The National Human Rights Commission of Nepal (NHRC) has expressed serious concern over recent remarks by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, in which he asked his party members to keep the capital city under their control on May 29 while pro-monarchy forces have planned a mass demonstration on the same day.

Taking serious exception to the prime minister’s directive asking CPN-UML cadres to take control of Kathmandu from 11 am to 2 pm on the protest day, the NHRC stressed that such expressions violate the principles of the rule of law and democratic freedoms.

“In a democratic country, no political party has the right to claim control over any area. Such statements undermine the rule of law and encourage a culture of prohibition,” the human rights body said in a statement on Monday.

The supporters of former King Gyanendra Shah are organised under the Joint People’s Movement Committee for the reinstatement of the Hindu kingdom. The committee had earlier submitted a formal request to the NHRC, asking the commission to monitor the protest.

The NHRC further warned that provocative speech targeted at any individuals, groups, or political parties can incite conflict and breach fundamental human rights.

“While every individual, group, or party has the right to freedom of thought and expression, using that right in a way that incites confrontation contradicts the essence of human rights,” the NHRC added.

The commission urged all responsible individuals to exercise restraint in their public statements, refrain from inflammatory remarks, and ensure that protests and demonstrations remain peaceful. It also called upon security agencies to reinforce peace and security in Kathmandu and other potentially affected areas.