KATHMANDU, June 13: Nepali Congress lawmaker Bhimsen Das Pradhan has urged the government to withdraw a bill on the management of lands belonging to Guthis (religious and social trusts).

Speaking at a parliament session on Thursday, Pradhan warned that the Kathmandu folks might retort to protests if the government did not withdraw the Guthi bill.

Pradhan said that the protests by the Kathmandu folks could be costly for the government.

"The government should understand that no force can stop the Kathmandu folks if they take to the street against the Guthi bill. I think, Prime Minister Oli himself is aware of it," Pradhan said.

The bill, which was registered at the National Assembly, proposes forming an 'Authority' to manage Guthi lands, which are currently managed by the Guthi Sansthan or Corporation.

Those opposing the bill have argued that if it is endorsed as proposed it will only serve the interests of the so-called land mafia.

They have also maintained that the new law as proposed in the bill will turn public guthis (trusts) into a 'playground for politicians, government officials and influential people who wish to embezzle guthi land'.

 
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