Lawmakers from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) wore blue ribbons in Parliament on Tuesday as part of their ongoing protest against the government’s handling of the visit visa scam, which the party claims has fuelled human trafficking.

The symbolic gesture, invoking the international emblem of anti-human trafficking campaigns, was aimed at pressuring Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak to resign and the formation of an independent probe panel, either parliamentary or judicial.

RSP lawmakers have been obstructing House proceedings since May 27. The party alleges that Nepali citizens are being trafficked abroad under the pretext of visit visas, and blames the government for turning a blind eye.

“The blue ribbon represents our commitment to end human trafficking and hold those responsible accountable,” said one RSP lawmaker. “We are raising our voice for the victims, and we will not stop until justice is served.”

However, the protest prompted a strong reaction from the ruling Nepali Congress. The party accused RSP lawmakers of violating parliamentary rules by wearing unauthorised symbols inside the House. Congress chief whip Shyam Kumar Ghimire raised a formal objection, stating that such displays could undermine decorum and set a disruptive precedent.

“There is a rule that lawmakers must appear in proper, formal attire,” Ghimire said. “If this is allowed, what happens if someone shows up in casual wear or with other protest gear? This is not the way to maintain the dignity of Parliament.”

Ghimire called on Speaker Devraj Ghimire to issue a warning and consider disciplinary action, including expulsion, against the protesting lawmakers. “The Speaker must take this seriously and act to protect the sanctity of the House,” he added.