Security forces in Nepal have once again come under scrutiny following a fatal crowd-control incident in Sunsari’s Dewangunj area on Sunday. A young man, identified as Om Prakash Mehta, died from gunshot wounds sustained above the waist, and nine others were injured during police firing. Eyewitnesses reported that security personnel opened fire indiscriminately, raising concerns over excessive use of force.

This episode marks the third notable instance of lethal police action against crowd gatherings in Nepal within the past 18 months. Previous incidents include the use of force against pro-monarchy demonstrators in Kathmandu’s Tinkune in March of the previous year, and the September 8 Gen Z movement protests, where lethal tactics on the initial day led to 19 deaths. The subsequent nationwide unrest caused further fatalities and extensive property damage.

The use of firearms by law enforcement in crowd control is governed by both international standards and Nepal’s domestic regulations. United Nations guidelines stipulate that lethal force should only be employed in cases of imminent threat to life or serious injury, and police are urged to use less-lethal alternatives such as tear gas, water cannons, or rubber bullets in a measured and proportionate manner. Nepal’s Local Administration Act of 1971 aligns with these principles, mandating firearms as a last resort, after other methods have failed and adequate warning has been given.

Despite these clear frameworks, Nepal has consistently failed to comply with such provisions, resulting in recurring incidents of excessive violence. Analysts point to significant gaps in training, equipment, and accountability within the country’s security agencies. Many personnel lack specialized instruction in crowd psychology, negotiation techniques, and graduated use of force. Unlike many nations, Nepal does not maintain dedicated public-order units equipped and trained for managing large, volatile assemblies.

The inadequacy of less-lethal equipment is a contributing factor. Reports indicate procurement delays have left police poorly equipped, with some units using expired tear gas canisters and water cannons restricted to Kathmandu and a handful of major cities. Other non-lethal crowd-control tools such as rubber bullets, sponge rounds, and electric restraint devices remain largely unavailable. Compounding the problem, Nepali police continue to rely on outdated firearms, including Second World War-era hunting rifles, which are ill-suited for modern public-order scenarios.

Despite being longstanding issues raised in multiple public debates, these challenges have received limited government action. The repeated use of disproportionate force fuels public anger and often intensifies unrest, as demonstrated by the recent fallout from the Sunsari incident, which has sparked disturbances in neighboring districts.

Government officials have signaled intentions to modernize crowd-control capabilities by procuring less-lethal equipment. While this is seen as a positive development, experts emphasize that any improvements must be paired with comprehensive training to ensure security forces act within legal and ethical boundaries. Observers stress that preventing further loss of life will require systemic reforms and heightened accountability to avoid repetition of such tragedies.