The Annapurna Post, 5 May
A few organisations and individuals have been strongly opposing the Constitutional Council's decision to nominate former chief secretary Lokman Singh Karki as the chief of the Commission the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA). The manner in which they are challenging the move it seems like Karki is the single biggest threat to democracy in Nepal. However, if this is the case then the foundations of our democracy must be very fragile.
It is important to understand the motive of the media houses who consider themselves agenda setters of the country and other individuals who are against Karki becoming chief. Why are major national dailies dedicating entire front pages to Karki’s issue? These stalwarts of democracy accuse Karki of suppressing the 2006 Jana Andolan. But why didn’t they speak out when other suppressors of the people’s movement were promoted to high posts in the government and police?
Another accusation is that Karki was appointed by the then royal regime. Good god our memory. The same TV station run by a media house which so vehemently opposes the appointment of Karki as CIAA chief was inaugurated by former crown prince Paras Shah. Media owners who once were submissive to the royal regime have now suddenly turned revolutionary and Karki has become a prime target for them.
However, the real reason behind the attacks is that these people who have amassed untold wealth by ransacking the treasury and evading taxes are scared they will be punished if Karki comes to power. Karki had said during a speech that if he becomes CIAA chief, he would take immediate action against defaulters who have stolen from the government and even internationally renowned businessmen would not be spared. No wonder a certain section of society is terrified by the prospect of losing their ill-gotten money.
