Govt. forms probe committee on trespass by protestors in parliament premises

Kathmandu, 26 Feb: The Government has formed a three-member Committee led by Senior Superintendent of Police Dinesh Raj Mainali to probe Usury victims trespassing into Parliament Building and demonstrating there.

The usury victims who had arrived at the federal capital on Friday marching for over 20 days from across the country were conducting callouts, sit-ins and demonstrations to exert pressure on the government.

The dialogue between the government and protester scheduled earlier today following yesterday’s inconclusive meeting had been obstructed as Police attempted to disperse protesters from Bhrikutimandap, said protesters.

A dialogue Committee- coordinated by Joint-Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Rudra Prasad Pandit- formed by the government on Sunday afternoon had held a round of talk later in the evening with a team representing Sangrsha Samiti.

But, the scheduled negotiations today were abruptly stalled after the protesters entered the Parliament Building and shouted demanding justice. The parliament meeting was underway as the protesters entered.

About four dozen protesters have been arrested for breaching the prohibitory orders, informed police.

The government has prohibited demonstrations around Parliament building announcing it as a restricted area.

The government in June had approved the Bill to Amend Some Nepal Acts Related to Civil Code, 2080 – defining usury as a criminal offence – with a purpose of taking action against those involved in usury, mainly micro finance institutions.

However, the law was lax in implementation and delayed justice, said the protesters and are demonstrating with six-point demands including formation of a high-powered commission and an amendment to prevailing legislation.