Kathmandu, Sept. 15 -- On September 8, police opened fire on protesters in New Baneshwar while they tried to storm into the Parliament building, killing 19 on the first day and raising the toll to 58 within two days. Hundreds were injured, and damage to public, private, and state structures was widespread. But why did the police act so violently and indiscriminately on the first day?

1. Government failure in security planning: Despite prior knowledge of the planned Gen Z protests, the government did not prepare a proper security strategy. Kathmandu administration and the Home Ministry failed to coordinate, leaving security forces ill-prepared.

2. Delayed government response: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak only convened the Central Security...