Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has warned of legal action against those involved in violent activities like vandalism and arson in the name of movement.

“We endured violence, vandalism, arson and remarks against the country and the government for long. The government will not endure that any more. We will take action,” said Oli, while speaking at the CPN-UML district convention in Itahari on Monday.

PM Oli asserted that the government was committed to protect sovereignty, independence and self respect. “Should the government remain a mute spectator while the police posts are attacked and set on fire?” he questioned.

In another context, Oli said that three eastern Tarai districts—Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari—remained in State 1. “None of the districts in State 1 will be divided,” he said categorically. Oli also vented his ire at the sit-ins on the no-man’s-land to disrupt the supplies. “I do not understand why they disrupt the cargo goods to the earthquake victims languishing in the huts,” he said. Insisting that there is no discriminatory provision against the Madhesi community in the new constitution, Oli said rumours were being spread in the Tarai against the statute. He informed the gathering that 576 Indian women married to Nepalis acquired the naturalised citizenship since the promulgation of the new constitution.  

The PM termed misbehaviour on President Bidhya Devi Bhandari during her Janakpur visit as misbehaviour on all women.

PM Oli greeted with black flags in Duhabi

Police detained five activists of the protesting Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha for showing black flags to Prime Minister Oli in Duhabi, Sunsari. The protesters carrying black flags were held as they were enforcing a shutdown of the market. Four persons were injured when the protesters clashed with the security personnel.

NWC condemns Janakpur incident

KATHMANDU: The National Women Commission has sought action against those involved in an incident in Janakpur during President Bidhya Devi Bhandari’s visit to the town on December 16.

The commission on Monday said that the attack by the cadres of the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha had staged demonstrations against President Bhandari and even hurled a Molotov cocktail towards Janaki Temple after she had left the temple following a puja on the occasion of Bibaha Mahotsav.

The incident was not only humiliating but also amount to disrespect to all women, said the commission.

“Discriminatory actions were carried out against the President for being a single woman, and this we consider a humiliation of not just a woman in particular but all the women at large. NWC condemns such action and urges the government to book the culprits,” read a statement by the NWC.

The National Alliance for Women Human Rights Defenders and Women for Human Rights Single Woman Group have also condemned the incident denounced “the demeaning comments and actions from a section of Janakpur locals” against the President last week. They have also made an appeal to the government to ensure cultural and religious rights of single women.

MoHA forms probe panel

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday formed a committee to probe into alleged unruly behaviour against President Bidhya Devi Bhandari during her visit to Janakpur.

The four-member committee is chaired by MoHA Joint Secretary Binod KC and has Deputy Inspector General of Police Hemanta Pal, Deputy Inspector General of the Armed Police Force Arbind Dhital and National Investigation Department Director Yadulal Kharel as members. The committee has been directed to submit a report in next seven days.

During President Yadav’s visit to Janakpur on December 16 to offer prayers at Janaki Temple on the occasion of Bibaha Mahotsav a group of protesters had thrown Molotov cocktail towards the temple after she had left after performing puja. Protesters had also clashed with security personnel.