Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has expressed concern over a protest over remarks made by its parliamentary party Whip, Krantishikha Dhital, as well as threats issued against lawmakers.
Speaking at the House of Representatives meeting on Thursday, RSP General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya urged parliament to uphold freedom of expression of all its members. He said parliament and the government must take the issue seriously and protect freedom of expression.
Acharya said it was unacceptable for lawmakers to be publicly threatened simply for expressing differing views.
“Open threats to drag or pull lawmakers, burn their homes and cause bloodshed simply because they hold different views are, prima facie, a direct attack on freedom of expression,” he said.
Acharya, however, did not mention Dhital.
A few days ago, families of Gen Z martyrs staged a demonstration in front of the Singha Durbar gate over remarks made by Dhital.
Following the first memorial event for Gen Z martyrs in Kathmandu on September 8 on the premises of the old parliament building, Dhital questioned the participation of controversial religious figures in the event. She had expressed concern over a concert-like atmosphere of the event that failed to address the pain of the families of the martyrs and those injured during the movement.
Dhital had also expressed disagreement with Home Minister Sudan Gurung’s speech delivered at the event.
In a recent interview, Dhital also disclosed a WhatsApp exchange she had with the home minister. According to her, Gurung questioned her, saying, “Why did you speak about something you didn’t know?” and “You dropped the stick after crossing the river”.
In her reply to the home minister, Dhital said, “Minister, you lacked decency. Will the demands of Gen Z be fulfilled by keeping criminals by your side? If you think the Gen Z movement belongs to you alone, come out of that illusion. We’ll meet in Parliament. I feel sorry for you.”
She also said the movement did not belong to any one individual and suggested that the home minister’s statement, “we have not come to learn from the old; we have come to teach them,” could be his personal view.
Addressing the House, Acharya urged the government to create an environment in which lawmakers are not afraid to speak.
“I have already urged the Home Minister and the Office of the Prime Minister to bring those issuing extremist threats within the ambit of law,” Acharya said. “I want this honorable parliament to give courage to every lawmaker who speaks based on facts,” he said.
