People’s representatives protecting loan sharks, allege lawmakers

KATHMANDU: Members of the House of Representatives have alleged that people’s representatives themselves are protecting loan sharks.

Speaking at the meeting of the lower house on Wednesday, they sought the formation of a parliamentary committee to address the issues faced by loan shark victims.

Stating that loan sharks were making a mockery of the law and order situation, Nepali Congress lawmaker Pradeep Poudel said such activities were unacceptable. “The activities of loan sharks are not only a financial crime but also a social crime,” he said, adding: “The act of evicting farmers from their land by utilizing loopholes in the law and taking advantage of the ignorance of the local people has made a mockery of the law and order situation.”

He also said the activities of loan sharks were increasing several social crimes. “We have heard of youths falling into addiction and land sharks sexually exploiting women,” he added.

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Manish Jha said land shark victims do not get help from the local administration. “People’s representatives also ignore their plights,” he said, warning lawmakers not to protect loan sharks. “Some relatives of members of this house are also charging exorbitant interest rates by taking land as collateral. Please don’t protect such people,” he added.

Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) chairman Rajendra Lingden condemned misbehaving of his party’s lawmakers who had joined the protest of victims to show solidarity with their protest.

Similarly, Ranju Kumari Jha of Janata Samajbadi Party, also demanded the formation of a parliamentary committee to make recommendations to the government for addressing the plights of the loan shark victims.

Another lawmaker Prabhu Sah said loan sharks should be brought to book as they have violated existing laws.