AI warns against using 'excessive force' during demonstration in Terai

London based human rights watchdog Amnesty International on Thursday urged the Nepal government to direct the police not to use excessive force during ongoing demonstrations in Madhesh which has virtually brought the country into a standstill.

“The government must immediately send clear instructions to the police only to use proportionate force, conduct an independent and impartial inquiry into the police killing and beatings, and prosecute any police officers who are suspected of having used excessive force against protesters,” said Tim Parritt, Deputy Director of Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific programme in a statement issued Thursday.

Saying that force must be used when absolutely necessasry to save lives, he said, “We recognise that the Nepali police are trying to contain what in some cases have been violent protests. However, by firing live ammunition into crowds and beating demonstrators after their arrest, the police have gone beyond what is acceptable use of force in situations such as this.”

Amnesty International also called on the organizers of the protests, including the United Democratic Madhesi Front, to ensure their members and supporters show due restraint and responsibly exercise their right to peaceful protest. nepalnews.com ag Feb 21 08