Kathmandu, October 9
CPN-UML leader Mahesh Bartaula has said that being a member of parliament is not a licence to intimidate or threaten state institutions.
He made the remarks while urging an impartial investigation into any unlawful acts committed by the chief of the police organisation or any other official, and immediate legal action if they are found guilty.
“However, a ruling party lawmaker has repeatedly made public accusations against the heads and officials of a responsible state security organisation, defamed them, intimidated and threatened them, and used abusive language. This is the height of a ruling party lawmaker’s bullying and display of power,” he said.
Bartaula said such behaviour was contrary to the dignity and decorum of the parliamentary office.
Stating that the position of an MP is a prestigious constitutional responsibility that entails representing the people, he said, “Being an MP is not a licence to vent personal grievances, intimidate or threaten state institutions, undermine the morale of civil servants, or walk around pronouncing people guilty.”
While acknowledging that people have the right to raise questions and criticise state institutions and responsible officials in a democracy, he said, “However, no one has the right to engage in persistent disorder, threats and character assassination in the name of criticism in a way that weakens state institutions. The government and the concerned political party should take this matter seriously.”
