KATHMANDU, Nov 27: Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has said the government is moving ahead to hold the March 5 House of Representatives (HoR) elections in a peaceful, fear-free and impartial manner, bringing political parties and all stakeholders on board through trust and consensus.
Speaking at Thursday’s meeting of the National Assembly’s Committee on Public Policy and Delegated Legislation, Aryal said the non-partisan government has prioritized the rule of law and is committed to ensuring that the upcoming elections provide a democratic path forward.
Responding to committee members’ queries, the minister said, “The government has succeeded in normalizing the situation and preventing violence and conflict across the country.”
Deepak Aryal appointed VC of TU
He noted that the government has been holding both formal and informal dialogues with political parties, and added that he, as Home Minister, will continue to engage with political forces, the younger generation, and all stakeholders to ensure a conducive electoral environment through dialogue and cooperation.
Aryal also addressed concerns over fugitive inmates and stolen weapons, noting that most looted arms have already been recovered by security agencies. “Concerns about elections due to fugitive inmates or stolen weapons are now unfounded,” he said.
“Violence is unacceptable. It should not have happened and we remain alert and sensitive to prevent any such incidents,” Aryal added. While he did not disclose the exact number of weapons still unaccounted for due to security protocols, he assured that special operations and joint security patrols have been prioritized nationwide to recover remaining arms and arrest fugitives.
The minister emphasized the need for security forces to prioritize non-lethal measures during protests and demonstrations, adding that policy arrangements should reflect this approach.
Aryal informed the committee that 595 individuals involved in the September 8 and 9 incidents have been arrested, of whom 283 have been charged under various offenses. The government has also recovered 723 weapons to date.
Committee Chairperson Maya Prasad Sharma expressed confidence that the government would create all necessary conditions to conduct elections on the announced date, noting that elections are the only political way forward. She thanked Minister Aryal for addressing public concerns under the Home Ministry.
Committee members Nar Bahadur Bista, Madan Kumari Shah, Madan Bahadur Pariyar, Krishna Prasad Adhikari, Rukmini Koirala, Yuvaraj Sharma, Sumitra BC, and Renu Chand raised various queries related to public concerns under the Home Ministry.
