Meeting between PM, Oli regarding formation of high-level commission positive

Kathmandu, Oct 1: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and major opposition party leader, KP Sharma Oli, today sat for talks in regard with the formation of a high-level investigation commission to address the recent gold smuggling scam. The meeting was constructive, it is said. The Prime Minister will be addressing the House of Representatives (HoR) session today and the announcement of the formation of the Commission was likely before the session commences.

It may be noted that the Inland Revenue Department had on July 19 confiscated around 61 kilos of gold that was smuggled into the country via Tribhuvan International Airport. According to UML whip Mahesh Bartaula, the Baluwatar meeting went positively and they were close to a consensus regarding the agenda and jurisdiction of the Commission.

Though the ruling and opposition parties earlier agreed to constitute the Commission, consensus on its agenda and jurisdictions was awaited. The UML continues to obstruct the House following the confiscation of the gold, demanding the formation of a high-level body to deal with the gold scam.