Former Speaker Ghimire Cites Security Lapses in Probe Over Parliament Protests

Kathmandu. Outgoing Speaker Devraj Ghimire stated that the entry of protestors into the Parliament building premises during the 'Janjeevan' agitation was due to shortcomings in the security agencies and a lack of effective coordination. Testifying before the inquiry commission formed to investigate the agitation, he mentioned that the situation arose because the number of protestors exceeded the security personnel's expectations.

Ghimire informed that on Bhadra 23, 2082, he was busy with the oath-taking ceremony for the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Hearing Committee and the certification of bills at the Parliament Secretariat in Singha Durbar. On Bhadra 24, he was at his residence in Baluwatar. He clarified that the entire responsibility for securing the Parliament building rests with the security agencies under the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Speaker holds no legal authority in this matter.

• Lack of Contingency Plan and Security Challenges

In the report obtained courtesy of Janastha Weekly, Ghimire admitted during his testimony that no one had anticipated the agitation would pose this level of risk. He stated that emergency plans such as contingency plans or evacuation protocols were not prepared because no specific intelligence was received. He concluded that security challenges were exacerbated by structural weaknesses in the Parliament building's walls, gates, and infrastructure. However, he noted in his testimony that since such physical improvements are the responsibility of the Executive branch, he did not take special initiative in his capacity as Speaker.

• Clarification on Firing and Use of Force

Ghimire revealed that he only received information about the firing inside the Parliament building premises on the afternoon of Bhadra 23. He stated that immediately afterward, he directed coordination with the security agencies through the Secretary General. He assessed that the security personnel attempted to protect state property even in a risky situation.

Although questions were raised about the necessity and justification of the firing, he asserted that this does not fall under the Speaker's direct jurisdiction. He clarified that there is no legal provision allowing the Speaker to directly order the Prime Minister or Home Minister to stop the firing.

He stated, 'It is my view that issues such as the principle of use of force, the necessity, and the justification for firing must be evaluated by relevant experts and bodies based on security policy, law, and the prevailing circumstances. This matter does not fall under the direct jurisdiction of the Speaker. There is no legal provision for the Speaker to directly order the Prime Minister, Home Minister, or security agencies to stop the firing.'

To prevent such incidents from recurring in the future, Ghimire suggested implementing a 'Single Command' system for the security of the Parliament building. He stated that security personnel deployment should be based on clear protocols and threat analysis.

He mentioned that although there was no loss of life in the vandalism and arson that occurred at the Parliament building on Bhadra 24, physical structures were damaged.