Police officers instructed to respect rights when controlling crowd

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, May 29: In anticipation of a pre-scheduled demonstration by the pro-royalist groups in the capital, Additional Inspector General (AIG) of Nepal Police Tek Bahadur Tamang, who is also chief of the Kathmandu Valley Police Office in Ranipokhari, has issued directives to subordinate officers emphasising restraint and adherence to human rights standards while controlling crowd. 

During a briefing held a day prior to the proposed rally of the pro-royalists, AIG Tamang instructed law enforcement personnel to exercise caution and professionalism, particularly in scenarios where the use of force may become necessary. 

He underscored the importance of abiding by the principles governing the use of force and respecting fundamental human rights in all interactions with demonstrators.

AIG Tamang further directed police officers deployed on the front lines to operate with a collective spirit and solidarity, encouraging a coordinated and empathetic approach in managing crowds. 

Tamang emphasised that officers must maintain high morale and perform their duties with the utmost professionalism.

The orientation programme was attended by senior police officials, including Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), Superintendents of Police (SPs), senior officers, and other personnel. 

AIG Tamang reiterated that any deployment involving the use of force must strictly follow legal protocols and uphold human dignity at all times.

Earlier, on March 28, a protest by the pro-royalist groups in Tinkune, Kathmandu, had turned violent. At that time, questions were raised about the role of the police.

Two months later, both the pro-royalist parties and groups, and the pro-republic CPN-UML, are set to hold demonstrations simultaneously in Kathmandu. The police have discussed security preparations to prevent the protests from becoming violent, as happened previously.

It is still not confirmed where the formal programmes of the two groups will be held.