Controversial figure Lharkyal Lama appointed as vice chairman of Lumbini Development Trust amidst backlash

Published On: August 8, 2023 04:21 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, Aug 8: Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, has stirred another controversy by appointing Lharkyal Lama, a controversial figure, as the Vice Chairman of the Lumbini Development Trust, which spearheads initiatives in the Peace Zone.

Lama's background is marked by a history of contentious episodes. On March 3, 2016, he was detained for possessing 14 bullets in the central locker of the then Nepal Investment Bank. Following a nine-day period of custody, he secured his release by posting a bail of Rs 66,000. Additionally, Lama faced charges of fraudulent activity in the context of foreign employment, for which he was bailed out with Rs three million within two days. In 2073 BS, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) initiated a corruption case against him, leading to his release on a bond of Rs 10 million. The CIAA's inquiry into his accumulation of wealth brought forth the discovery of 14 rounds of ammunition within the locker, as opposed to any precious metal.

Lama's affiliations span various political parties, with his most recent allegiance resting with the CPN (Maoist Center). He previously held posts in the Nepali Congress as the chairman of the monastery management committee in 2058 BS, then transitioned to the CPN-UML. Lama was appointed as a proportional member of parliament by UML in 2064 BS, and later served as a Minister of State in the government of the then Prime Minister Jhalnath Khanal in 2067 BS.

In the third week of July, a delegation led by Lumbini Province Chief Minister Dilli Chaudhary arrived in Kathmandu amid discussions about Lama's potential appointment as the vice-chairman of the Lumbini Development Trust. They appealed to several ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka, for Lama's nomination to the post. Despite initial resistance, this plea eventually succeeded, leading to Lama's appointment. It's worth noting that some members of the current government are reportedly discontented with Lharkyal Lama's placement within the Lumbini Development Trust.