National Human Rights Commission Points to Army Weakness in 'Gen Z' Protests

Kathmandu. The National Human Rights Commission has determined that the Nepali Army also had weaknesses in its inability to prevent damage during the 'Gen Z' protests. 

The commission's investigation report has cited the army's lack of sensitivity and security weaknesses as the main reasons for vandalism and arson occurring even in the country's highly sensitive areas of Singha Durbar, Supreme Court, and the President's residence (Shital Niwas).

According to point number 4 of the recommendation section of the report, the commission's analysis is that the army could not protect national property as per public expectation and did not show sufficient sensitivity towards the protection of the human rights of ordinary citizens. The report mentions that the army could not effectively fulfill its responsibilities when protesters entered and caused damage to important government structures within high security perimeters during the protests.

However, although the commission pointed out the army's weaknesses, it has not recommended strict departmental action or legal punishment like other security officials or political leadership. The commission has only drawn the Nepal government's attention to give necessary instructions to the Chief of Army Staff and to 'caution' the then military commanders deployed for the security of Singha Durbar and Shital Niwas.

Determining that there were errors in the role of the army, considered the last link of security, even when serious human and physical damage occurred, the commission has only suggested being more sensitive to such issues in the future and paying special attention to the protection of national property.