Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Sunil Sharma, a lawmaker from the ruling coalition partner Nepali Congress (NC), has demanded the resignation of Deputy Prime Minsiter and Minister for Home Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha and Minister for Finance Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat on moral grounds due to their failure in maintaining security at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
Referring to the recent smuggling of 100 kg of gold through the TIA customs, Sharma expressed concern that the ministers’ inability to address the incident indicates that they have lost moral ground to continue in their positions.
“The finance minister assumed office on March 31, changed the secretary on May 3, and transferred the chief of TIA Customs Office on May 31,” Sharma stated. “All of a sudden we are seeing smuggling of quintals of gold.”
Sharma said that if the government fails to apprehend those involved in the smuggling, he would resort to a fast unto death. “If our finance and home ministers cannot give any information about this scam, it questions their moral right to remain in their positions.”
He recalled a past incident where former finance minister Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat had stepped down when US dollars were found deposited in his bank account.
“The ministers should inform us about the progress of the investigation. They should step down until the investigation into the case is completed. This issue concerns all Nepali people, regardless of their political affiliations,” Sharma stressed.
Sharma also said he intends to discuss the matter with the Prime Minister upon his return to the country.
