The CPN-UML on Thursday expressed its concerns over the activities of various organisations and individuals, including the Rastriya Swatantra Party, that allegedly attempted to influence the ongoing investigation into the misuse of deposits from several cooperatives.

The party argued that there was no point in raising questions over the ongoing investigation and prosecution process since the process was based on the report prepared by a special panel formed by the House of Representatives with the involvement of major parties and had been unanimously endorsed, and the government was directed by the House to implement the report’s recommendations.

“The investigation and prosecution process should not be hindered, especially when the report was accepted by the House that directed the government for implementation,” UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel said in a statement on Thursday.

Pokharel said it is the collective responsibility of all to support the ongoing investigation, prosecution, and judicial process concerning the individuals found responsible by the report.

The ruling party has taken serious exception to the involvement of RSP lawmakers in the protests.

“Convening more than five people with a plan to obstruct government officials from carrying out their duty as defined by the law is an offence,” the statement reads. “Involvement of federal lawmakers in such acts and instigating others for the same is a serious offence.”

The party also called for respect towards the judicial process, urging political parties, the media, government and non-governmental bodies, and citizens to cooperate in ensuring the investigation proceeds fairly and independently.

The ruling party also pointed out the constitutional duty of every citizen to adhere to and uphold the law. “Every citizen has the constitutional duty to follow and uphold the law, and obstructing public officials in their duties or coercing them into illegal activities is punishable,” the statement reads.

The UML called on all concerned parties to refrain from activities that could disrupt the ongoing investigation and requested the government to maintain a fair and impartial judicial environment.