Kathmandu. Nepali Congress General Minister Pradeep Paudel has objected to the arrest of a citizen who raised his voice against the appointment of Ani Choing Dolma as the vice-chairman of the Lumbini Development Fund in the middle of the night.
Publicizing his views on social media on Tuesday, Paudel criticized the arrest of citizens who questioned the government instead of correcting controversial appointments.
“Such arrogance of the government cannot be supported,” he wrote. A wrong decision has been made, show the courage to correct it, not begrudge those who raise questions.’
Stating that the Lumbini Development Fund is an institution of national and international importance, Poudel said that while appointing it as its leader, along with popularity, merit, institutional capacity, public credibility, moral character and accountability should be looked at.
He said that questions were raised publicly about Ani Choing Dolma’s citizenship and financial dealings. He said that Lumbini is not only the birthplace of Buddha but also a heritage linked to Nepal’s international identity, religious faith and cultural pride.
Meanwhile, Akram Khan and Wajiuddin Muslim, coordinators of the Lumbini Bachau Mahabhiyan, who protested against the appointment of Ani Choing Dolma, were released on Tuesday afternoon. They were arrested on Monday night on charges of disturbing public peace.
According to Chief Superintendent of Police Janak Bahadur Shahi of Rupandehi District Police Office, they were released after preparing necessary documents. According to the police, they were detained by a team from the area police office, Lumbini, on the charge of disorderly activities in a public place located in Lumbini Cultural Municipality-6 and disturbing the peace and order.