Humla residents air grievances against police treatment

By Our Correspondent,Humla, Apr. 16: Local residents in Humla have voiced a series of complaints against the police during a public hearing programme organised by the district police.

Participants raised concerns over domestic violence, public disorder, theft and child marriage, accusing police of failing to address such issues effectively.

Simkot Rural Municipality executive member Guhela Rawat said widespread alcohol consumption in the district had led to violence against women in households, but police had been unable to bring the situation under control.  She said police needed to be more proactive in maintaining security in society.

She added that although patrols were regularly deployed, incidents of theft and disputes continued to occur, suggesting police efforts had not been fully effective.

Businessman Gorkha Bohara complained that despite signs prohibiting the use of horns near schools, drivers continued to sound horns indiscriminately while police appeared to ignore the matter. He also said police sometimes failed to tackle growing social disorder and misconduct.

Another participant, Umakala Rawat, urged police to focus more on prevention rather than merely responding after incidents had occurred. She also expressed concern over the rise in child marriage in Humla and said police should intervene directly instead of waiting for complaints to be filed.

Participants further complained about late-night drinking, public disturbances and gambling in the market area, saying police had failed to control such activities.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Shankar Khadka said the public hearing had been organised for the first time and would now be held every three months. At the beginning of the programme, DSP Khadka presented a report stating that police had succeeded this year in apprehending those involved in criminal offences, including theft, illegal firearms possession, assault and transport-related irregularities.

A video message warning against the dangers of drug abuse was also shown during the event. Responding to the grievances, DSP Khadka pledged improvements in police performance.

Acting Chief District Officer Rajendra Chand, Armed Police Force DSP Shankar Singh Ayer, National Investigation Department chief Meghraj Kandel, Nepali Congress vice-president Basanta Rokaya, Chamber of Commerce first vice-president Prakash Rawat, journalists and members of the public were present at the programme.