I wish charges against Dhamala prove to be false: Home Minister

(Updated with Home Minister´s response to various issues)

KATHMANDU, Feb 11: Home Minister Bam Dev Gautam wishes that Rishi Dhamala walk out free since he does not believe in the criminal charges against him. [break]

The home minister expressed his fondness for the arrested Dhamala during his questioning by parliament members at the State Affairs Committee meeting at Singha Durbar Wednesday morning.

"He is my old friend and I do not believe in the charges leveled against him," Gautam said. "So I wish charges against him turn out to be false."

Gautam said since Dhamala´s arrest was linked to criminal activitis like abduction and extortion, state must initiate action against him. "Even if I am involved, the state must take action against me," he said.

The police, replying to the Supreme Court show cause noticed on why they arrested Dhamala, said that they had detained him as per law. Chairman of Reporters´ Club Nepal Dhamala was arrested on February 3 for his alleged links with little known armed outfit from Tarai, Ranabir Sena. Police have also accused him of extortion. Dhamala has denied both accusations.

Speaking at the meeting, Home Secretary Dr Govinda Kusum said police arrested Dhamala after gathering adequate proofs of his involvement in criminal activities. "It is up to the court to give him clean chit but what we have done is right," he said.

Inspector General of Police Hem Bahadur Gurung said Dhamala´s arrest was not attack on media but action against an individual involved in criminal activities.

´Khum Bahadur not behind Pyuthan police post attack´

Replying to another question, Gautam ruled out the involvement of former home minister Khum Bahadur Khadka behind the attack on Syaulibang police post in Pyuthan district on February 6. Police have arrested two suspects from Gam in Rolpa district over the attack. Gautam was responding to a query by Maoist lawmaker Kali Bahadur Malla on whether reports about Khadka´s hand in the attack was true.

´IASCs in at least two places´

The government would set up Integrated Administrative Service Center (IASC) in at least two places in districts where there have been protest both for and against setting up such centers.

"The decision to set up the centers in addition to service provided at the district headquarters was taken by the last government," said Gautam, replying to the members over protests in some Tarai districts over IASC. Gautam said the government has not been able to explain the rationale behind such a move which led to ill-informed protests. "But the situation is turning normal."

´Withdrawn cases result of procedural lapse, lack of information´

The home minister admitted that people convicted of heinous crimes such as rape and murder have been freed when the state withdrew cases against 349 people serving terms in various prisons across the country. "There have been procedural lapses and lack of adequate information which led to these criminals walking out free."

The government has revoked decision in some cases, he said. "We have already revoked decision on two murder convicts from Morang district."

The Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) the leading party in the ruling coalition had pushed for withdrawing cases against these 349 individuals saying they were all political cases. Gautam said the government was compelled to withdraw the cases of political nature because senior politicians like prime minister and finance minister and several lawmakers were still facing charges of murder and arson in various courts.

´Talks with armed Madhesi groups´

The government would soon initiate formal talks with armed groups in Tarai. "We have established contacts with 12-14 such groups."

The government has already concluded formal dialogue with smaller armed Madhesi groups. Gautam said that the government is aware that some groups have taken up arms for their personal gains under political cover. "We will identify groups that have political motive and initiate talks with them only."

´Law and order improving´

Although the home minister earlier admitted weaknesses in maintaining law and order, he subsequently claimed that law and order was improving. "We have identified 80 percent of people involved in recent crimes," Gautam said. "The government will soon act against them." He claimed law and order situation has improved remarkably in central Tarai and government employees have started going to their working field in the region.

The home minister did not reply to questions about deserter from police and army.

yuvraj@myrepublica.com