Kathmandu: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has stated that religion should not be used to serve political interests. At a meeting of the House of Representatives, the Minister emphasized that any incidents of violence should not be justified or overlooked in the name of religion.
According to National News Agency RSS, the Minister clarified that he does not intend to suggest that one religion is superior to another. He highlighted that the violent incident at Tinkune and the arson on March 8 should not be linked to any religion or religious beliefs. Minister Lekhak noted that the Hindu faith, which advocates for non-violence, peace, and fraternity, was not reflected during the Tinkune demonstrations.
The Minister further expressed that advocating for monarchy during the Tinkune demonstration contradicts Nepal’s constitution and cannot be deemed appropriate under any circumstances. He mentioned that investigations and prosecutions against those responsible for the violence in Tinkune are underway, ensuring that anyone found guilty will face justice. He has already briefed the State Affairs Committee of Parliament about the pro-monarchist demonstrations in Tinkune.
Furthermore, he reported that photojournalist Suresh Rajak from Avenues Television lost his life in a fire set in a private house in Tinkune, while Sabin Maharjan died from bullet wounds during efforts to control the demonstration. Minister Lekhak also mentioned that the government holds the organizers of the demonstrations accountable for the arson at a herbal medicine manufacturing company and that investigations are ongoing to assess the damage caused.
Among those injured in the demonstration, three individuals are undergoing treatment, while others have returned home after recovery. The government has promised free medical treatment for the injured, he added.
Addressing a query about the delay in implementing the Supreme Court’s verdict on the Giribandhu Tea Estate, the Minister explained that since the Ministry is not a defendant in the case, it cannot engage in correspondence regarding the verdict’s implementation. He urged the relevant ministries and bodies to act on the Supreme Court’s constitutional bench verdict issued on February 7, 2024.
Minister Lekhak concluded by stating that the Ministry of Home Affairs is committed to implementing the Constitution of Nepal, the country’s laws, and court decisions, while ensuring the protection and promotion of government and public property.