KATHMANDU, Jan 25: Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) Mayor Balendra Shah has stated that due to the actions of the state, individuals have been driven to the point of setting themselves on fire in front of the parliament building in the capital. He shared this message on his official Facebook page on Wednesday.

He wrote, "There are many reasons and signs of a suicide, but the biggest reason is the state. And, the worst sign of all is the utter failure of the state. In his business, in his desperation, in his pleas for help, in his protection, in his deliverance, the state has failed him at every stage of his suffering. All levels, agencies and organs of the state have failed.”

Mayor Shah said so hinting at Prem Acharya, a 36 year old man who self-immolated himself in front of the parliament building, New Baneshwor on Tuesday and died in the course of treatment at the Cleft & Burn Center, Kirtipur on early Wednesday morning. 

“A citizen does everything at his disposal to realize the progress he has envisioned for himself. Describing his past and future, a citizen informs everyone he knows or is in touch with that he is going to commit suicide. A citizen self-immolates himself in front of the parliament bui8lding by pouring petrol on himself, “ Balen writes, “This individual ultimately takes the drastic step of self-immolation in front of the parliament building. We are failing as citizens, elected people’s representatives, leaders, and the media. We don’t have the courage to act with integrity and make necessary changes as the people’s representatives. There is a fear among politicians of speaking out against injustices for the fear of not being re-elected.”

Mayor Shah said that everyone from the civilian level to the federal government should play their role effectively, follow the rules and everyone should act within the rules.

 
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