Kathmandu, March 11

Minister for Home Affairs Ram Bahadur Thapa has said that he will not compromise on peace and harmony in the country.

Talking to mediapersons at his office in Singha Durbar today, he aired his position on security issues and the goals his ministry had expected to achieve. “Establishment of durable peace, foolproof security of lives and property, and good governance will be my key priority as home minister,” he said.

Stating that the country had to enjoy the state of complete peace, Thapa warned that some criminal elements were trying to create instability under political mask. “The government is committed to fighting terrorism, financial and social crimes and corruption which are threatening the interests of the people and nation,” he said.

On activities of Netra Bikram Chand-led Nepal Communist Party of Nepal, Thapa said it could be dealt with politically or under the existing laws of the country. “Any political or interest group making any inflammatory secessionist remarks and trumpeting the slogans of Hindu state will also be brought to book as necessary,” he warned.

He said peace was linked with sustainable development and prosperity. “Development is not possible without peace due to which over five million Nepalis are compelled to live a miserable life in foreign countries as migrant workers. Only peace, development and prosperity could make them return home,” he informed.

Minister Thapa also said that corrupt officials, smugglers and crime racketeers were hindrance to the country’s development as ‘a huge share of national economy was on their hands’. “Therefore, the ministry will also make all-out efforts to act tough on them,” he said. Radical change in security agencies under the MoHA, effective traffic management, and disaster management, and relief to the victims will also be his priority areas, Thapa said.