CPN-UML Criticizes Government Over Curfews and Legal Immunity Ahead of Elections

Kathmandu: The CPN-UML has stated that the government's decision to issue curfews and prohibitory orders in various districts of Terai-Madhesh as elections approach is a failure of security management. During a press conference held at the party headquarters on Tuesday, Publicity Department Chief Min Bahadur Shahi pointed out that imposing curfews and restrictions in the name of public safety reflects a weakness in security oversight.

He expressed the view that while curfews and prohibitory orders might provide a momentary sense of security, they create fear and terror in the minds of voters, thereby curtailing their right to freely vote for the party of their choice.

"As the elections draw near, the CPN-UML is seriously concerned about the increasing sensitivity of the country's security situation," he said. "While curfews and prohibitory orders are being issued in various districts of Terai-Madhesh, a situation has arisen where the constitutional right of common voters to go to polling stations and vote in a fearless environment could be restricted. 

Issuing curfews and prohibitory orders in the name of public peace and security is a weakness of security management. Although it gives a momentary sense of security, it generates fear in the minds of voters and restricts the right to vote for a chosen party independently."

Similarly, the party concluded that the Office of the Attorney General's decision to grant amnesty to individuals directly involved in any type of criminal activity or "Gen-Z" disturbances goes against the rule of law and fosters an environment of impunity.

He added, "The decision of the Attorney General's Office to grant amnesty to those involved in criminal activities and Gen-Z disturbances is a violation of the rule of law and allows impunity to flourish. 

For the Attorney General's Office to act as a 'washing machine' to clear crimes before the commission's report on the incidents during the Gen-Z protests is even made public is equivalent to the death of justice. We urge the Attorney General's Office to stop this action immediately." Furthermore, the CPN-UML has demanded a halt to violations of the election code of conduct.