Following the deaths of two protesters and a member of the Armed Police Force (APF) in Chitwan in the past two days, OHCHR-Nepal is urging all sides to exercise restraint and to resolve their differences in dialogue. Protesting groups should use peaceful means only, while the Nepal Police and APF should use force only if necessary, and if force is necessary, ensure that it is proportional to the threat posed.
OHCHR-Nepal is extremely concerned about the use of live ammunition by police. One person was reportedly killed and several others injured, three critically, after police fired live ammunition in Tandi of Ratnanagar Municipality, Chitwan District, on the night of 5 March. A curfew has since been declared. While police claimed they fired in self-defence after protests turned violent, OHCHR-Nepal is stressing that firearms must not be used in policing demonstrations unless there is a very serious threat to life and only once all other methods have been exhausted.
The Office is also extremely concerned at reports that two APF members were attacked by protesters with khukuris (large knives) during a demonstration on 6 March. One constable has since died and the other is seriously injured.
OHCHR-Nepal reiterates its call for thorough and independent investigations into all killings which have occurred.
"I have spoken with the Government, the police and representatives of some protesting groups, and voiced my concerns about violent protests and the use of lethal force. The Government also informed me that it has changed its decision to categorise various Terai groups as Madheshis. Finally, I note that the imposition of a curfew does not justify the use of firearms in situations that are not life threatening," said OHCHR-Nepal Representative Richard Bennett.
For further information contact Marty Logan, Tel.: 428 0164 (Ext.321); 98510 16922 (mobile), mlogan@ohchr.org, or Chun Gurung, tel: 4280164, ext 320; 98510 16937 (mobile), cgurung@ohchr.org