Kathmandu: Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli warns of legal action against pro-monarchy supporters for leading the violent protests that engulfed the South Asian nation.
Oli stated that even former king Gyanendra Shah would not be spared if found guilty in the March 28 violence, local media reported. Addressing a meeting of the House of Representatives on Monday, the Prime Minister accused Shah of inciting protesters through a video statement. Oli said that those involved in criminal activities, including the former king, would not be exempted from punishment.
“Shouldn’t those who aspire to reclaim the throne publicly state their position on the protest and its outcomes?” Oli questioned. “He (ex-king) will not be granted impunity. Those attempting to overthrow the current system and reinstate the monarchy must clarify their stance on the events of March 28. The perpetrators of these horrific acts must face stringent legal action,” Oli said in Parliament.
While addressing the Parliament, he warned lawmakers from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) to desist from destroying the Constitution, pointing out that they were oath-bound to protect the charter.
Meanwhile, Oli’s speech triggered protests in the Parliament from lawmakers of the RPP.
The party chief Rajendra Lingden accused republican parties of fostering corruption since the monarchy’s abolition in 2008, reports the leading Nepalese daily, The Kathmandu Post. Speaking in the House meeting after the Prime Minister’s address, RPP leader Lingden warned that if the people wished, the republican system could be overturned.
“Were only protesters responsible for the riots? Was it not the government’s duty to take the situation under control?” he said. (IANS)
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