Himal Press 
Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak (Photo: RSS)
KATHMANDU: Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak has stated that further damage was prevented in the Tinkune incident last Friday due to the restraint exercised by security personnel.
Speaking at a meeting of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of the House of Representatives on Friday, Lekhak credited the police’s “extreme restraint” for avoiding additional casualties. “Due to the coordinated efforts of security forces and their commitment to maintaining peace, they exercised maximum restraint, even when officers were injured, to prevent further human casualties,” he said. “Given the mob’s aggression and instigation by leaders, the situation could have escalated into greater tragedy had the police not shown restraint.”
Two people lost their lives and many police personnel and demonstrators were injured in the incident. Nepal Police said in a press meet earlier this week that police personnel fired 58 live rounds, 746 tear gas shells and 192 blank fires to contain the protest.
The Home Minister also accused pro-monarchy groups of orchestrating the Tinkune violence with the sole intent of spreading chaos and undermining the constitution and state authority. He assured that an impartial investigation would be conducted into the incident.
Lekhak also said that the government would crack down on anti-constitutional and anarchic activities within legal bounds to ensure the safety of citizens and safeguard democratic rights.
“The vandalism, destruction, and attacks carried out to devalue the constitutional right to peaceful assembly cannot be justified by any political ideology or belief,” he said. “While the constitution guarantees the right to peaceful dissent, those behind these anarchic acts must bear legal and moral responsibility.”
The home minsiter condemned the targeted attacks on private property, media houses, political party offices, businesses and motor vehicles, stating that such acts do not represent any legitimate political philosophy.
“There is no doubt that this was a planned criminal and destructive act,” he said. “The constitution grants the right to peaceful protest, but looting, arson, and attempts to run over security personnel are inexcusable and condemnable. The government is clear that the organizers and participants must face legal consequences.”
He also urged people to reject such irresponsible and violent actions and assured that the government remains committed to preventing such chaos in the future.
