should not be challenged in the name of “new forces” and said the Rastriya Swatantra Party itself should oppose such decisions on principle. He also accused the government of weakening the morale of the police, stating that peace and security cannot be maintained when law enforcement agencies are demoralized.
On political stability, Pokhrel said democracy can only be strong when political parties are strong. He advised the Nepali Congress to become alert in time and rebuild its internal unity. Reiterating UML’s position on the Constitution and Parliament, he said the party respects democratic norms and is ready to seek a way forward through elections.
Pokhrel also cautioned against populism, saying it is not an alternative to democracy but a path toward disorder. He claimed that attempts are being made to create artificial divisions between old and new generations in order to divide society and the country.
He stressed the need for patriotic forces to unite against conspiracies targeting Nepal’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning that serious threats to democracy, peace, security and the rule of law are increasing.
Calling the split of the Nepali Congress unfortunate, Pokhrel said it was a negative development for the democratic movement and urged the party to return to unity without delay.
On the upcoming general election, he accused the government of failing to create a proper election environment. Although candidate nominations have been announced for January 20, he said the state has not been able to guarantee peace and security.
He said boosting the morale of the police is a top priority, warning that unless criminals fear the state, disorder will continue to spread in society.
Pokhrel also called for investigations into weapons and prisoners looted during protests and said political parties should be able to reach the public freely. He claimed that although UML has not expanded organized activities, its restraint has helped maintain peace and allowed other parties to carry out their programs.
Referring to the international context, Pokhrel said the global order is facing turbulence and that attempts to weaken the United Nations system require a sensitive country like Nepal to remain alert. He added that with the Constitution being “injured,” restoring Parliament has become a necessity.
Pokhrel said UML would not shy away from elections if they are held and is ready to bring stability to the country through a popular mandate.
On party reform, he said political parties are defined as new or old not by age but by their ability to update policies and leadership. “UML is a more updated and newer party than Raswpa,” he said, again warning that populism leads to anarchy, not democracy.
Regarding electoral preparations, Pokhrel said UML is preparing to field candidates in all 165 constituencies, while dialogue is ongoing for cooperation in some areas. He also said the Biplav group and other progressive forces have expressed interest in working with UML.
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