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KATHMANDU — Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane has urged Nepal's business community to operate with confidence, stating that business irregularities should be treated strictly as economic offenses rather than standard criminal matters. Addressing an event in Kathmandu, Lamichhane sought to reassure private sector leaders amid heightened anxiety caused by recent police actions and arbitrary arrests of prominent business figures, which have created widespread panic regarding state overreach and detention risks. "No one can run a business under constant fear and dread of being arrested day or night like a typical criminal," Lamichhane said. "I want to clarify that our party’s line is explicit: mistakes and shortcomings in business must be treated strictly as economic offenses, not through criminal prosecution." The RSP chairman stressed that his party advocates viewing business-related legal issues through financial penalties and systemic legal procedures rather than detaining entrepreneurs like common offenders. Acknowledging public expectations surrounding the performance of the newly formed government—which took office four months ago following an historic mandate—Lamichhane stated that the youth leadership is ready to accept full accountability. "I am not looking to escape accountability by blaming past leadership," he remarked. "Whatever happened yesterday is in the past. In the past key challenges were political challenges focused on constitutional drafting and political transformation. Now, the ball is in our court. We are not here to hunt for culprits, but to identify problems and solve them. Comparing the government's initial four-month stretch to an airplane encountering atmospheric conditions, Lamichhane reassured investors and the public that short-term challenges would not divert the government from its goals. "Regarding this flight that we have set on course, bad weather may occasionally cause turbulence, but we will deliver you safely to your destination," he said. Addressing lingering speculation about political instability or coalition friction, Lamichhane dismissed current rumors as minor distractions. "Since today is the weekend, treat those political rumors merely as snacks—they hold no real value beyond that," he said. "We did not make a promise to an individual; we made a promise to history. None of us has the luxury to step back from our commitments." He added that while the government aims to fulfill its job promises and governance reforms, his political party retains full authority to correct the government's course if it ever strays off track.