Kathmandu, May 19, 2025 – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised serious concerns regarding the widespread disruptions caused by the ongoing suspension of public transport services in Gandaki Province and nationwide, highlighting its impact on citizens’ fundamental rights. The shutdown, enforced by transport entrepreneurs opposing the Gandaki Provincial Government’s ride-sharing legislation, has compounded daily hardships for thousands of citizens.
The transport strike, which began last Friday in Gandaki Province and has now expanded across the country, has left the general public struggling to commute. Patients requiring urgent medical care, senior citizens, students attending schools and colleges, candidates taking crucial examinations, and individuals with booked travel plans have been among the hardest hit.
The NHRC has underscored the significance of ensuring citizens’ right to free movement, categorizing it as an essential human right. The commission noted that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, the suspension of critical services like public transport has directly infringed upon the daily lives of ordinary citizens, restricting their mobility and access to essential services.
Call for Dialogue and Alternatives
In its statement, the NHRC urged transport entrepreneurs to explore alternative means of voicing their concerns without disrupting essential public services. “The right to protest must be exercised responsibly, ensuring that the rights and well-being of the general public are not compromised,” stated Dr. Tikaram Pokharel, Deputy Secretary and Spokesperson for the NHRC.
The commission also called on the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders, emphasizing the need for collaborative solutions that address the concerns of transport operators while safeguarding public welfare.
Broader Implications for Governance and Policy
The incident highlights deeper challenges in policy formulation and implementation in Nepal, where key stakeholders often feel sidelined. The NHRC emphasized the importance of inclusive decision-making processes, particularly in drafting laws that have far-reaching consequences on daily life.
Citizens Demand Resolution
As the transport strike continues, the public is increasingly vocal about its adverse effects on their lives. “We need a permanent resolution to such disputes,” said a college student in Pokhara, who has been unable to attend classes for several days. “Both the government and the transport operators must prioritize citizens’ needs.”
A Path Forward
The NHRC’s statement serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between exercising democratic rights and upholding responsibilities toward society. It has called for an immediate resumption of transport services and the establishment of a conducive environment for negotiation.
With the nation’s mobility at a standstill, the onus now lies on both transport operators and policymakers to address the underlying issues and restore normalcy while ensuring citizens’ rights are not compromised in the process.
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