The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has suggested disciplinary action against four senior officials related to the Tinkune violence on March 28, 2025.
The NHRC recommends actions against former Kathmandu Police Chief SSP Bishwo Adhikari (now DIG), SP Apilraj Bohara, Armed Police Force SP Shailendra Shrestha, and former Kathmandu Chief District Officer Rishiram Tiwari.
The NHRC report states that these officials failed to uphold their constitutional duties by not preventing serious rights violations during the Tinkune protest.
NHRC Highlights Inadequate Security Planning
The NHRC noted that authorities did not properly evaluate the activities and potential threats posed by protest organizers.
The report indicated that the integrated special security plan was poorly prepared and executed, leading to inadequate mobilization of security personnel, which negatively impacted safety in Kathmandu Valley.
The NHRC has instructed the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Home Affairs, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force to act on its recommendations.
Concerns Over Expired Tear Gas Shells
The NHRC criticized authorities for using expired tear gas shells during the Tinkune violence.
The commission’s research revealed that agencies lacked sufficient crowd-control equipment to handle the situation effectively.
It has urged the government to ensure that security agencies acquire appropriate crowd-control gear and avoid using expired tear gas shells.
The NHRC also recommended the adoption of non-lethal crowd-control methods and cautioned against using lethal force.
NHRC Report Points to Organizers’ Role
The report also examined the role of Tinkune protest organizers.
It suggested initiating an investigation into Durga Prasai and others for inciting violence. The report indicated that statements and social media posts from organizers contributed to the unrest.
It has urged authorities to take action against the protest organizers for the violence, property damage, and loss of innocent lives, while ensuring due legal process for those being investigated.
The March 28, 2025 demonstration, which called for restoring the monarchy and abolishing federalism, escalated into violence in Kathmandu, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, including journalist Suresh Rajak and protester Sabin Maharjan.
The NHRC has called for accountability for those responsible for the violence and recommended compensation for the families of Rajak and Maharjan, along with a separate inquiry into the circumstances of the journalist’s death.
NHRC Condemns Hate Speech by KP Sharma Oli and Cabinet Members
The commission criticized statements made by former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and some ministers regarding the Tinkune protest, urging that such remarks should be avoided in the future.
The report noted that their statements, which targeted differing political views, fostered animosity and disrupted social harmony.
It recommended that the former Prime Minister and ministers refrain from making hate speeches and criticizing opposing political leaders going forward.
The report did not specify which ministers made the controversial statements.
The NHRC also condemned the decision to allow political demonstrations in sensitive areas of Kathmandu on the same day as the Tinkune protest.
The authorities are advised to establish clear guidelines for political rallies and prevent rival groups from holding demonstrations in the same area simultaneously.
The NHRC has directed relevant authorities to determine appropriate disciplinary and legal actions based on its recommendations, placing responsibility on government agencies to implement these actions.