Oli Accuses PM Dahal of Orchestrating Violence, Calls UML’s Cadres to Retaliate

CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has strongly condemned the targeted attacks against UML leaders and cadres in the Koshi province and has called for retaliation. During the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed central members at the party office in Chyasal on Thursday, Oli expressed his concern over the recent incidents, including the attempted assault on provincial assembly member Ram Rana in Ilam where assailants tried to douse him in engine oil and set him on fire.

Chairman Oli accused Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal of inciting violence in the province and orchestrating these attacks. He questioned the political motive behind such acts and called for UML cadres to defend themselves. Oli stated, “Is this politics? Dousing people in engine oil and setting them on fire? It is time for the UML to be prepared and retaliate. We cannot remain silent if the government is involved in such actions. We must be ready to defend our cadres ourselves.”

The CPN-UML leader further criticized the Dahal government, claiming that it had encouraged and protected such violent acts. He cited incidents where stones were pelted at him during his visits, and even a policeman’s head was smashed, but the authorities failed to take appropriate action. Oli expressed his disappointment with the government’s lack of response, stating, “The police have been instructed to do nothing, even when such heinous acts take place.”

Oli also accused Dahal of attempting to divide the country on ethnic lines in the past and continuing to protect that agenda in a different manner. He emphasized that the UML would not back down or compromise on such issues. The chairman raised concerns over the naming of a proposed Kirat province, suggesting that it would further marginalize non-Kirat communities. He stated, “Our party will not fear any consequences while addressing this issue. We will not bow down or be swayed. There can be no compromise. We can now see why they wanted to name it Kirat province. If such violence occurs even without that name, imagine what would happen if it were named so. Non-Kirats would apparently not even be able to reside there.”