KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli skipped the 25th anniversary celebration of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday, despite receiving a formal invitation 15 days prior to attend as the chief guest.
NHRC officials were fully prepared for his arrival, but Oli’s Secretariat informed them at the last moment that he would not attend, citing his late-night schedule.
The PM’s absence came a day after the NHRC publicly criticized his recent remarks encouraging CPN-UML cadres to “control Kathmandu” during monarchist protests planned for May 29.
The Commission expressed serious concern, warning that such provocative speech could incite violence and undermine democratic norms. The NHRC had urged all political actors to act peacefully and avoid provocative statements.
Oli’s withdrawal triggered further fallout. High-level officials, including ministers and secretaries who had also been invited, did not attend the event.
NHRC member Lily Thapa called the absence a reflection of the government’s indifference toward the Commission.
Chairperson Tap Bahadur Magar used the event to reiterate the need for the government to implement NHRC recommendations and uphold human rights standards.
The incident highlights growing tensions between the government and oversight bodies. While the PM’s Secretariat downplayed the absence as a scheduling issue, the timing suggests a link to the Commission’s criticism.
The NHRC emphasized that responsible officials must exercise restraint in their public statements to protect peace and human rights.
The Commission had already received prior notice from pro-monarchy protest organizers, who are planning a peaceful demonstration in Kathmandu on May 29.
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