KATHMANDU: The CPN (UML) has strongly condemned the arrest of its Vice Chairman, Bishnu Prasad Paudel, in Surkhet, describing the government’s move as an illegal, “abduction-style” operation.

In a press statement issued Monday, UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli accused the current government of exhibiting authoritarian behavior and targeting opposition leaders for “cheap political stunts.”

The party emphasized that Paudel, a former minister who respects the rule of law, was in Surkhet for a scheduled party event and could have been questioned through standard legal procedures instead of being maliciously detained.

Characterizing the arrest as a direct political attack on Chairman Oli and the party, the UML warned the government to halt its undemocratic actions and called on democratic forces to unite in protest.

Government authorities have yet to issue an official response.