KATHMANDU, May 28 -- In a highly controversial move, President Ram Chandra Paudel has pardoned the prison sentence of Resham Chaudhary, who is serving life imprisonment in connection with the brutal murder of eight persons including seven police personnel and a minor in Tikapur in 2015.

The prison sentences of 19 people including Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP) leader Resham Chaudhary, have been waived on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, according to the Office of the President. The cabinet meeting held on Sunday morning decided to recommend the pardon of Chaudhary's imprisonment.

Former bureaucrats and civil society leaders have expressed serious concern over the government's latest move. They argue that the move could promo...