Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that violence of the past will never happen and will not be allowed to happen again in Nepal.
Speaking during the launch of the book ‘Into the Fire’ by Capt Rameshwar Thapa, chairperson of Annapurna Media Network, in Kathmandu on Saturday, Oli also assured that Nepal will not go through the economic and political turmoil like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Oli was responding to a statement made by CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal in Parliament on Aug 26, where he suggested Nepal should learn from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Prime Minister Oli remarked, “Just because something happens in Bangladesh doesn’t mean it will happen here in Nepal,” claimed Oli. “Politics of lawlessness, chaos, and violence is no longer possible in Nepal. We will not let it happen.”
He added that Dahal, who led an armed insurgency that killed 17,000 people, is now loudly telling him to learn from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. “Did I kill 17,000 people in the name of the People's War to gain something? Did I commit looting to gain something? I have nothing to fear.”
Advocating for a peaceful society, Oli recalled how he resisted the Maoists' violence, even when he had no army or police, relying solely on moral courage.“When the Maoists were spreading violence in the name of people’s war, indiscriminately killing people, and looting, I strongly opposed it. I had the moral courage to stand on the side of truth.”
Prime Minister Oli also mentioned that he has no personal desire to cling to power and is prepared to smoothly transfer power to the Nepali Congress before his term ends.
“My current term as prime minister has only 1 year, 10 months, and 15 days remaining. And I have said it in the past too that I will transfer leadership of the government a week before the term ends.”
Oli emphasized that the country cannot be ruled recklessly. “I have been committed to building this country for six years. I have never coveted others’ properties and will never do so. I have not engaged in corruption, nor will I allow others to do so.”
He also highlighted the country’s economic challenges, noting that revenue collection decreased by 24 percent last year. He assured that this situation would be resolved through actions, not just words. He also pledged to raise the living standards of the more than 20 percent of Nepalis who live below the poverty line.
Regarding Capt Thapa’s book, Oli claimed, “We have inaugurated in this book an important moment of history. ‘Barudmathi Udda’ was published six years ago, and its English translation ‘Into the Fire’ includes some additional details and information. I would like to congratulate Captain Rameshwar Thapa for this achievement.”
Oli praised Capt Thapa’s bravery, stating, “Capt Thapa risked his life to support Nepali security personnel in maintaining peace and order during the conflict. Though not a soldier, his bravery is no less than that of a military person. If he was after a salary, he could have earned an income doing other work, but he chose to prioritize the country’s security over his own.”
Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba also attended the book launch and spoke highly of Capt Thapa. “I have known Captain Rameshwar Thapa for a long time. I have flown many times in his helicopter, both for party work and for other purposes. He has been a tremendous help to me personally and to the party.”
Deuba added, “I regard him as a person who wishes well for everyone. He has played a significant role in Nepali politics by bringing major parties together and preventing political instability.”
Capt Thapa, in his speech, reflected on his journey. “I am the son of an ordinary farmer. I wish for the country and society to prosper through good deeds. I witnessed the 10-year conflict firsthand, surviving ambushes and bullets. These experiences need to be documented, and I will continue writing. During the conflict, I focused on minimizing human loss and material damage.”
He also recounted his contributions to relief and rescue efforts during the conflict, often flying his helicopter to remote villages. “At times, the courtyards were empty because there were no people left in the settlements. Only about 70 percent of these incidents are written in the book. Now, we must not let our relations deteriorate. Our country is beautiful, and no one dies of hunger here. This is the message my book conveys.”
Capt Thapa expressed his commitment to working for the country with courage and dignity, emphasizing that Nepal is a land of knowledge and spirituality. “I hope that now no one should be an enemy of anyone in the country.”
