Sunsari incident exposes high-handedness in mob control

A recent incident in Dewangunj, Sunsari, where police firing resulted in one death and nine injuries, has once again exposed the heavy-handed tactics employed by Nepali security forces in crowd management. Eyewitness accounts suggest security personnel opened fire indiscriminately, with most victims, including the deceased Om Prakash Mehta, being shot above the waist.

This event is not an isolated case; it marks the third instance of excessive force by security forces in crowd control within the last 18 months. Previous incidents include the disproportionate use of lethal force against pro-monarchy protesters in Kathmandu and the deaths of 19 youths during the Gen Z movement, which triggered widespread violent protests. These occurrences highlight a pattern of disregard for established principles governing the use of force and firearms.

International standards, such as UN principles, mandate that lethal weapons are used only when there is an imminent threat of death or serious injury, and less-lethal options must be used proportionately. Nepal's domestic laws also stipulate that firearms should be a last resort. However, the country's security agencies are ill-prepared for modern crowd management. They often lack specialized training in crowd psychology, de-escalation, and graduated use of force. Furthermore, there is a significant shortage of less-lethal crowd-control equipment, including tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and other modern restraint devices, leaving personnel with limited options when situations escalate. The continued reliance on outdated firearms further exacerbates the problem.