RSP MP Jagadish Kharel Raises Alarm Over Stolen Heritage and Ancient Idols in Lalitpur

Kathmandu. Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Member of Parliament Jagadish Kharel has expressed serious concern in parliament, stating that the historical heritage and ancient idols of Lalitpur are being stolen. Speaking at Tuesday's meeting of the House of Representatives, he remarked that in Lalitpur, a city rich in heritage and civilization, an ironic situation has arisen where "instead of God protecting us, we have to protect God."

Kharel, the MP from Lalitpur Constituency No. 2, mentioned that ancient idols and historical stone spouts (hitis) are disappearing from his city, and encroachment on heritage areas is increasing.

He said, "It is said that God protects us, but the time has come in my city where we have to ask to protect God. Idols have been stolen, stone spouts have disappeared. While there is a need for excavation in some places, encroachment has increased in others."

He raised an issue in the House regarding the disappearance of the nine-foot-long and approximately 90-kilogram 'Hiti Mhanga', which is used in the 1600-year-old historical Rato Machhindranath chariot festival, specifically placed on the left and right sides of the 'Dhoma'.

He said, "The nine-foot-long and approximately 90-kilogram 'Hiti Mhanga', which is used in the Rato Machhindranath chariot festival and specifically placed on the left and right sides of the 'Dhoma', has gone missing. Nobody knows where it went."