KATHMANDU: Lawmaker Yuvaraj Dulal of the Nepali Communist Party has strongly criticised the government in the House of Representatives, describing the demolition of squatter settlements as “state terror”.
Speaking during Monday’s parliamentary session, Dulal accused the government of using ordinances instead of upholding the rule of law, saying it reflected an authoritarian approach.
“The state has unleashed bulldozer terror against citizens. Squatters were removed without even giving 24 hours’ notice. This is state terror and an act of injustice against citizens,” he said.
Referring to alleged suicide incidents involving squatters, including Indra Bahadur Rai from Balkhu riverbank, Dulal questioned whether such cases could lead to charges of suicide abetment against the government.
“When Indra Bahadur and others are dying by suicide, will the government be booked for abetment or not?” he asked.
He further accused the government of attempting to run the country through ordinances instead of parliamentary processes.
“A government that talks about the rule of law is trying to run the country through ordinances. Is this democratic practice or a move towards authoritarianism?” he said.
Raising concerns over the Constitutional Council, he also questioned proposals suggesting a majority decision with three out of six members.
“Is it acceptable that a three-member majority out of six is being promoted in the Constitutional Council? In democracy, does the presence of others have no meaning?” he said.
Dulal concluded by warning the government that it must be accountable for undermining the rule of law.
His remarks come amid escalating tensions in Parliament between the ruling and opposition parties over ordinances and the ongoing squatters’ eviction drive.
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