Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Nepal Police has stated that its personnel were forced to open fire on Friday in Tinkune after protesters turned violent.
Organizing a press meet at the Nepal Police Headquarters on Wednesday, police officials explained that they resorted to firing when the agitated crowd became uncontrollable.
DIG Dinesh Acharya, the central spokesperson for Nepal Police, said that live rounds were used to control the unruly mob. “The first shots were fired at 2:54 pm after protesters attempted to advance toward the airport,” Acharya said, adding that 20 people—two women and 18 men—were injured by gunfire.
A total of 20 people—two women and 18 men—were injured by gunfire
Acharya further added that a total of 58 live rounds, 746 tear gas shells and 192 blank fires were used during the protest. “Police first fired tear gas at 12:50 pm on Friday when demonstrators breached restricted areas and tried to march toward the Parliament building,” he said. “The situation escalated when a group led by Durga Prasai forcefully pushed forward from Tinkune.”
Acharya also accused Prasai and Rabindra Mishra of inciting the crowd, via loudspeakers, to seize the Parliament building, Singha Durbar, and the airport.
According to police, protesters set fires and vandalized property in Tinkune. “Water cannons were deployed, but fire trucks attempting to reach the scene were pelted with stones,” Acharya added.
Police also say that they have intensified the search for Prasai, who has been on the run since the incident. “Many individuals involved in violent acts have been detained,” Acharya said, denying allegations that police used excessive force.
