Several of those involved in arson, vandalism, and looting during the protests on the 24th have been arrested. However, the government has not shown any proactiveness in identifying and bringing to justice those responsible for the repression and human losses on the 23rd, which were the catalyst for the events on the 24th.
What you should know
A Human Rights Watch report has been released, recalling the trauma caused by the human and material losses during the Gen-G movement on 23 Bhadra and the protests on 24 Bhadra. It concludes that excessive force, including deadly weapons, was used in the movement two and a half months ago and suggests that the security agencies and political figures involved should be held accountable. This is what Nepali society has been seeking since the Gen-G movement.
Some of those involved in arson, vandalism, and looting during the protests on the 24th have been arrested. However, the government has not shown any proactiveness in identifying and bringing to justice those responsible for the repression and human losses on the 23rd, which were the catalyst for the events on the 24th. This has caused discomfort to advocates of a just society, including Gen-G. Therefore, there is a demand that they should also be brought to justice. The findings and recommendations of ‘Human Rights Watch’ have also spoken the same voice. The government should take this seriously.
‘Human Rights Watch’ is an organization that monitors human rights violations worldwide. It is popular among human rights advocates because it has created an image of publishing fact-based reports independently. However, no country is formally and legally obligated to implement its suggestions or recommendations. Not even Nepal. Therefore, it does not mean that the suggestions of the report related to the Gen-G movement must be implemented. But its reports cannot be ignored either. Because there is international interest and monitoring of the status of implementation of the report and its recommendations.
Failure to implement the law will cause Nepal moral and diplomatic embarrassment in the international community. Therefore, the mistake of ignoring the Human Rights Watch report on the Gen-G movement and remaining silent should not be made. Because this issue is also linked to Nepal's commitment to human rights, its initiative to take action against human rights violators, and its respect for the rule of law. Only by taking action against those who brutally suppress peaceful protests will Nepal's commitments made in international forums related to human rights come to life.
In the Gen-G movement for 23 Bhadra, deadly weapons were used even when there was no immediate or immediate threat to the police. The police repressed the protesters after they crossed the barricade and moved towards the parliament building. The police started firing with deadly weapons just 5 minutes after the curfew order was issued. None of the eyewitnesses interviewed for the report said that they were aware that the police had warned them before using deadly weapons.
On the first day, 19 people died and hundreds were injured, and the demonstration on the 24th was held. However, the report has pointed out that the attacks on government institutions, businesses, and media organizations involved individuals who have no direct connection to the Gen-G movement. Therefore, it is imperative to identify and take action against the oppressors of the 23rd and the saboteurs of the 24th. The process of identification and action must be transparent and credible. Everyone is watching the investigation, especially against the then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and responsible officials of the security agencies. Only if it can proceed in a credible manner will the entire investigation be credible.
The government has formed a high-level commission under the chairmanship of former judge Gauri Bahadur Karki to investigate the incidents of 23 and 24 Bhadra. The government is prepared to take action against the culprits only after the commission submits its report. Since the commission's term is one month away, we are looking forward to its report. We are also waiting for the report of the Human Rights Commission. The most important thing is to take action against the culprits. No political influence should interfere with that. The incident should not be ignored just because it has already happened.
Because, it is established that rulers who violate human rights are not held accountable because they could not take action against those who suppressed the people's movements of 2046 or 2062/63. In addition, the repression during demonstrations or movements with various demands is criticized, but no one is held accountable and is found to be a participant in the action. That is why the use of deadly weapons and repression has begun to be considered normal. This has gradually made the state violent. The starting point for breaking this trend can be the action against the political and security forces who suppressed the 23 Bhadau. Second, the belief is also being established that even if a crowd of a few hundred or thousands gathers, there is impunity even if they commit arson, vandalism and looting. To break this, action against those involved in the 24 Bhadau incident is mandatory.
Rulers anywhere can suppress voices raised against them. This is an ugly reality. But some of them are also held accountable. This proves the rule of law of the respective country. It is awaited to see what message Nepal will give to the world at this time. Nepal should not forget that human rights violations are a matter of international concern. Even if they are ignored within Nepal, international forums and organizations will continue to remind us.
Therefore, such issues are linked to the reputation of the nation. If this is not resolved through legal action, questions will continue to be raised about the country over time. The country's credibility will diminish. Characters who have reached or will reach various forums in the world by representing the country must continue to face difficulties. To get rid of that, those guilty of suppressing the Gen-G movement must be taken to task.
