Lawmaker's clash with police chief sparks debate on parliamentary conduct in Nepal

A fiery confrontation between a ruling party lawmaker and Nepal's police chief has ignited a debate over parliamentary conduct. The exchange, which took place during a Public Accounts Committee meeting, has drawn the attention of Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) chair Rabi Lamichhane.

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The inspector general of police will meet the speaker on Friday. They will discuss what happened at the parliamentary committee meeting and the issue of parliamentary decorum.

Speaker Aryal has summoned Police Chief Dan Bahadur Karki for a meeting to address the incident and clarify the expected behavior of both lawmakers and officials appearing before parliamentary committees. He has also sought explanations from the committee's leadership regarding the heated exchange.

The lawmaker, Khagendra Sunar, made strong accusations regarding the procurement of uniforms for election police. He called for a probe panel and demanded the resignation or suspension of the home secretary and police chiefs during the investigation. Sunar stated, "Serious issues must be discussed in the committee. I stand with the soldiers and the lower classes."

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I told him that I had already facilitated the proceedings and explained what happened at the meeting.

Committee chair Bharat Bahadur Khadka advised that lawmakers should avoid demoralizing security chiefs or making personal allegations. He emphasized the need for respectful language and mindful conduct, considering the sensitivity of the issues under discussion. Lamichhane has also sought details and ways to resolve the dispute, stressing that discussions should be conducted with dignity.

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We should investigate it. The discussion will be bitter. Serious issues must be discussed in the committee. I stand with the soldiers and the lower classes.