Deuba slams government’s interventionist policy

Dhangadi, April 16

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba today accused the government of intervening in the academia and the media against the spirit of democratic values.

Speaking at a press meet organised by Press Union Kanchanpur chapter in Mahendranagar, Deuba charged that the government was hell-bent on meddling in various state organs instead of working to meet people’s needs. “Due to its interventionist policy, the government has failed to accomplish anything in one year,” he charged.

Stating that the government had interfered in many sectors, Deuba alleged that the government had worked against the spirit of democracy. “Democracy will be strong only when the press is strong,” Deuba said, adding that the government was harassing the press and this was not acceptable to his party. Deuba asked the government to hold talks with the Netra Bikram Chand-led party and resolve the political problem. “It is the government’s responsibility to hold talks with the agitating outfit,” he stated.

Deuba said situation of peace and security was not satisfactory in the country. He accused the government of shielding the guilty in the rape and murder of Nirmala Panta. “The government failed to find the guilty even nine months after the incident,” he noted.

When asked about intra-party rift in the NC, Deuba pledged to do everything possible to end the lack of discipline and betrayal in his party. “The central disciplinary committee

of the party has started its work and factionalism will come to an end once the committee recommends action,” Deuba assured.