“Like We Are Not Nepali”
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Between September 9 and 11 the district hospital in Jaleswar treated 31 protesters or<br />
members of the public injured by police violence (not including those who were killed),<br />
including 11 with gunshot injuries. ASI Biswokarma was the only police officer treated at<br />
the hospital.<br />
Dipak Kafle, the Chief District Officer (CDO) of Mahottari, told Human Rights Watch,<br />
The administration has to apply force to prevent things from getting out of<br />
control, in what proportion is a matter of perspective. It was during this<br />
application of force a few people lost their lives, which is regrettable. I have<br />
directed the police to follow prescribed guidelines and as far as I can see<br />
they have done so.<br />
Janakpur<br />
Events in Janakpur on September 11<br />
On September 11 a large protest attracting people from neighboring villages was planned<br />
by the coalition of protesting parties known as the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha<br />
(United Democratic Madhesi Front) under the slogan, “Let’s go to Janakpur. Let’s fill<br />
Janakpur.” In order to thwart the protest the administration issued a curfew order in the<br />
city for the first time.<br />
That day live ammunition was used at Kadam Chowk on the eastern side of the city.<br />
According to an eyewitness, about 20 to 25 police, both Nepal Police and APF, confronted<br />
a crowd of “thousands” who were attempting to enter the city. 68 The police were soon<br />
reinforced to number about 60 to 75 men. Teargas was fired and the crowd was dispersed<br />
but gathered again after washing their faces. The same witnesses told us that police then<br />
opened fire with live ammunition without any verbal warning, some taking up kneeling<br />
positions and others standing at full height. Two people reportedly received bullet wounds<br />
but there were no reported fatalities in this incident.<br />
A similar incident occurred shortly afterward at Pilari Chowk, on the western side of<br />
Janakpur. Again, according to a witness, teargas was fired and the crowd briefly<br />
68 Human Rights Watch interview with Kiran Karna of the human rights group THRD alliance, Janakpur, September 16, 2015<br />
“LIKE WE ARE NOT NEPALI” 36