Oct 31, Kathmandu - Fifteen former ministers, former MPs and intellectuals have demanded that the government stop the misuse of Nepal's national flag, which features the moon and sun. The intellectuals have expressed concern over the increasing misuse of the national flag in various recent incidents.

Fifteen prominent citizens have jointly issued an appeal urging the government to take legal action against those involved in the misuse of the national flag. They have said that since people involved in criminal activities such as arson, vandalism, robbery, and theft have been found to have committed crimes while wearing the flag, it should be considered an 'insult to the national symbol'.

The appeal states, 'Using the national flag to seek votes in a political campaign or election or to fulfill personal or party interests is a violation of its honor and dignity.'

They have said that any attempt to emotionally influence the public by showing the national flag is unethical.

Those who issued the appeal include former ministers Jwala Kumari Shah and Bhagwati Neupane, former Minister of State Bimala BK, former members of the National Assembly Parbati Rawal and Bhairav ​​Sundar Shrestha, former MPs Parbati Bishunke, Aindra Sundar Nemwang and Surya Dhakal, Constituent Assembly members Hari Rajbanshi and Afilal Okheda, writer and political analyst Govinda Thapa, Prof. Dr. Yogendra Gurung, Dr. Padam Khatiwada, filmmaker Sauram Raj Tuladhar and associate professor Dr. Sundari Pokharel.