BUTWAL, March 12: Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa has warned of "eliminating any anti-social and criminal element which harms social harmony and peace in the society."
Inaugurating the province-level security seminar in Bhairahawa, Thapa said some elements are trying to disturb the country's law and order situation but the government won't let them do so. “Some elements are attempting to disturb law and order but we will not let them to disturb law and order. Such forces will be eliminated,” said Minister Thapa.
The home minister hinted at Netra Bikram Chand 'Biplav'-led party as a force involved in anti-social and criminal activities and warned of taking administrative action if it ignores the government's efforts to resolve the issues through peaceful talks. “Even as they are engaged in anti-social and criminal activities, the government has been appealing to them to sit for talks. If they continue to shy away from our efforts to resolve the issue through peaceful talks, the government will eliminate such forces,” said minister Thapa.
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Acknowledging anti-social and criminal forces and natural disaster have appeared as major security threats for the country, the minister assured that the government is preparing a concrete security strategy to tackle the emerging challenges.
On a different note, the minister claimed that the deal with CK Raut, who was campaigning for Madhes as a separate state, that brought him to mainstream politics, was a major political achievement in bringing the secessionist forces to peaceful politics. Critics have accused that the government's agreement with Raut has legalized his demands and has paved a way for referendum to decide his demand.
The minister, however, defended the deal. “Since the constitution has no provision to conduct a referendum to decide the territorial integrity of the country there is no point to agree on referendum. Instead, he has accepted the constitution,” he said adding, “A referendum can be conducted only when a two-thirds majority in parliament decides for that. The government can never go against the constitution.”
Even after signing the deal with the government, Raut's supporters have chanted slogan of Free Madhes saying their demand of conducting a referendum has come true after signing the deal. “May be that's their last chance to chant the slogan of Free Madhes,” he added.
Chiefs of three security agencies—Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and National Investigation Department—regional chiefs of security agencies and top security officials were present at the seminar.
