The leader of the main opposition party and the chairman of the CPN (Maoist Center), Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', has commented that the government has brought Social Media Bill with an autocratic mindset.
Addressing the meeting of the House of Representatives on Thursday, Prachanda said, "When the current government coalition was being formed, I had expressed my concern standing on this esteemed rostrum, whether the government of the first and second largest parties would somehow move toward regression and despotism. Today, that concern has been proven in reality. Political revenge and misuse of the state for that purpose have become commonplace," said Chairman Prachanda.
He further said that there is an attempt to control and restrict freedom of expression. "Even in cases that can be resolved through mediation, citizens are being rushed from one district to another in handcuffs, and harsh cases are being filed against them. Is this the arrogance of power or fear of the people?," Prachanda questioned.
Taking exception to the firing on the innocent people in the Pathibhara cable car dispute, he questioned why they are taking the path of repression rather than seeking a solution through dialogues in view of the sensitivity of the Pathibhara-Mukkumlung row.
He said that it is an autocratic idea to arrest citizens just because of wearing a T-shirt with someone's photo on it, to detain and prosecute those who raise questions about the delivery of public services, and to try to legally curb freedom of expression and press freedom by bringing a social media regulation bill.
Prachanda questioned, "Are you above citizens' sovereignty? Are you above the Constitution? Are you the master and the citizens the slaves?"
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