KATHMANDU, Sept 9: Nepali Congress (NC ) President Gagan Kumar Thapa has said anyone involved in criminal activities during the incidents of September 8 and 9 must face legal punishment.
In a video message issued on Wednesday on the occasion of BP Koirala’s birth anniversary, Thapa called for an impartial investigation into the incidents, identification of those responsible and legal action against them.
“Who burned Singha Durbar? Who burned the courts? Who was responsible for such destruction that day? Who incited it? Why is no one saying anything today? Why is no one taking responsibility? Does no one have to be held accountable?” Thapa questioned.
With banking crimes on rise, new bill takes tougher tack
He said those who make mistakes or commit crimes must face the consequences. He argued that people who committed crimes in the heat of the moment should not be granted immunity merely by apologizing.
“How did the entire state machinery become dysfunctional and paralyzed within moments? Shouldn’t we investigate this? Anyone who committed a crime in the heat of the moment should not be forgiven; they must be punished,” he said.
Thapa said society cannot become just if impunity continues. He reiterated the need for an impartial investigation into the incidents of and punishment for those found responsible.
He said the government had pledged to conduct an impartial investigation into the incidents of Bhadra 24 immediately after the election, but no progress had been made so far. Thapa questioned the government about the status of the investigation.
He also said the study of the incidents of Bhadra 23 had already been completed and its full report should be made public. The government should not create confusion over the incidents, he said.
Thapa said responsibility for the suppression on September 8 must be established and those responsible punished. He also called for the identification of individuals who incited violence and an impartial investigation and legal action against those involved in criminal activities on September 9.
“Once a dangerous trend takes hold, it does not distinguish between this person and that person. Someone else may be suffering today, but if those who commit crimes are not punished, anyone could suffer the same fate tomorrow,” he said.
Warning that failure to punish those who set fires would encourage such behavior, Thapa urged the government to take the matter seriously.
