PM Oli Skips NHRC Event After Criticism Over Protest Remarks

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli did not attend the 25th anniversary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday, even though he was invited 15 days earlier as the chief guest.
 

NHRC officials had made full preparations for his visit. But at the last minute, Oli’s office said he won't come citing his busy late-night schedule.

His absence came just a day after the NHRC criticized PM Oli for telling CPN-UML party members to “control Kathmandu” during planned pro-monarchy protests on May 29. The NHRC warned that such remarks could spark violence and harm democracy. It urged all political leaders to speak calmly and avoid creating tensions.

After the Prime Minister pulled out, other top officials, including ministers and secretaries, also skipped the event.

NHRC member Lily Thapa said their absence shows the government doesn’t care about the NHRC. NHRC Chairperson Tap Bahadur Magar used the event to remind the government to follow the commission’s advice and protect human rights.

This event shows growing conflict between the government and oversight bodies. While the PM’s office said it was just a scheduling issue, the timing suggests it may be linked with the NHRC’s criticism.

The NHRC also noted that protest organizers had already informed them about a peaceful rally planned in Kathmandu on May 29.