Om Prakash Aryal sworn in as Home/Law minister — Day 1 wrap
BCANP Day 1 Wrap
Om Prakash Aryal takes oath as Home/Law minister; tasked with stability and civil liberties before March polls
BCANP News Desk
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Kathmandu, Nepal
Human-rights lawyer Om Prakash Aryal was sworn in today to the interim cabinet led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki. Reuters lists him as Home Minister, while multiple outlets say he will also oversee Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs. The cabinet’s mandate is to restore order and prepare elections by early March. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Timeline (Today)
- Oath & portfolio: Aryal took the oath in Kathmandu alongside Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal and Energy Minister Kulman Ghising. Portfolios were announced immediately after. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Role description: Reports variously described his brief as leading Home, and Home as well as Law/Justice. State radio also highlighted his prior public-interest litigation record. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Public reaction: Local coverage noted small late-night protests near Baluwatar opposing his selection as Home Minister. (Developing.) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Decisions & Quotes
- Cabinet mandate: The interim government is charged with maintaining security, safeguarding rights, and holding elections around March 5. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Focus areas: Rights-compliant policing during assemblies, protection of public property, and coordination with the Election Commission and Law Ministry structures. (Agenda inferred from portfolio; formal directives pending.) :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Why it matters
Following deadly unrest that left at least 72 people dead and more than 2,100 injured, Nepal needs calm security management and credible elections. Aryal’s human-rights background could shape Day 1 decisions on crowd control and due process. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Background
Aryal is known for public-interest litigation, including legal challenges tied to appointments at the anti-graft agency and earlier constitutional controversies. He has also advised Kathmandu Metropolitan City. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Prime Minister Karki, a former chief justice, formed the interim cabinet after Gen Z-led protests over corruption and governance. The cabinet took office aiming for an early-March vote. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
What’s next
- Home Ministry to issue operational guidance on assemblies and policing consistent with rights standards. (Watch for orders.)
- Coordination with Law/Justice on any protest-related investigations and legal reforms. (Pending official notes.)
- Election-security plan and liaison with the Election Commission ahead of March. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Sources
- Reuters — Karki names Ghising, Khanal, Aryal to interim cabinet :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- AP News — PM appoints three ministers; oath in Kathmandu :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- The Kathmandu Post — portfolios and oath details :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
- Hindustan Times — Aryal sworn in as Home and Law minister :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
- Al Jazeera — oath photo and context :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
- News On AIR — Aryal’s oath; PIL background :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
- NepalNews — report of late-night protest near Baluwatar :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
- Reuters — protest death toll and injuries :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
