KATHMANDU, May 27: Prime Minister, KP Sharma Oli, who was invited as the chief guest for the 25th anniversary program of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), did not attend.
The NHRC had arranged the event and security measures 15 days in advance, expecting the Prime Minister Oli to arrive by 11:30 am. However, after the program started, the NHRC staff revealed that no information was given about the Prime Minister’s absence.
The program was scheduled to be attended by the government’s Chief Secretary and other secretaries. However, no high-ranking government officials were present. The NHRC has traditionally celebrated the anniversary every year in the presence of the Prime Minister.
BPKF's 25th anniversary being observed today
On Monday, the NHRC issued a statement commenting on Prime Minister Oli’s remarks. The NHRC had described the PM's appeal to his supporters for May 29 as provocative.
During the program, NHRC member Lily Thapa delivered the welcome speech and stated that today’s event would show how indifferent the government is towards the NHRC.
NHRC Chairperson Tap Bahadur Magar stated that the implementation of the NHRC’s recommendations has been weak. He also urged the government to implement the NHRC’s recommendations. He had even prepared a written speech addressing the Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s Secretariat said that the Prime Minister could not attend the NHRC’s program because it was held early in the morning. PM Oli’s press Spokesperson Ram Sharan Bajgain said that the PM was busy late into the night and was therefore unable to participate in the morning event.
He said, “There was a schedule for the PM to attend the NHRC’s program. However, since he had to stay late at night and the program was early in the morning, the PM could not attend.”
