KATHMANDU: Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire has adjourned the session of the House of Representatives until 1 pm on Monday following disruptions caused by lawmakers from the main opposition CPN-UML. The UML legislators surrounded the well and chanted slogans, demanding the resignation of the home and finance ministers.
UML lawmakers have demanded the formation of a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the recent smuggling of 100 kg of gold through the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Customs Office.
The main opposition party has also called for the resignations of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha and Minister for Finance Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat. Padam Giri, the UML Chief Whip, accused the home and finance ministers of putting in place a ‘setting’ for gold smuggling. “We are seeking a ruling from the Speaker to form a high-level inquiry committee to thoroughly investigate the smuggling,” Giri stated.
Giri expressed concern over the government’s sluggish approach in investigating Maoist leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara and his son’s alleged involvement in another gold smuggling incident.