KATHMANDU, Dec 29: A large number of prominent Nepali civil society organizations and individual rights activists have protested against the untimely dissolution of House of Representatives.
Publishing a joint statement on Tuesday, they have argued that this particular move is indeed a misfortune with a serious impact on values and norms of democracy as well as is entirely in contrary to the interest and aspiration of Nepalese people.
Being an indispensable partner of democratic movement and a pillar of democratic system, civil society and civil society organizations of Nepal have been closely observing the actions of the government, political parties and other concerned actors.
Nepalese civil society organizations are deeply concerned about the recent dissolution of the House of Representatives and announcement of the date for the midterm elections in May 2021 by the President Bidya Devi Bhandari upon the recommendation by the Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
It is an unexpected shock and surprise to the ordinary citizens whilst the nation is already affected by health, financial and social crisis, the statement says.
Victimizing the parliament and pushing the country towards instability because of intra-party feud for the sake of power rivalry within the ruling party cannot be justified under any pretext.
The statement further says, “We speculate that the ongoing action of the political parties after the dissolution of the parliament is gradually moving towards erosion of the historical achievements gained by Nepalese peoples through a long struggle.
We aren’t prepared to simply accept any acts and interventions in opposition to the values and norms of democracy and its mounted principles.
Therefore, we appeal to all the political parties to pursue meaningful dialogues with standing on the foundation of the constitution and democracy and to come out with concrete political solutions. We also appeal to the government and the concerned authorities to swiftly act towards avoidance of possible criminal and violent activities, and to safeguard fundamental rights of the citizens.”
Signatories of the statement
Dr. Gopal Krishna Siwakoti, Chairperson, INHURED International
Mr. Bhawani Prasad Kharel, Chairperson, National Human Rights Foundation Nepal
Dr. Kapil Shrestha, Human Rights Activist
Mr. Charan Prasai, Accountability Watch Committee Nepal
Mr. Taranath Dahal, Chairperson, Citizens Campaign for Right to Information
Mr. Hari Binod Adhikari, Chairperson, Freedom Forum
Prof. Dr. Tara Prasad Sapkota
Dr. Moti Nepali, Chairperson, Dalit Welfare Association
Mr. Shovakar Budhathoki, Human Rights Activist cum Conflict Expert
Ms. Shanta Laxmi Shrestha, Gender and Human Rights Activist
Mr. Bhakta Biswokarma, Chairperson, Dalit NGO Federation Nepal
Mr. Narendra Khatiwada, Chairperson, Youth Advocacy Nepal
Mr. Daya Sagar Shrestha, Chairperson, National Campaign for Sustainable Development Nepal
Mr. Jagdish Ayer, Chairperson, AYON Nepal
Mr. Bhawani Lohorung, Chairperson, NGO Federation of Indigenous Nationalities Nepal
Mr. Dillu Prasad Ghimire, Secretary, NGO Federation of Nepal, cum Secretary General, Climate Change Federation
Mr. Ishwori BK, Chairperson, Dalit Welfare Organization
Mr. Roshan Pokharel, Constitutional Lawyer’s Forum
Mr. Mukunda Dahal, NAIDP Nepal
Mr. Trilok Chand Biswas BK, National President, Nepal National Dalit Social Welfare Organization
Mr. Rabindra Nath Thakur, Chairperson, Madhesh Human Rights Home (Mahuri-Home)
Ms. Purna Shova Chitrakar, NCBL Nepal
Mr. Naresh Tamrakar, Chairperson, Newa Dey Dabu
Mr. Poshta KC, Civil Society Activist
Mr. Sanjog Thakuri, Chairperson, Hami Dajubhai
Mr. Suman Khadka, Chief Executive Office, Youth Initiative Nepal
Mr. Krishna Tamang, Social Activist
Mr. Bhupendra Ghimire, Founder President, Volunteers Initiative Nepal (VIN)
Mr. Ekraj Chhatkuli, Focus Nepal Dhading
Mr. Sundar Sheni, Chairperson, Dalit Youth Alliance Nepal
Mr. Bishnu Kunwar, Rural Development Foundation, Janakpur
Mr. C.M. Guragain, Chairperson, DEFAN Udayapur
Mr. Laxmi Gurung, Chairperson, IWL Nepal
Mr. Mahendra Khanal, Human Rights Activist and Advocate, Kapilvastu
Chairperson, Social Justice Forum, Sunsari
Mr. Shuvalal Rai, Chairperson, Kirat Youth Society
Ms. Nirmala Rai, Chairperson, Kirat Chamling Language and Culture Upliftment Association
Mr. Hiran Rai, Chairperson, Kirat Youth Association
Mr. Muna Thapa, Chairperson, Active Society, Nepal
Mr. Barsa Rai, Chairperson, Janaekata Youth Society
Ms. Birsana Rai, Chairperson, Kirat Chamling Youth Association
Sangharsa Dalit Women Saving and Credit Cooperative, Kohalpur
Radio Pratibodh, Kohalpur
Indigenous Nationalities Women Group
