Nepal Home Minister Warns MPs Not to Raise Sensitive Questions

Nepal’s Home Minister Sudhan Gurung sparked controversy in the National Assembly on Thursday when he warned lawmakers not to raise sensitive questions, specifically regarding the rape and murder of Nirmala Pant.

During the question-and-answer session, Gurung was asked by Nepali Congress MP Bishnu Bahadur Vishwakarma why the government had failed to bring the perpetrators to justice despite the passage of time. Vishwakarma questioned whether the government’s inability to act was due to incompetence or a lack of will.

Gurung’s Response

Gurung responded by saying that the government was working to maintain peace and security in the country and that the investigation into Pant’s case was ongoing. However, instead of providing a direct answer, he turned the tables on Vishwakarma, asking why he had not raised the issue when his party was in power.

Gurung also questioned the motive behind raising the issue now, suggesting that it was an attempt to reopen old wounds. He asked Vishwakarma if he derived pleasure from repeatedly reminding the nation of the incident and whether it brought him peace of mind.

Warning to MPs

Gurung warned lawmakers not to raise the issue again in the National Assembly or the House of Representatives, saying that it was a sensitive topic that required careful investigation. He requested that MPs refrain from asking questions on the matter and instead meet with him personally to discuss their concerns.

Gurung also apologized for not being able to provide a detailed answer to the question, saying that he would be happy to provide more information if asked again at a later time.

MP’s Reaction

Vishwakarma took exception to Gurung’s response, saying that the minister’s behavior was an infringement on his right as a lawmaker to ask questions. He argued that it was his duty to raise questions and the minister’s responsibility to provide answers.

Vishwakarma also expressed disappointment that the investigation into Pant’s case had not yet reached a conclusion despite the passage of time. He asked how much longer it would take for the government to deliver justice to the victim’s family.