Central Security Committee Meets After Sunsari Violence, Five-Member Probe Panel Formed
Dragon Media News Desk
The Central Security Committee has met to consider necessary measures following the sudden escalation of tension, loss of life and deteriorating security situation in Sunsari.
The meeting was convened after the Ministry of Home Affairs formed a five-member committee to investigate the incident in Kaptanganj of Dewanganj Rural Municipality–3.
According to Home Ministry Deputy Spokesperson Rama Acharya, the investigation committee is headed by Joint Secretary Bhupendra Thapa and has been instructed to submit its report within seven days.
The assistant chief district officer of Sunsari will serve as the committee’s member-secretary. The panel will investigate the causes of the violence, security management, the circumstances surrounding the use of force and the roles of the agencies concerned. It will also recommend long-term measures to prevent similar incidents.
The Central Security Committee meeting is reviewing the overall law-and-order situation in Sunsari, potential risks in the affected areas and strategies to prevent further violence.
The committee, chaired by the home minister, includes the home and defence secretaries and the chiefs or representatives of Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, the Nepali Army and the National Investigation Department.
The meeting is expected to review the deployment of security personnel, implementation of the curfew, tensions between local communities and additional security arrangements required in the district.
One person was killed when security personnel opened fire while attempting to control a clash between two local groups in Kaptanganj on Sunday night. Several civilians and security personnel were also injured.
The Nepali Army was later deployed after protesters defied the curfew and engaged in demonstrations, arson and vandalism.
The roles of Sunsari Chief District Officer Basudev Ghimire and District Police Chief Superintendent of Police Keshav Kumar Thebe are also expected to be reviewed during the meeting.
Sources said the meeting could decide to recall Ghimire to the Home Ministry over alleged failures to prevent the escalation of tension and questions surrounding the shooting. However, the ministry has not formally announced such a decision.
Thebe’s command, preparations for crowd control, the use of alternative measures before live ammunition was fired and coordination among security units are also expected to be examined by the security committee and the investigation panel.
Until the investigation is completed and the relevant authorities issue an official decision, reports of disciplinary action or transfer involving the chief district officer or the district police chief remain unconfirmed.
