The National Human Rights Commission on Thursday called on protesting sides to ensure that their demonstrations are peaceful and exercise restraint.

In a statement, Tikaram Pokharel, spokesperson for the commission, requested protesters to respect the rights of others while exercising their rights and the government to tighten security.

The constitutional rights watchdog said that during monitoring it found that teaching-learning activities at schools were obstructed, the closure of the shops in the areas hampered the right to conduct business freely and people faced hassle in commuting.

A team led by a member of the commission reached the Kathmandu Valley Police Office at Rani Pokhari and directed police officers to strengthen security, it said.

The commission said a clash ensued between supporters of Durga Prasai and members of the CPN-UML’s youth wing in Balkhu and a few protesters sustained injuries as police lobbed teargas and launched water cannons.

Balkhu in Kathmandu remained tense throughout the day on Thursday due to a protest staged by controversial businessman Prasai.

Prasai, who is organising the people under his ‘Nation, Nationality, Religion-Culture and Citizen Rescue Campaign,’ has threatened to topple the regime and reinstate the monarchy and Hindu Kingdom.

Likewise, the CPN-UML’s wing the National Youth Federation Nepal held a protest at Tinkune against inflation and corruption.