Kathmandu, April 3 — Local entities throughout the nation strongly objected to the violent demonstrations held by monarchist supporters on Friday. These groups defend the current federal democratic republican system as irreplaceable.
On Wednesday, the National Association of Rural Municipalities in Nepal along with the Municipal Association of Nepal jointly stated that the protesters supporting monarchy are assaulting the democratic framework.
The notion of reverting to a regressive or authoritarian system is not acceptable,” stated officials. “Loktantra remains the only option available.
In the protest spearheaded by Durga Prasai, a contentious medical college proprietor, and Nabaraj Subedi from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, two individuals tragically lost their lives, with numerous people—among them security officers—sustaining injuries.
Properties valued at billions of rupees were damaged as demonstrators engaged in vandalism and arson against both personal and public assets, including vehicles. Not only did they attack media establishments, but they also robbed stores and supermarkets. Even the National Human Rights Commission officials deployed to oversee the demonstration were not left unharmed.
“The two umbrella organizations representing 753 local government entities firmly denounced the destruction of both public and private assets, including facilities belonging to political groups, news outlets, and city transport vehicles, along with the theft conducted under the guise of protests that occurred on Friday in the Tinkune district,” they stated.
Total neglect of the basic standards necessary when practicing democratic rights requires those responsible for organizing the protest to face strict legal consequences. We call upon the government to address this issue with great seriousness.
The two organizations that represent more than 35,000 elected officials stated their strong opposition to all activities and gatherings aimed at undermining the federal republic. This declaration follows the federal government’s appeal to citizens earlier in the day, asking them not to participate in any violent demonstrations organized by what were described as ‘anti-democratic’ groups.
Although they denounced the actions of the pro-monarchy factions, they simultaneously urged both federal and provincial administrations to enact legislation essential for the comprehensive enforcement of the constitution.
“They earnestly ask the federal and provincial authorities to promptly enact the required legislation for establishing the federal democratic republic and concentrate on enhancing service provision and fostering good governance,” states their declaration.
About ten years after the implementation of the constitution, many crucial laws required for the execution of federalism have still not been enacted.
A subcommittee under the Legislation Management Committee of the National Assembly discovered in December last year that several ministries require an additional 39 bills to completely enforce the statute. The constitution established two deadlines for preparing these laws. Within three years following the adoption of the charter, it required the enactment of legislation concerning basic rights. On September 18, 2018—the day prior to the constitutional deadline—federal parliament approved the bills pertaining to 31 fundamental rights.
According to the law, any Act that conflicts with the constitution should have been amended within one year from the date of the initial session of the federal parliament held on March 5, 2018. Although numerous pieces of legislation have been passed, many others remain pending legislative endorsement.
The winter session of the federal parliament did not achieve much in terms of enacting legislation. It came to an end on Tuesday without approving key bills. Among these were proposals related to the federal civil service and school education, both critical for enforcing the constitutional provisions from 2015.
