KATHMANDU, AUGUST 14
The Parliamentary Party of Nepali Congress that discussed contemporary political issues for the last three days did not demand a high-level probe committee to investigate the recent gold smuggling case.
The CPN-UML, the principal opposition party in the Parliament has been stalling House proceedings with the demand for high level probe committee.
The NC's Parliamentary Party said its serious attention was drawn to the seizure of one quintal gold smuggled through Tribhuvan International Airport.
"It's a matter of serious concern that gold is smuggled through TIA, which is always under the surveillance of all important government bodies. Such incidents had happened in the past as well and their recurrence is a matter of grave concern," the NC PP added. It stated in its press release that the gold smuggling case should be probed independently and impartially and whoever is involved must be brought to book. The ruling party also noted that the gold smuggling case is currently being probed by Central Investigation Bureau.
The UML has been demanding that a high-level probe committee be formed to investigate all those involved in gold smuggling cases. UML Chair KP Sharma Oli recently said that a parliamentary probe would not be effective as the ruling parties would have majority in such a body. UML leaders have said that high level probe committee is necessary to investigate the gold smuggling case thoroughly and recommend comprehensive measures to effectively check gold smuggling.
The NC PP termed the UML obstruction in the Parliament improper and irresponsible.
The NC PP expressed concern that the UML's continued obstruction in the Parliament had prevented discussion on some urgent issues such as the devastation caused by recent floods, lumpy skin disease, and outbreak of dengue and conjunctivitis.
It also said some crucial bills such as Truth and Reconciliation Act (Amendment) Bill, Anti-money laundering bill and anti-corruption bill needed to be passed urgently.
NC PP also decided to hold dialogue with the UML and other political parties to end the House obstruction.
The NC PP also urged the government to bring bills that are necessary to implement the constitution, strengthen the federal democratic republican order, ensure fundamental rights and grant voting rights to Nepali migrant workers in foreign countries.
Stating that the government had taken some positive steps to control inflation, the NC PP urged the government to take additional measures to control price rise and provide essential goods to the public at affordable prices. The NC PP stated that the party was in favour of independent and impartial investigation of all cases. "No innocent people should be framed and no guilty ones should escape punishment, this is our party's policy," the NC PP added.
It also urged the government to lift the ban on plotting of land in all parts of the country.
A version of this article appears in the print on August 15, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
