NA Members Demand Probe into Forced Demolition of Dalit’s House in Siraha

Members of the National Assembly (NA) have called for a thorough investigation into the forced demolition of a Dalit’s house in Siraha, reportedly done to clear the site for a Mahayagya, a religious event.

Ghanashyam Rijal condemned the incident, describing it as a “heinous act of caste-based discrimination” and a violation of the Constitution and existing laws. He demanded accountability for those involved, stating that the act is an insult to around six million Dalit people in the country. Rijal also stressed the need to ensure the safety of the affected individuals.

Supporting Rijal, Bishnu Devi Pudasaini and Bishnu Bahadur Bishwakarma labeled the demolition a criminal act and urged the government to suspend the rural municipality chair and arrest the accused, including the religious leader known as ‘Bajarangi Baba,’ who was leading the Mahayagya.

During the session, other members raised various issues. Manrupa Sharma demanded justice in the murder case of Mina Pariyar, a 19-year-old from Beni Municipality, Myagdi. Rukmini Koirala called for effective measures to prevent non-communicable diseases. Renu Chand questioned the progress of the Sahid Dasharath Chand Health Science University Bill 2080 BS. Bishnu Kumari Sapkota urged the government to address the challenges faced by sugarcane farmers in Ruru, Gulmi, while Krishna Bahadur Rokaya advocated for constructing a river above the Bheri River along the border of Madela, Jajarkot, and Chaurjahari, Rukum West.

Shree Krishna Prasad Adhikari expressed dissatisfaction with the recent statement by Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, regarding the potential resumption of load-shedding. NA members Puja Chaudhary, Baladev Bohara, and Sabitri Malla also voiced concerns over various pressing contemporary issues, urging the government to take prompt action.