OHCHR-Nepal concerned over Pokhara shooting incident

Kathmandu, Apr 9: Expressing grave concern over yesterday's incident where Army troops opened fire at demonstrators in Pokhara killing one man the OHCHR-Nepal said the shooting was a ''clear violation of international humanitarian law.

''In the dispersal of violent assemblies, law enforcement officials may use firearms only when less dangerous means are not practicable and only to the minimum extent necessary,'' the OHCHR said in a statement.

From OHCHR's investigations, it is clear that the soldier resorted to excessive force in a situation where there was no direct threat to life, the statement said.

''Recent days have seen non-violent demonstrations challenging government bans and curfews, and some aggressive demonstrations including throwing of rocks, bricks and other projectiles, and attacks on public property,'' it added.

Calling for the use of minimum force required by those responsible for policing during public demonstrations, Mr Ian Martin, the Representative of the UN OHCHR-Nepal, said, ''It is essential that government requires members of the security forces to observe their obligation to minimise use of force and firearms in the current context of demonstrations.''

The use of force against peaceful demonstrators is not acceptable, he said, ''In the case of demonstrations involving aggressive throwing of rocks, bricks and other projectiles, security forces must exercise restraint and as far as possible use less dangerous means than firearms, so that they respect and preserve human life.''

The security forces of Nepal has been condemned for the use of force during the peaceful demonstration by the political parties and the civil society.

The protests have been intensified in the recent days across the country, demanding the end of autocratic rule of the king who grabbed power last year.

The professional organisations, employees of the corporations, doctors, journalists, lawyers and human rights activists have also joined the demonstration which the seven political parties said will be decisive to establish ''complete democracy'' in the Himalayan kingdom.

UNI

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