Restrain using force against loan sharking victims

KATHMANDU ; The recent incident of police using excessive force on loan shark victims who conducted a peaceful sit-in at Shanti Batika in Kathmandu is highly concerning. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has requested the government to respect and protect the rights of citizens to gather peacefully and express their opinion. As responsible citizens, we must urge the government to exercise restraint, meet the genuine demands of the loan shark victims and resolve the issue through meaningful dialogue.

Loan sharking is a significant social issue that has plagued our society for years. The victims of loan sharks are often from vulnerable and marginalized communities who cannot access formal financial institutions due to lack of collateral or credit history. They are forced to take loans from informal sources at exorbitant interest rates, which they are unable to repay. Loan sharks use threats, intimidation, and violence to recover their money, which often results in a vicious cycle of debt and poverty for the victims.

The loan shark victims who conducted the sit-in at Shanti Batika demanded justice and a solution to their problem. Instead of addressing their concerns, the police used excessive force to arrest and injure them. This is a clear violation of their fundamental right to peaceful assembly and expression, as enshrined in the Constitution of Nepal and international human rights standards. The NHRC rightly called for the government to provide effective treatment for the injured victims and resolve the issue through meaningful dialogue. The government must take immediate steps to protect the victims of loan sharks from violence and intimidation and meet their legitimate demands.

At the same time, it is important for the loan shark victims to conduct their protests in a dignified and peaceful manner. While their demands are legitimate, resorting to violence or disruptive behavior will only undermine their cause and erode public support. It is important for them to engage in constructive dialogue with the government and other stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the problem of loan sharking. In fact, the government has already reached a five-point agreement with another group of loan sharking victims to address their common concerns. The agreement includes the formation of a high-powered commission to address the issues faced by the victims of predatory lending and expedite the process of amending laws to criminalize unscrupulous lending.

Additionally, the two sides agreed to recommend the formation of a district-level coordination/facilitation committee, led by the chief district officer, to address complaints related to loan sharking. These committees will help facilitate the work of the commission, collect complaints and grievances from victims, help in evidence gathering, provide legal aid, and conduct awareness activities. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has pledged to set up a high-level commission to resolve the issues of the victims of exorbitant interest rates. In light of these facts, an agreement between the government and the loan sharking victims should not be difficult.

We urge the government to exercise restraint and not use excessive force against loan shark victims who are peacefully protesting for their rights. The government must respect and protect the rights of citizens to gather peacefully and express their opinions without fear of violence or intimidation. We also call on the loan shark victims to engage in constructive dialogue with the government and other stakeholders to find a lasting solution to their problem. Only through mutual understanding and cooperation can we address the issue of loan sharking and ensure that all citizens have access to fair and affordable credit.