Probe the role of political leaders, social media influencers in instigating protest: NHR

KATHMANDU: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recommended an investigation into the roles of political leaders, campaigners, social media influencers and organisations accused of instigating the violent protests that took place in Kathmandu on September 8 and 9 last year.

In its recommendations to the government, the constitutional human rights body said a detailed investigation should be conducted into whether their public statements, social media posts and activities before, during and after the protests contributed to violence, destruction and disturbances to public order.

According to NHRC, investigators should examine whether the expressions and activities of those named had angered or provoked demonstrators and whether they had encouraged actions that disrupted public peace and security.

Among those named by the NHRC are former Prime Minister Sushila Karki, former home ministers Sudan Gurung and Om Prakash Aryal, medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai, former crown princess Himani Shah, social media personalities, campaigners and several other public figures.

The report also names Ganesh Karki, Sulav Kharel, Bablu Gupta, Rakshya Bam, Krishna Karki, Dr Toshima Karki, Rajiv Kharel, Shobha Sharma, KP Khanal, Dipak Bohora, Manish Jha, Jwala Sangroula, Tika Ram Thapa, Bimal Panta, Khemraj Saud, Purushottam Yadav, Aman Pratap Adhikari, Bibek Tapaliya, Sisan Baniya, Ashika Tamang, Asim Man Basnet, Bhagya Neupane, Tanka Dhakal, Victor Poudel, Ankit Malla, Umesh Bohora, Shiva Yadav, Binod Deuba, Suru Sunuwar, Bhim Upadhyaya, Ravi Kiran Hamal, Hari Dhakal, Nishchal Basnet, Gauri Bahadur Karki, Pashupati Khadka, Urja Baral, Jerry Tamrakar, Hem Sagar Bidrohi, Buddha Chhiring, Santosh Rajabadi, Amit Khanal, Deepak Devkota, Gaurav Baral and Nishan Mainali, among others.

The NHRC has said the investigation should ensure the individual rights of the accused to a fair hearing and that action should be taken if they are found responsible. It also instructed officials to keep the public informed during the investigation process.