Rabi Raj Thapa
The police shooting in Dewangunj, Sunsari, is yet another piece of troubling news for the Balen Shah government. The killing is a shame for law enforcement and for the so-called sensitive and dynamic Home Minister, Sudan Gurung. I was initially pleased to watch the Delhi Police briefing on July 25, 2026, showcasing their successful management of the protest of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) without a single gunshot fatality.
However, my spirits were quickly dampened by the news of communal violence and police firing that resulted in the death of Om Prakash Mehata, a 30-year-old, and left 10 others injured by police gunshots. Now, hopes for police reform under the Balen Government also seem bleak. In the late 1970s, former Inspector General of Nepal Police, Khadga Jit Baral, was asked by a minister when the Nepal Police would resemble the British Metropolitan Police.
His prompt response was that this would occur when the Nepali people and politicians start living and behaving like British citizens. Therefore, when the people lose their way, forgetting social harmony and tolerance, the police alone cannot shoulder all the burdens and blame for societal issues. The government needs to form study groups comprising social scientists, researchers, and reform committees—not just fact-finding commissions. Previous commissions established by the Nepal Government remain pending and await timely implementation.
The Nepali government and its people must put an end to the blame game as soon as possible. Transferring officers and holding them accountable for the Sihara communal violence does not help address violent communal conflicts.
There are many underlying causes that government policymakers and oversight bodies must address promptly and effectively. The police have always remained loyal to the Nepali people and the nation. However, many police personnel now feel hunted and prosecuted without cause. Who is to blame for this situation? The Nepal Police was once among the best within the South Asian police fraternity. What are the reasons for the declining credibility and confidence in law enforcement and police personnel? This question lies at the heart of the matter.
The analysis of police training and their handling of crowd control and communal violence has become a significant concern for both the public and the government. Training is essential; it is crucial for police agencies to meet minimum fundamental needs to enhance their confidence, credibility, and performance. There is also a gross misunderstanding among the public and non-police professionals about the actions of law enforcement.
The main concern is not whether police targeted below the knees or above the belt but rather why it was necessary to fire at individuals in the first place. Since the CPN(M) armed conflict, police agencies seem to have become more rifle-friendly and trigger-happy.
The worst example of this behavior occurred during the Gen-Z protest on September 8, 2025, where police fired and killed nearly 21 individuals, bringing the total to 76 fatalities. The recent Hindu-Muslim communal violence in Siraha is not the first such incident, and it certainly will not be the last.
It is now up to the government to tackle the looming threat of communal riots in the Terai districts. Similar challenges may also arise involving the Christian Community, as well as the TOB and Free-Tibet groups—no one can say for sure. Security forces require strong government support and resources if they are to maintain a balanced approach between the government, the people, and political parties, ensuring communal harmony and peace. It is unwise to engage the Nepal Army on every occasion.
The time has come to cease the arbitrary use of force and the mobilization of the Army in all situations. There must be more emphasis on policy and priority changes, rather than simply running in circles and resorting to force in the name of law enforcement, social peace, and communal harmony.
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