Kathmandu: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recommended that the government provide relief and compensation to families affected by the violent incidents that took place on Bhadau 23 and 24, according to a public report released by the commission.

The report urges the government to provide compensation to the families of nine identified victims among the 21 people killed in arson attacks on Bhadau 24, on par with benefits provided to victims of other protest-related incidents.

The commission also called for the identification of the remaining 12 victims and the provision of similar relief and compensation to their families.

The NHRC has further demanded a detailed investigation into the deaths of 10 prisoners and juvenile detainees who were killed by gunfire during the violence. It recommended legal action against those found responsible and compensation for the victims’ families.

The commission also advised the government to conduct a proper assessment of damage caused to public and private property during the unrest.

Stating that constitutional rights related to profession, employment, business and property had not been effectively protected, the report called for compensation to businesses and individuals whose properties were damaged.

The report questioned the role of the Nepali Army during the incidents, stating that it failed to respond effectively in protecting sensitive national sites, including Singha Durbar, the Supreme Court of Nepal and Shital Niwas, when vandalism and arson were taking place.

The commission recommended that the then commanding officers stationed at Singha Durbar and Shital Niwas be formally cautioned and that the government instruct the Chief of Army Staff to prioritize the protection of national property and human rights in the future.

According to the report, the army’s cooperation during the investigation process was also unsatisfactory. The NHRC stated that the Army Chief initially did not cooperate when summoned for a statement and later submitted only a written response.

Although the army claimed it did not mobilize without a formal government decision, the commission found that troops had been deployed at 10 pm on Bhadau 24 even without an official order, raising questions over inconsistencies in the army’s position.

The report, however, cleared Balendra Shah of allegations that he had incited people to set fire to various structures during the unrest.