NHRC appeals all to cease violent activities

KATHMANDU: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has appealed to all protesting groups to immediately cease violent activities.

While firmly supporting the right to peaceful protest, the NHRC emphasized that such rights cannot justify violence or infringement on others’ rights. The commission called for legal action against all perpetrators of violence, regardless of affiliation.

Issuing a press statement on Friday, NHRC Chairperson Dr Tikaram Pokharel condemned the escalating violence seen during recent demonstrations organized by pro-monarchy activists and Socialist Front alliance members.

The NHRC said its monitoring teams documented disturbing scenes during Friday’s protests, particularly at Kathmandu’s Tinkune area, where pro-monarchy demonstrators clashed violently with security forces. “Protesters attempted to break through police barricades to enter the restricted New Baneshwar zone, leading to intense confrontations,” the NHRC said, adding that demonstrators threw stones at police, attacked private homes, and set fires, while security forces responded with water cannons, warning shots, and tear gas.

NHRC also said that members of its monitoring team were assaulted by demonstrators in Koteshwar. “The violence extended to attacks on media buildings, educational institutions, and private residences, with fire trucks and police vehicles also targeted by protesters,” it added.