Kathmandu, October 7
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recommended departmental action against four senior security and administrative officials over their handling of the pro-monarchy protest in Kathmandu’s Tinkune area on March 28, 2025.
In a report made public on Tuesday, the commission recommended action against then-Kathmandu SSP Bishwo Adhikari, who is now a DIG, SP Apilraj Bohara, Armed Police Force SP Shailendra Shrestha, and then-Kathmandu Chief District Officer Rishiram Tiwari.
The NHRC has recommended action under Article 249(2)(b) of the Constitution, which provides for departmental action against officials responsible for preventing human rights violations if they fail to perform their duties or show negligence in carrying out their responsibilities.
Failure to implement security plan
The commission said the officials failed to properly assess the activities of the protest organisers, formulate and implement an adequate security plan, and mobilise security personnel in accordance with the Integrated Special Security Plan approved by the District Security Committee.
It said the failure contributed to the inability of the security agencies to maintain peace and security during the March 28 protest.
The NHRC has also recommended that the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ Office, Ministry of Home Affairs, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force be alerted about the findings, in accordance with Section 5(1) of the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2012.
Expired tear gas used
The commission has also called for security agencies to be provided with adequate resources and equipment after finding that expired tear gas was widely used during the Tinkune protest.
According to the report, statements recorded during the investigation revealed that security agencies lacked adequate resources and that procurement of essential equipment had not been carried out for a long time.
The NHRC has therefore recommended ensuring sufficient resources and strictly preventing the use of expired tear gas.
NHRC flags statements by Oli government
The commission has also decided to draw the attention of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and members of his cabinet over hate speech directed at political parties and groups holding different beliefs and views.
The NHRC concluded that the then prime minister and ministers had made statements against groups with differing political beliefs and ideologies.
During its monitoring, the commission found that such statements had been published and broadcast by various media outlets. It warned that such remarks could have a negative impact and contribute to hostility toward groups holding different views.
However, the commission has not disclosed the names of the ministers who made the controversial statements.
The NHRC investigated the March 28, 2025 Tinkune protest, during which clashes and violence were reported as a pro-monarchy demonstration escalated in Kathmandu.
