20 December, 2009, Kathmandu - OHCHR-Nepal
expresses serious concern about the violence that erupted on Sunday 20
December on the first day of the general strike called by the Unified Communist
Party of Nepal- Maoists (UCPN-M), especially at New Baneshwor,Kathmandu
in the context of the Prime Minister's return to the country. A number
of police and protesters were injured, some seriously, when police used
force to remove protesters on the Prime Minister's planned route. After
a calm morning, OHCHR-Nepal monitors observing the events at New Baneshwor
witnessed the situation deteriorate rapidly after the DSP in command appeared
to sustain a serious head injury when attacked by protestors. Thereafter,
Police were observed to use excessive force on the crowd, including inappropriate
use of lathis and tear gas, and even stone-throwing. Earlier, tensions
were inflamed when police used a water cannon on protesters who were sitting
passively on the road resulting in an aggressive response, including much
stone-throwing by the demonstrators.
"I recognise the right of the Police
to keep clear the public highways and the right of demonstrators to protest
peacefully, however I call on all groups to exercise restraint, to avoid
provocation and to reduce tension through dialogue. Today's display of
violence was some of the worst on the streets of Kathmandu for several
years, perhaps since Jana Andolaan-II. It must not be repeated and those
responsible should be held to account" said Richard Bennett, Representative
of OHCHR-Nepal.
For further information contact
Chun Gurung, tel: 4280164, ext 320; 98510 16937 (mobile), cgurung@ohchr.org
Website: http://nepal.ohchr.org