KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress lawmaker Arjun Narsingh KC has criticized the government for remaining a mute spectator to black marketing and price hikes amid the ongoing flood and landslide crisis. Speaking during the emergency session of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, he expressed strong dissatisfaction with the government’s inaction.
‘This government, which holds a near two-thirds majority, was given a mandate for good governance, rule of law, transparency, and the protection of citizens’ lives. It is by no means a license to support middlemen or remain incompetent,’ KC stated. He warned that if the government does not conduct market monitoring on a war footing to control black marketing, the suffering public will be forced to take to the streets.
KC highlighted that normal life in Rasuwa and Nuwakot has been paralyzed for three weeks due to floods, with over 5,000 people reported missing. He noted that rescue and relief efforts have been ineffective and warned of potential disease outbreaks in the affected areas. He demanded the formation of a high-level all-party parliamentary committee to oversee rescue and relief operations. Additionally, he urged the government to construct five Bailey bridges between Betrawati and Galchhi to restore road connectivity, noting that links to Bidur and Trishuli remain severed.
The lawmaker accused black marketers of creating artificial shortages of food and fuel, viewing the disaster as an opportunity for profit. He reported that rice is being sold at Rs 2,700 per sack, sunflower oil at Rs 300 per litre, mustard oil at Rs 460 per litre, sugar at Rs 140 per kg, goat meat at Rs 1,700 per kg, and eggs at Rs 25 each. He also questioned the role of regulatory bodies, noting that while Kathmandu Valley faces a severe shortage of cooking gas, cylinders are easily available in the black market for Rs 2,600.
KC criticized the authorities for allowing the rule limiting profits to 20 percent to remain only on paper. He reiterated that unless the government immediately improves supply and takes strict action against black marketers, the public will be left with no choice but to protest.
