Various Civil Society Organizations in Pokhara issued an appeal, calling for serious attention to upholding the rule of law in the current situation, on 11 September. The appeal highlighted their deep concern over the protests organized by the Gen-Z youth on 8 and 9 September, as well as the recent political developments unfolding in the country. The appeal expressed heartfelt condolences to all those who lost their lives due to the state’s negligence and extended sympathies to their families in this tragic moment. It also urged the state to provide appropriate relief and compensation to the bereaved families, while wishing for the speedy recovery of the injured and calling on the concerned authorities to ensure free and effective treatment for them.
The appeal also condemned the excessive use of force during the protests, as well as the incidents of arson, vandalism, looting, and violence targeting public property, historical sites, private and individual property, commercial complexes, hotels and resorts, political party offices, various government offices, local government offices, police posts, and the jailbreaks that facilitated the escape of inmates.
The joint appeal, issued by 34 organizations including the NGO Federation Gandaki Province, Federation of Nepali Journalists Gandaki Province, INSEC Gandaki Province, Federation of Community Forest Users Gandaki Province, High Court Bar Association Pokhara, Civil Society for Peace, Gonesa Nepal, among others, called on all concerned parties to ensure the inclusion of civil society in dialogue, negotiations, and discussions. Highlighting the possibility of international intervention, political crisis, internal conflict, and threats to peace and order in this critical situation, the appeal urged collective efforts to address the challenges through peaceful means.