KATHMANDU: The Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee of the House of Representatives has directed the government to conduct an impartial investigation into the incident that took place on August 8 inside the Kailali Prison compound and to take legal action against those responsible.
In its meeting on Wednesday, the committee also instructed the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs to ensure that the victims receive compensation in accordance with the law.
The committee stressed that the prison administration must be made more accountable to prevent recurring incidents of clashes and assaults in prisons across the country. It further suggested a review of the provision allowing inmate leaders to manage internal affairs of the prison.
It recommended that prisoners be placed in separate blocks or facilities according to the nature of their crimes, number of inmates, and behavioral factors. It also urged the government to connect prison inmates to productive labor and set an effective strategy for rehabilitation.
Committee Chair Bimala Subedi said the panel has directed the government to introduce contemporary reforms in prison policy, law, and management structures; build necessary infrastructure within prisons; construct at least one model prison in each province; and ensure that no prison operates beyond its capacity.
Additionally, the committee has called for upgrading prison security to be technology-friendly, competent, and robust, and for developing prisons across the country into human rights–friendly rehabilitation centres.
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