Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Kumar Thapa has questioned the government over the circumstances that led the police to open fire in Kaptangunj of Sunsari on Sunday night.
Issuing a statement on the incident at Kaptangunj in Dewangunj Rural Municipality, Thapa asked why the situation had escalated to the point where police resorted to lethal force.
One person died after being hit by a police bullet while 22 others, including security personnel, were injured during clashes between two communities.
“I have a question for the government: Why did the situation reach a point where police had to open fire, leading to the loss of a civilian’s life?” Thapa said in the statement. “In such a sensitive situation that could undermine social harmony, the state should have acted with greater restraint, vigilance and responsibility.”
Describing the loss of life as deeply unfortunate, he said the authorities should have taken timely measures to prevent the incident through better coordination, security preparedness and vigilance.
“It is regrettable that the situation escalated to the point where police firing claimed a civilian’s life when sufficient coordination, security preparedness and preventive measures should have been taken in time,” Thapa said. “I demand an immediate, impartial, independent and credible investigation into the incident and that the truth be made public.”
Thapa also urged the government to provide prompt medical treatment to the injured and provide necessary assistance to the family of the deceased without delay.
Likewise, he called on the authorities to handle the situation in the affected area with sensitivity to prevent further escalation and to maintain peace, security and public confidence.
