The Nepal Weekly 
January 2, 2024Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, has admitted weaknesses in three areas regarding the Balkumari incident that occurred on Friday, resulting in two human casualties and loss of physical assets.
During a meeting of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee in the House of Representatives Monday, the Minister said that the initial conclusion on the incident highlighted the EPS Office Chief’s role was not positive, the failure of the security officials assigned to the Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport in fulfilling their responsibilities, and a weakness on the part of the field commander of the Nepal Police. The individuals responsible have been suspended until the investigation into the matter conclude, he informed.
According to the Shrestha, the Chief District Officer of Lalitpur has been temporarily transferred to the Ministry, and the District Police Chief to the Police Headquarters to facilitate the investigation process. “One million rupees each has been announced for the families of the victims, with efforts underway to provide them additional relief from the EPS Fund and the Foreign Employment Board.”
He said that the Ministry recognized a weakness in the incident, leading to the formation of a Probe Committee. A circular has been issued, urging the avoidance of resorting to firing to control the situation as much as possible.
Before taking any actions, it is necessary to assess the serious damage to the lives, government, and private property of the citizens, and it is advised to minimize the use of bullets, he pointed out. He also informed the meeting that a three-member Commission, chaired by former High Court judge Shekhar Poudel, has been formed to conduct an impartial probe into the incident.
