Himal Press 
Sudhan Gurung
KATHMANDU: Minister for Home Affairs Sudhan Gurung has warned that officials and employees who leak confidential or sensitive state information to unauthorized individuals or agencies will face legal action.
Gurung issued the warning on social media Tuesday, a day after the Ministry of Home Affairs suspended Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal AIG Banshiraj Dahal for allegedly leaking sensitive information. The ministry, however, has not disclosed details of the information allegedly leaked or the circumstances surrounding the suspension.
Gurung said he had been observing, for a long time, a tendency among officials and employees at the ministry and its subordinate agencies to leak confidential information by disregarding their official responsibilities.
“Sensitive information of the state is not anyone’s private property; it is a public responsibility,” Gurung said. “An official position provides access to information, but it does not give anyone the right to misuse it.”
He said even the smallest piece of information, tip or intelligence obtained by officials could play a decisive role in preventing crimes, advancing investigations or establishing the facts surrounding serious incidents in the future.
Gurung said anyone who deliberately betrays the confidentiality entrusted to them by the state and betrays the country and organization will not be granted immunity.
“Whoever deliberately betrays the confidentiality entrusted by the state, and betrays the country and organization, will not be spared. They will be brought to justice,” he said.
