MP proposes ‘dummy tiger’ for monkey control; Parliament criticizes PM over accountability

KATHMANDU: During a session of the House of Representatives, ruling party Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) MP Shriram Neupane proposed the use of a “dummy tiger” as an innovative solution to control the growing problem of monkey terror affecting farmers across Nepal.

Speaking in Parliament, MP Neupane said that monkey intrusion has become a serious threat to agriculture, with farmers increasingly unable to protect their crops. Citing an example from Tanahun, he shared the experience of farmer Pahal Singh Gurung of Shuklagandaki–3, who reportedly managed to protect his orange farm using a dummy tiger worth Rs 1,200. According to him, the farmer successfully kept monkeys away for two consecutive seasons. “In the first year, monkeys did not come at all. In the second year, the position of the dummy tiger had to be changed daily,” Neupane said in the House.

He further argued that the system could be made more effective through modern technology, suggesting the development of a mobile or movable dummy tiger, sensor-based roaring systems, tiger-scent sprays, and flashing lights. “The goal is not to kill monkeys, but to control them in a scientific and innovative way,” he said.

MP Neupane also urged the government to immediately introduce a national monkey management policy, declare affected areas as “special monkey protection zones,” and implement sterilization programs along with dummy tiger systems. He recommended studying international practices, including those of India, to advance monkey sterilization initiatives.

In a separate development during the same parliamentary session, CPN-UML MP Nita Ghatanai strongly criticized Prime Minister Balen Shah, accusing him of disrespecting democratic values and norms.

Speaking in the House, Ghatani said the Prime Minister was trying to avoid public questions, warning that a trend of discouraging parliamentary questioning was emerging, which she described as dangerous for democracy. She challenged the Prime Minister to appear in Parliament and respond to lawmakers’ questions if he had confidence in his work.

“Democracy is not a system of blind support, and citizens are not merely a crowd to clap,” she said, emphasizing that MPs represent the direct voice of the people and that holding the government accountable is Parliament’s responsibility.

She further remarked that no individual, including the Prime Minister, is above Parliament or public scrutiny. “The Prime Minister may be popular, and the government may be powerful, but no one is above the House or the questions of the people,” she said.

MP Ghatani warned that arrogance of power does not last long and stressed that democratic values and public voice remain enduring. She reiterated that the Prime Minister has no right to evade public questions and concluded that disrespect toward democracy would not be tolerated.