KATHMANDU, Nov 27: Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has acknowledged that the voice heard in a video released by royalist activist Durga Prasai belongs to him.
Speaking before lawmakers in the National Assembly’s Legislation Committee on Thursday, Minister Aryal confirmed his presence in the footage. “Regarding the video of September 9, as mentioned by the honorable member, one of the voices in that video is mine,” Aryal said, “What I said in the video is not otherwise. I did not state that arson occurred or that there were casualties. I clearly said that such things should not happen. That was the purpose of my presence there.”
Aryal added that he had requested others to help subside the tense situation. “I asked if this could prevent arson and others were approached as well. When no one was available, I took the initiative myself,” he said.
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Aryal also reaffirmed his commitment to nonviolence. “In my party, I am nonviolent, and I have always taken nonviolent initiatives and will continue to do so,” he added.
About the video
Durga Prasai released the approximately 27-minute video from his residence on November 17. The footage pertains to the Gen-Z movement on September 8 and 9 and subsequent anti-government activities. The video also raises questions about the roles of Prime Minister Sushila Karki and Home Minister Aryal, alleging their involvement in foreign-backed attempts to incite unrest.
Around 10 and a half minutes into the video, background audio captures the voices of current Prime Minister Karki and Minister Aryal while a helicopter flies overhead and smoke rises from burning buildings. Aryal can be heard asking whether there might be casualties inside the houses, while other voices discuss the situation and potential interventions.
Prasai claims the video was recorded from a foreign institution’s office at Baneshwor Heights. Although other statements and activities of both Karki and Aryal appear in the footage, the audio capturing sensitive discussions has become the focal point of public debate.
Responding to lawmakers’ questions, Aryal admitted that the voice was his but defended himself by emphasizing that he had no inappropriate intentions in the conversation.
