Kathmandu — The Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), CPN-UML, has accused the government of acting irresponsibly by withdrawing security arrangements for political leaders at a time when the country faces mounting security threats.
Speaking to reporters after the party’s Secretariat meeting on Monday, UML Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali said the decision has increased risks and weakened the morale of security forces.
“Just when the security situation is most sensitive, the government has chosen to withdraw protection for political leaders,” Gyawali said. “This has demoralized security personnel and emboldened criminal groups.”
According to Gyawali, recent reports indicate that more than 1,200 weapons and nearly 100,000 rounds of ammunition have been looted from security agencies, while around 5,000 prisoners remain at large after escaping from jails.
“Even individuals arrested with solid evidence are being released under pressure from the Home Ministry,” he said. “This is a deeply alarming trend.”
Questions Over Government’s Priorities
Gyawali alleged that the government has focused more on weakening police confidence than on improving security. Instead of rebuilding damaged police posts, providing proper equipment, and restoring law and order, he said, authorities are concentrating on restricting political activity.
“The government seems to be moving away from preparing for elections and heading toward suppression and confrontation,” he remarked. The UML leader also criticized Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal for not attending the all-party discussion called by the President, saying it reflected a lack of seriousness about building political consensus.
“When the President calls a meeting in the national interest, it should not be ignored by the head of government,” Gyawali said. “That is an irresponsible act that undermines dialogue.” He further expressed concern that the Prime Minister had not inquired about the health of political leaders who had recently suffered attacks or injuries.
“A party president was attacked with a khukuri and is recovering with fourteen stitches,” he said. “Has our society become so insensitive that even a simple expression of concern is too much to expect from the Prime Minister?”
Concluding his remarks, Gyawali said the Prime Minister’s approach cannot unite a divided nation or ensure credible elections. “Instead of promoting dialogue and cooperation among parties, the government is deepening divisions,” he added. “Such conduct will not foster national unity — it will only increase polarization.”
