We use Google Cloud Translation Services. Google requires we provide the following disclaimer relating to use of this service:
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, expressed or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and noninfringement.
Street demonstrations are a natural and common undertaking in a democracy. However, demonstrations become violent when a few protestors are motivated by a desire to show more power. Such an incident may also occur because the security apparatus cannot properly assess the character of the protestor.
Both conditions were seen to be responsible for the demonstration held by Rajawadi in Kathmandu on Friday. As a result, Tinkunye and the surrounding area came under the control of the protestors. The state has initiated the process of taking action against those involved in illegal activities in the name of demonstration. But it is not natural for the state to become helpless just because four to five thousand people are on the streets. Therefore, a commitment to review and improve on the lack of foresight and preparedness is expected from the security mechanism in the event of Friday.
Two people, including a journalist, lost their lives in the demonstration of Rajawadi. Herb Production and Processing Company Limited was set on fire. Flammable fuel depots and the international airport, which houses dozens of ships, were engulfed in flames. The offices of Kantipur TV and Annapurna Post were attacked. Bhatbhateni supermarket was looted. The party office of the United Samajwadi Party was vandalized and set on fire. Private houses, vehicles and public property were burnt. The fire engine that went to extinguish the fire was also vandalized. According to police data, protesters set fire to 12 places and vandalized 18 private and government buildings. The commander of the demonstration, Durga Prasai, drove the car while chasing the police. According to security experts, this loss could have been minimized if the nature of Rajawadi and his commanders had been assessed and prepared.
Rajawadi was given to perform in Tinkune. The intelligence information and analysis about the number of protesters who can come there, what are their preparations, and if they are not restrained, they can cause damage, did not seem to be enough. Even after the situation escalated, it was seen that the security agency failed in the strategy that should be decided immediately to take control and the information flow and coordination about it. As a result, as the demonstration becomes chaotic, it seems that the security of sensitive areas is also getting weaker. That was the reason why Rajawadi succeeded in throwing fire inside a sensitive area like the airport.
The Nepali society is clear that the main mastermind behind Friday's incident is former king Gyanendra Shah. On Thursday, the day before the incident, Gyanendra had discussed with Durga Prasai for two hours at Nirmal Niwas and appointed him as the commander of the demonstration. Whatever was the point of appointing a commander to a man of controversial, apolitical and defiant nature, the incident also happened. If he had intended to raise a peaceful voice, there was no need for Gyanendra to choose Durga Prasar in a country with a population of 20 million and about 600,000 royalist voters. He was able to run away from the police encirclement by trampling the police on the road. This is a surprising situation.
Due to failure to continuously monitor and control the situation, huge damage was caused during Friday's demonstration. There is no doubt that all agencies responsible for security should make this the subject of their regular review. However, it is necessary to write a report in such a way that the Parliament of the country can hear, see and say so that today's anarchists do not get emboldened tomorrow, do not repeat this trend, and do not cause damage to private, community and public property. It does not mean that the bodies connected with home administration and security have not reviewed themselves. However, investigations by such bodies within their own limitations may not prevent another accident in the near future. Therefore, it is appropriate to investigate all aspects through a competent inquiry committee.
Of course, Friday's arson attack is not an everyday occurrence. Its purpose, background and future are also terrible. Hence, a detailed investigation is required to monitor its aspects and formulate a possible strategy. Such investigations will also make the account of the incident more credible. Such an investigation may also expose weaknesses on the part of the state. Which can be improved in the future. In the future, if the security strategy can be made agile, physical and technical provision can be increased, a demonstration like Friday's can be easily managed.
