HRW Urges Nepal to Investigate Police Firing, Arson and Mob Violence During Gen Z Protests
New Delhi, Nov 20 (TheTrendingPeople.com): Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged Nepal’s interim government, led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki, to launch an independent and transparent investigation into the excessive use of force, mob violence, and arson attacks reported during the September Gen Z protests, which left 17 people dead and caused widespread destruction across Kathmandu.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, the US-based rights organisation said that Nepal must hold accountable both security forces and political actors allegedly responsible for unlawful actions during the two days of unrest on September 8 and 9.
What Triggered the Gen Z Protests?
The protests were sparked by a social media ban imposed on September 4, which the youth-led Gen Z movement described as an attempt to “silence dissent” and shield politicians from criticism amid rising anger over corruption and unemployment.
On September 8, thousands gathered in Kathmandu demanding accountability and reversal of the ban. Within hours, demonstrations spiralled into chaos as security forces reportedly opened fire on crowds.
HRW: Police Fired Indiscriminately, Killing 17 Protesters
According to HRW, Nepal Police in Kathmandu opened fire multiple times over three hours, killing 17 protesters, many of them unarmed youth participating in the demonstrations.
The advocacy group said eyewitness testimonies and verified videos contradicted government claims that police used “minimum force.”
“The recent violence in Nepal included serious human rights violations, and those responsible should be held accountable,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, HRW’s Deputy Asia Director.
“Investigations must be independent, time-bound, and transparent, and no one should be unfairly shielded from prosecution.”
The organisation noted that despite the killings, no action has been taken against officers who allegedly opened fire unlawfully.
Day Two: Arson, Targeted Attacks and Security Lapses
On September 9, Kathmandu descended into further unrest as groups vandalised schools, businesses, media houses, and government buildings.
Witnesses told HRW that police presence was “nearly absent” in several locations despite escalating violence.
One businessman told HRW:
“The attacks were very targeted. Some shops were burned, but neighbouring ones were left untouched.”
The rights body said several attackers appeared unlinked to the Gen Z movement, raising questions over infiltration and politically motivated violence.
Journalists, politicians, and public officials were also assaulted during what HRW described as a “selectively executed rampage.”
HRW Questions Government's Role: “Why Didn’t Security Forces Intervene?”
HRW emphasised that testimonies indicate security forces stood down as arson swept through the city.
“Security forces failed to protect citizens and property. The commission investigating these events must probe credible allegations of infiltration, police lapses, and political involvement,” the statement noted.
As of November 10, Nepal Police have arrested 423 individuals allegedly involved in the September 9 violence. However, no police officer has yet been investigated for firing on protesters the previous day.
Background: A History of Impunity in Nepal
Human rights organisations have long criticised Nepal for weak accountability mechanisms, particularly concerning security forces.
Past incidents include:
- Madhesi protests (2015–16), where security forces were accused of killing dozens.
- Decade-long civil conflict abuses (1996–2006), many of which remain unprosecuted.
- Repeated instances of custodial torture, flagged by the UN and domestic watchdogs.
HRW warned that “decades-long impunity” has emboldened security forces, contributing to the current crisis.
“Impunity for human rights violations helped enable the violence this time,” Ganguly said.
“Successive governments have buried investigations. This must not happen again.”
Why This Matters: Local, National and Global Implications
Local Impact
- Rising distrust between youth and government
- Growing fears over authoritarianism and digital censorship
- Deepening political polarisation
National Significance
- Potential destabilisation of the interim government
- Pressure on security sector reforms
- Heightened scrutiny over censorship and corruption
Global Relevance
- Renewed international focus on Nepal’s human rights record
- Concerns from donor countries supporting Nepal’s governance reforms
- Possible UN and diplomatic interventions
International human rights observers have already raised concerns about Nepal’s handling of digital freedoms and protests, particularly amid global conversations around youth-led movements.
Official Response from Nepal Government
While Nepal’s government has announced a high-level investigative commission, critics argue its mandate lacks clarity and independence.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has said it will “review all use-of-force protocols,” but has not addressed calls for suspending officers involved in the shootings.
Civil society groups have demanded:
- Immediate suspension of officers present during firing
- Public release of CCTV and bodycam footage
- Inclusion of independent experts in the inquiry committee
What Comes Next?
The HRW has urged Nepal’s interim leadership to:
- Fully investigate both state and non-state actors
- Ensure the commission operates transparently
- Provide justice to families of the deceased
- Reform policing practices to prevent future abuses
Global rights groups, including Amnesty International, are expected to issue detailed assessments in the coming weeks.
For now, the families of the 17 victims continue to hold vigils demanding justice, with students calling for nationwide marches if the government fails to act.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The Gen Z protests symbolise a historic shift in Nepal’s political consciousness — one led not by parties but by ordinary young citizens demanding transparency and freedom. HRW’s intervention places added pressure on Nepal’s interim government to confront unlawful police conduct, mob violence, and state inaction.
Whether Nepal chooses accountability or continues down the path of impunity may shape the nation’s democratic future for years to come